by Craig Jarvis | Jul 2, 2026 | St Francis
KOUGA – Kouga Local Municipality is investing approximately R5.9 million to expand electricity access to 703 households in informal settlements across the municipality, with projects currently underway and expected to be completed within the next few weeks.
The projects, which commenced in March 2026, form part of the municipality’s ongoing commitment to improving service delivery and creating safer, healthier, and more dignified living environments for residents.
The electricity upgrades are being implemented in three communities:
- Tjoksville, Thornhill: Approximately 143 households are benefiting from the project, with an investment of R2 million.
- London in Ocean View, Jeffreys Bay: Phase 1 and Phase 2 upgrades are underway, benefiting approximately 310 households at a cost of R4.5 million. A possible extension could see an additional 110 households benefiting in future.
- Sea Vista, St Francis Bay: Phase 2 of the project is currently underway, benefiting approximately 250 households through an investment of R2 million.
Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, said the projects demonstrate the municipality’s commitment to ensuring that residents across Kouga benefit from improved basic services and infrastructure.
“Access to reliable basic services is essential in improving the quality of life of our residents. These electricity projects are about more than infrastructure – they are about creating safer communities, restoring dignity, and ensuring that residents feel the positive impact of service delivery,” said Bornman.
He added that the municipality remains focused on directing resources towards projects that make a meaningful difference in communities.
“Service delivery remains at the centre of our work. Through careful planning and investment, we continue to improve infrastructure and extend essential services to communities where they are needed most,” said Bornman.
by SFT | Jul 2, 2026 | St Francis, Surf Editorial
The heat is off from the Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro and all eyes are now on Ballito for the Ballito Pro and all the JQS, and QS, and Challenger Series events taking place down there. Still, let’s look in the rearview and remember our St Francis Bay surfers and Cape St Francis guys and girls who were giving it a good crack down in Victoria Bay
Victoria Bay can be challenging when it gets big, but it gets worse when it gets small, which caused the contest to move over the
swell-friendly Herold’s Bay.
all photos by Kody McGregor / WSL
by SFT | Jul 1, 2026 | St Francis
PHOTO – FACEBOOK
Repair work on the R102 between Jeffreys Bay and Humansdorp is continuing as Kouga Municipality works to restore the road following the formation of a sinkhole caused by a failed stormwater system.
The municipality says the appointed contractor is on site and rehabilitation work is progressing well. Construction is expected to continue for approximately two weeks, subject to favourable weather and site conditions.
Stormwater infrastructure being replaced
Significant progress has already been made. Reinforced concrete stormwater pipes and construction materials have been delivered to the site, while excavation work has exposed the damaged stormwater infrastructure beneath the road.
Investigations confirmed that the existing stormwater system suffered extensive damage, resulting in the sinkhole.
To reduce the risk of similar failures in future, the damaged pipe will be replaced with a larger-capacity stormwater pipe. The upgraded infrastructure is expected to improve stormwater flow and provide a more durable long-term solution.
Motorists urged to use caution
Motorists travelling through the construction area are urged to slow down, obey temporary road signs and follow the instructions of traffic controllers at all times.
Kouga Municipality thanked the Eastern Cape Department of Transport for its assistance in addressing the infrastructure failure. The municipality also expressed its appreciation to residents, businesses and road users for their patience while the repairs are completed.
Although construction is progressing steadily, the municipality advises that the repair work remains dependent on favourable weather conditions and unforeseen site conditions. If all goes according to plan, the repairs are expected to be completed within the next two weeks.
Road users should continue to exercise caution while travelling along the affected section of the R102 between Jeffreys Bay and Humansdorp until the project has been completed.
by SFT | Jul 1, 2026 | St Francis
KOUGA – Kouga Local Municipality has recently embarked on a R26.5 million road upgrade project that will improve key road infrastructure in St Francis Bay, Cape St Francis and Oyster Bay.
This latest phase forms part of the larger R200 million road resealing programme launched in January 2025 in Humansdorp, reinforcing the municipality’s ongoing drive to upgrade critical infrastructure, improve road safety and strengthen connectivity across the Kouga region.
The project, awarded to Makali Plant and Construction, commenced on 12 May 2026, with the site handed over on 21 May 2026. The project is expected to be completed by 11 November 2026. Engineering Advice and Services has been appointed as the consulting engineers for the project.
The work includes localised stormwater repairs, installation of electrical ducting, pothole repairs, crack sealing, asphalt overlays, slurry seals and the application of new road markings.
Roads throughout St Francis Bay, Cape St Francis and Oyster Bay have been identified for upgrades following a detailed road condition assessment process. Roads were prioritised based on their condition, usage and maintenance requirements.
Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman said the municipality remained committed to maintaining and improving road infrastructure across the region.
