Before the sun rises over Hankey, while most of the town is still asleep, Jonathan Jacobs is already at work – checking registers, coordinating teams, and preparing for a day that will directly shape the health and cleanliness of his community.
In communities like Kouga, it is often the quiet dedication of individuals behind the scenes that keeps towns functioning, clean, and thriving. Jonathan Jacobs is one such individual – a local whose journey from truck driver to Gamtoos Waste Supervisor reflects not only personal determination, but a deep-rooted commitment to the wellbeing of his community. His story is a testament to how purpose-driven work, no matter how humble it may seem, can leave a lasting impact.
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HANKEY – Before the sun rises over Hankey, while most of the town is still asleep, Jonathan Jacobs is already at work – checking registers, coordinating teams, and preparing for a day that will directly shape the health and cleanliness of his community.
It is a role that demands both grit and heart, as he tackles everything from service delivery challenges to the ongoing battle against illegal dumping. Yet, for Jacobs, this is far more than routine – it is a mission to uplift the place he calls home, one street, one site, and one conversation at a time.
Born and raised in Hankey, with roots also in Humansdorp, Jacobs’ journey with Kouga Local Municipality began in 2018. Starting out as a truck driver and part-time Tractor Loader Backhoe (TLB) operator, his dedication and work ethic saw him rise to the role of Gamtoos Waste Supervisor in 2022.
He is committed to ensuring that Thornhill and Loerie receive the same level of waste management service, dedicating his working days to operations across Hankey, Thornhill, and Loerie. His responsibilities include overseeing teams and addressing illegal dumping through regular clean-up initiatives. In addition, he frequently assists at the Hankey landfill, where he helps manage fires and, when required, operates heavy machinery such as TLBs and tipper trucks.
But for Jacobs, this is more than just a job – it is a calling.
“I have always wanted a better life,” he says. “And that includes helping my community live healthier through proper waste management.”
Early Mornings – Daily Responsibilities
A typical day in Jacobs’ life begins with people.
Before anything else, he checks the attendance register – making sure his team is present and ready, and adjusting where needed. From there, he reviews any service complaints that have come in and ensures feedback is provided to residents.
His role quickly shifts from administration to leadership on the ground.
“I make sure all employees have what they need to do their jobs safely – especially wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE),” he explains. “After that, I move on to site inspections.”
These daily site checks are where the real work unfolds – ensuring waste is managed effectively and that the environment remains clean and safe for the community.
More Than Just Waste Management
For Jacobs, keeping Hankey clean is deeply personal.
“To me, this job matters because it is about maintaining a clean environment,” he says. “It is about quality of life.”
Beyond managing waste, Jacobs plays an important educational role in the community – regularly engaging with residents about responsible waste disposal and its impact on health.
Facing the Challenge of Illegal Dumping
One of the biggest challenges Jacobs and his team face is illegal dumping – an issue that requires constant attention and community cooperation.
“We can clean an area, and within minutes, dumping starts again,” he says.
Through ongoing awareness programmes, Jacobs works to educate residents about the dangers of illegal dumping, especially its health risks. Yet, the problem often persists due to everyday habits.
“In some cases, children are sent to throw away rubbish but cannot reach the bins, so they leave it next to them. That’s how dumping starts,” he explains.
Maintaining cleanliness requires both municipal effort and community responsibility.
A Passion for People and Machinery
Despite the challenges, Jacobs finds joy in his work – especially in working with his team and operating heavy machinery.
“Working with earth-moving equipment is in my genes,” he says proudly, reflecting on his late father who did similar work. “I still enjoy getting behind the controls – even driving the dozer when needed.”
A Message That Starts at Home
At the heart of Jacobs’ work is a simple but powerful message: “Do not litter. Look after your environment and the health of those you love.”
He believes that real change begins at home.
“If we teach our children that littering is wrong, we can go a long way in keeping our communities clean and healthy,” he says.
Behind the Scenes, Making Kouga Work
Through dedication, community engagement, and a hands-on approach, Jacobs is one of the many unsung heroes working behind the scenes to keep Kouga clean, green and running.
Because for him, every day on the job is another opportunity to build a cleaner, healthier future – one street at a time.
