Planning an event in Kouga?
Whether it is a small community gathering, a sporting event, a festival or a larger public event, organisers are encouraged to understand Kouga Local Municipality’s event application requirements well in advance.
Kouga Local Municipality follows the guidelines and requirements of the applicable National Act and legislation governing public events. Proper planning and compliance help ensure that events are safe, well-coordinated and have minimal impact on surrounding communities and municipal services.
Organisers are therefore encouraged to familiarise themselves with the relevant requirements and submit applications within the prescribed timeframes to allow sufficient time for assessment, coordination and any necessary approvals.
When is an event application required?
Events with fewer than 50 people generally do not require an application if there is no amplified sound or temporary structures involved.
However, all water-based events must submit an application. The municipality may also require an application for an event with fewer than 50 people if the nature, impact or associated risks warrant further assessment.
Special application directives may be issued from time to time depending on factors such as the type, size, risk, duration, venue, location and time of year, including events held during festive seasons or public holidays. The potential impact on the transport network or other municipal activities may also be considered.
Events Planning Committee
The Kouga Events Planning Committee meets once a month, providing event organisers with an opportunity to present their events for consideration and approval.
Each monthly meeting has an application submission closing date. Organisers are advised to consult the municipality’s website – www.kouga.gov.za – for the latest meeting dates and submission deadlines, as these may change in accordance with the municipality’s institutional calendar.
What must be submitted?
Event organisers must submit the completed event application form, together with all applicable compliance documentation, to the municipality’s Economic Development and Tourism Department.
Compliance documentation required in terms of the municipality’s Events Policy includes the application form, indemnity form, SASREA risk categorisation form and an event plan. The event plan may include safety plans, relevant approval letters and required certifications.
Understanding SASREA requirements
The Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act, Act 2 of 2010 (SASREA) applies to all event applications. The required risk categorisation application must be submitted directly to the South African Police Service (SAPS), with the relevant Kouga Events Officer copied into the correspondence.
Food vendors and catering
Organisers planning events that include food vendors or catering should plan well in advance.
Where food vendors require licences and Certificates of Acceptability, a minimum period of 40 days may be required for a small event.
Plan ahead
The time required to obtain event approval depends on various factors, including the size and type of event, location, date and time, duration, number and size of venues, potential impact and associated risks. Organisers should therefore avoid leaving applications until the last minute and should ensure that all required documentation is submitted within the applicable timeframe.
Event organisers can access the application form on the Kouga Local Municipality website under Document Library → Important Forms → Events Application.
For more information, send an email to events@kouga.gov.za or contact 078 943 2795
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