“Road infrastructure plays a critical role in connecting communities, supporting economic growth and ensuring the safe movement of residents and visitors. This investment demonstrates our commitment to providing reliable infrastructure and improving the quality of life of our residents.”
He said the municipality follows a structured process when selecting roads for maintenance and rehabilitation.
“By addressing road defects before they deteriorate further, we are extending the lifespan of our road network and reducing future maintenance costs. These upgrades will improve road safety and travelling conditions for all road users.”
Bornman said the project forms part of the municipality’s ongoing efforts to maintain municipal assets and deliver quality services.
“We understand that roadworks may cause temporary inconvenience to residents and motorists. We thank the community for their patience and cooperation while these important upgrades are being completed.”
ASPHALT OVERLAY
St Francis Bay
- Abalone Avenue
- Aldabara Run
- Alikreukel Avenue
- Borrie Bend
- Canal Road
- Carlos de Wolfe Road
- Cayenne Drive
- Cockle Street
- Esmaralda Road
- Grande Camore Street
- Harley Street
- Lovemore Crescent
- Majorca Crescent
- Malgas Place
- Minorca Road
- Mitra Way
- Mussel Avenue
- Palamos Street
- Periwinkel Street
- Poivre Crescent
- Reservoir Road
- Romazini Road
- Saint Francis Drive
- Santa Theresa Road
- Sardinia Road
- Sea Glade Drive
- Sagres Road
- Sunset Drie
- Tom Brown Boulevard
Cape St Francis
- Niagara Street
- President Reitz Street
- Suffolk Lane
SLURRY SEAL
St Francis Bay
- Abalone Avenue
- Barnacle Way
- Blanes Road
- Cinnamon Street
- Clove Way
- College Avenue
- Coral Close
- Corriander Crescent
- Cowrie Crescent
- Diaz Drive
- Esmaralda Raod
- Ginger Joll Street
- Harley Street
- Ibizia Crescent
- Kansies Road
- La Dique Place
- Leighton Hulett Drive
- Limpet Close
- Mahe Beat Street
- Majorca Crescent
- Malaga Place
- Nutmeg Lane
- Oyster Roy
- Padrone Crescent
- Palma Road
- Pepper Street
- Periwinkel Street
- Perlemoen Avenue
- Porto Cervon Road
- Praslin Reach
- Santa Theresa Road
- Sardinia Road
- Saronia Road
- Shore Road
- Steenbras Street
- Tiyus Street
- Tumeric Turn
Cape St Francis
- Bender Avenue
- Cape Reccee Lane
- Maori Avenue
- Niagara Street
- Panaghia Street
- Queen of the West Boulevard
- Rots Lane
Oyster Bay
- Kabeljou Street
- Oester Street
- Roman Street
- Snoek Street
- Tongvis Street
- Tuna Street
by SFT | Jul 1, 2026 | St Francis
KOUGA – “I thought I was going to watch from the fence . . .”
Those were the words that stayed with Kouga Local Municipality employee Ziyanda Kilimani long after the matric farewell lights dimmed and the music faded.
For a young learner standing in formal attire for the first time, attending the matric farewell had once seemed impossible – a celebration reserved for others with financial means. Instead of walking proudly into the venue alongside classmates, the learner believed they would simply “watch from the fence.”
But thanks to Kilimani’s growing community initiative, A Dream Come True Matric Dance by Lady Zee, that learner entered the hall with confidence, dignity, and the belief that they too deserved to be celebrated.
In the small community of Thornhill in the Kouga region, where opportunities are often limited and financial hardship remains a reality for many families, Kilimani is quietly changing lives – one learner, one football player, and one dream at a time.
By profession, she is an employee at Kouga Local Municipality. Beyond office hours, however, she has become a passionate youth mentor, sports leader, and community builder whose work stretches far beyond her job description.
“I believe if you have the means to uplift someone, you should use it,” she says.
Raised in Thornhill, Kilimani understands struggle intimately. Growing up in a less fortunate household, she watched her parents work tirelessly to provide for their children despite financial limitations. Those early experiences shaped her understanding of dignity, sacrifice, and the emotional impact of exclusion.
It was this understanding that inspired her to establish A Dream Come True Matric Dance by Lady Zee – an initiative aimed at supporting academically deserving matric learners who cannot afford to attend their matric farewell.
The programme provides assistance with attire, grooming, and transport, ensuring that learners from disadvantaged backgrounds can experience one of the most important milestones of their school journey without shame or embarrassment.
For Kilimani, the matric farewell represents far more than a social event.
“It is closure, recognition, and motivation,” she explains. “When learners miss it because of money, it feels like their hard work does not count.”
Working closely with schools such as Hankey Secondary School, the initiative identifies learners who are financially vulnerable yet disciplined and academically committed. Each year, the programme aims to support one boy and one girl, offering them an opportunity many families simply cannot afford.
Although the initiative remains small, its impact has already been deeply felt. Since 2024, three matric learners have benefited from the programme, with plans to assist two additional learners this year.
Much of the funding still comes directly from Kilimani herself, supported by community members and local donors who believe in the cause.
But empowering young people has long been part of Kilimani’s mission.
She is also the founder of Thornhill Uprising Stars Football Club, where football serves not only as a sport, but as a tool for mentorship, discipline, and youth development. Through the club, she works to keep young people away from crime, substance abuse, and negative influences while encouraging teamwork, commitment, and self-belief.
Her leadership in sport has already made history in Kouga. Kilimani became the first woman to lead a football team to Inland Stream Premier League victory – an achievement that challenged stereotypes and opened doors for young women aspiring to lead in male-dominated spaces.
“The biggest challenge is being underestimated,” she says. “I have had to prove myself twice over – not just in results, but in consistency and character.”
Last year, her dedication was recognised when she became the first recipient of Kouga’s StrongHER Award, honouring her contribution to youth empowerment and community leadership.
The award was part of an exciting international collaboration between the City of Birmingham, Alabama, and Kouga Local Municipality.
Yet, despite the growing recognition, Kilimani insists that awards are not what sustain her passion.
“The real motivation is seeing someone’s life shift because someone decided not to look away,” she says.
Today, her vision stretches beyond farewell evenings and football tournaments. Kilimani hopes to grow A Dream Come True Matric Dance by Lady Zee into a structured programme offering scholarships, mentorship, career guidance, and life-skills development for disadvantaged learners across the Kouga region.
At the centre of that dream is a simple but powerful belief: every young person deserves to feel seen, valued, and capable of building a future beyond their circumstances.
And for the learner who once believed they would only “watch from the fence,” that belief has already changed everything.
For more information, contact Kilimani at 067 986 1738.
by SFT | Jun 30, 2026 | St Francis
Kouga Local Municipality has reached a significant milestone with the completion of its first Voluntary Local Review (VLR), a strategic report that demonstrates how the municipality’s daily work contributes to global sustainability targets known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Developed in partnership with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), the review forms part of a national initiative supporting municipalities to localise and report on the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Understanding the Sustainable Development Goals
The SDGs are a set of 17 global objectives adopted by the United Nations to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including poverty alleviation, improved service delivery, economic development, environmental protection, and climate change mitigation.
Although defined at an international level, many of these goals are realised at local government level through everyday municipal services that directly impact communities.
For Kouga Local Municipality, the Voluntary Local Review focused on key priority areas, including:
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
- SDG 13: Climate Action.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for Development.
What is a Voluntary Local Review?
A Voluntary Local Review is a structured assessment that measures and highlights how municipal projects, programmes, and services contribute towards the achievement of the SDGs.
In essence, it captures Kouga’s local development journey and illustrates the tangible impact that local government has on improving the quality of life of residents.
Sustainable Development Already Underway
One of the key findings of the review is that the SDGs are already embedded in the municipality’s core functions and service delivery mandate.
Every infrastructure upgrade, water pipeline replacement, economic development initiative, and community project contributes directly to these global objectives.
Kouga Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, and Municipal Manager, Charl du Plessis, have both welcomed the completion of the VLR, describing it as an important tool to showcase municipal progress, strengthen long-term planning, and demonstrate the role of local government in advancing sustainable development.
Municipality-Wide Collaboration
In order to strengthen implementation, each municipal directorate has appointed an SDG Champion to support alignment between projects and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The process is coordinated through the Office of the Executive Mayor, ensuring an integrated and collaborative approach across all departments and reinforcing sustainable development as a central component of municipal planning and service delivery.
Every Role Matters
The VLR further highlights that sustainable development is a collective responsibility shared across the municipality.
Whether within Civil and Water Services, Electro-Mechanical Services, Community Services, Planning and Development, Finance and Economic Development, Corporate Services, or the Office of the Municipal Manager, every employee contributes towards building a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient Kouga.
Looking Ahead
The completion of Kouga’s first Voluntary Local Review marks the beginning of a continued journey towards strengthening service delivery and sustainable development.
Working in collaboration with SALGA, sector departments, communities, and development partners, the municipality will continue to integrate sustainability principles into all aspects of governance and service delivery.
Through the leadership of the Executive Mayor, Municipal Manager, SDG Champions, and municipal staff, Kouga Local Municipality is fostering a culture where sustainable development is embedded in everyday operations.
The message emerging from the review is clear: the Sustainable Development Goals are not separate from municipal work – they are already being advanced through the municipality’s daily service delivery to communities.
The content of this publication has not been approved by the United Nations and does not reflect the views of the United Nations or its officials or Member States.
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