Kouga Local Municipality recently won the Provincial Greenest Municipality award. Pictured are (from left) Christa Venter (Manager: Waste and Environmental Management), Naython Korkee (Driver: Leak Detection, Rochelle Ludick (Manager: Parks and Amenities), and Benedict Hill (leakage technician). In front holding the cheque of R500 000 is Nomvelo Siwela (Environmental Specialist).
Kouga – Kouga Local Municipality has emerged victorious in the 2024 Provincial Greenest Municipality Competition, triumphing after placing second in the 2019 and 2022 awards.
Not only did Kouga secure the top accolade, but the municipality was also recognised for its efforts in e-waste recycling and its water leak detection programme.
The accolade follows Kouga's first-place victory in the Sarah Baartman District Greenest Municipality Competition on 25 February 2025.
The Provincial Greenest Municipality Awards, organised by the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) in collaboration with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), honour municipalities that demonstrate excellence in waste and environmental management.
DEDEAT and CoGTA received entries from six district municipalities, with Kouga being the sole representative from the Sarah Baartman District. The adjudication panel conducted assessment visits from 21 to 29 October 2024.
Christa Venter, Waste and Environmental Management Manager, explained the entry process: “We submitted a comprehensive portfolio of evidence showcasing our initiatives. The panel assessed our performance in various categories, including overall cleanliness, illegal dumping rehabilitation, waste minimisation efforts and waste disposal compliance. Our e-waste recycling programme received particular recognition, alongside our parks, labyrinth, and new boardwalk projects.
“The panel also evaluated Kouga's water consumption, conservation measures, public participation, energy efficiency, and institutional compliance. We also received recognition for our water leak detection programme.”
Highlighting the collaborative aspect, Venter expressed gratitude to all participating departments and private partners, such as Patensie Pronk, Dorp van Drome, Jbay Recycling, Xtreme recycling, eWASA, Humansdorp Cooperative and Woodlands Dairy to name a few.
Community and Safety Services Director, Nomvula Machelesi, praised the staff's tireless efforts.
“This award epitomises what we can accomplish through teamwork. I am grateful for the staff on the ground that ensures we achieve our goals. Furthermore, we appreciate the support from our political leadership and the unified vision we all share,” said Machelesi.
Parks and Amenities Manager, Rochelle Ludick, emphasised the importance of community involvement in maintaining a clean, green environment, and acknowledged residents' contributions to beautifying parks and open spaces.
The prize money of R500 000 from the award will be used for initiatives such as the cleanest award competition, environmental awards, and efforts to reduce illegal dumping.
Expressing pride in the municipality's achievement, Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, said, “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our teams, the community and public private partnerships. We remain committed to building a cleaner and greener, more sustainable future for all.”
