Kouga honours dedicated staff at inspiring Long Service Awards celebration

At the heart of Kouga, beneath the warm lights and elegant décor of the Newton Hall in Jeffreys Bay, a spirit of gratitude, resilience, and unity filled the air as Kouga Local Municipality hosted its Long Service Awards celebration.

It was more than an awards ceremony – it was a heartfelt tribute to the men and women whose dedication has helped keep Kouga moving forward through every challenge and triumph.

The event celebrated an extraordinary 1 585 years of collective service, honouring employees who had devoted decades of their lives to serving their communities, alongside colleagues who had retired or were medically boarded after years of faithful commitment.

Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman addressed the gathering with deep appreciation, praising staff members for continually going beyond the call of duty.

“It is a special time to honour staff who dedicate their lives to the municipality,” he said. “We have the best staff. We value you as co-workers and team members. What you do makes a difference.”

Reflecting on the devastating floods that recently affected the region, Bornman described them as proof of the exceptional character of Kouga’s employees.

“The floods are testament to the great staff we have – staff who went beyond their job descriptions to assist others. These are people who buy into the vision of the municipality. If we all play our part, more people will visit our municipality, more money will be spent here, businesses will and more jobs can be created. We appreciate you.”

The celebration also carried moments of reflection and remembrance. Deputy Municipal Manager, Dawie de Jager, paid touching tribute to the late Senior Human Resources Practitioner Sizwe Latile, whose passion for employee recognition helped shape the Long Service Awards initiative.

“In 2020, Sizwe and I started the Long Service Awards in the Human Resources Department,” De Jager shared.

“It was important to her that staff members be recognised and that pensioners receive their post-retirement benefits. She would have been proud of what is happening here today.”

Echoing Bornman’s sentiments, De Jager praised employees for their courage and commitment during times of crisis.

“The fires in January and the floods proved that Kouga has the best staff. Top management cannot do anything without you.”

Speaker Lorraine Maree encouraged recipients to continue serving with pride and passion.

“You are seen, valued, and appreciated,” she said.

As names were called and applause echoed through the beautifully transformed hall, the stories behind each milestone became clear — stories of perseverance, sacrifice, loyalty, and service to community.

Those honoured for ten years of service were Nolusindiso Zode, Renae Arnolds, Nandipha Majola, Mphathi Hans, James Warren, Welcome Mooi, Galelekile Mjijwa, Eric Maranti, Ludwe Luzipo, Andile Nanto, Malunga Adams, Sean Williams, Adley Felix, Thembis Baliti, Nokufika Mvundla, Bawinile Mvinjane, Christelene Kamoeto, Zandile Bomela, Luyanda Mavuka, Michael Schutte, Jakob Januarie, David Hammond, Abduraghiem Adams, Vuyani Llloyd, Jackson Yake, Steven Jantjies, Deon Natal, George Laminnie, Christian Meyer, Mlamli Mandeka, Rolita Faulkner, Julio August, Nomfezo Mveni, Alfonzo Perils, Danisile Dyonashe, Malobongwe Bans, Lionel Vaaltyn, Kewin Jantjies, Helen Jakops, Pieter du Plooy, Thobela Citwa, Jeffrey Simamane, Lulama Bam, Mziwandile Jako, Leonard Barendse, Anele Xala, Gavin Jantjies, Eldrid Potgieter, Siyabulela Makinana, Thabo Ncenjana, Ricardo Hammond, Diliza Antoni, Llewellyn Johnson, Thokozani Mahlanza, Xolisa Nyameko Clifford Rabella, Riaan Meintjies, Allister Brown, Lungile Nzimela, Simphiwe Meleni, Sibongile Tshali, Mthobeli Fani, and Whitey Thambo.

Employees honoured for fifteen years of loyal service are Zandisile Gongqoba, Clinton Grebe, Nezile Piet, Jermaine Alexander, Patrick van Wyk, Nicholas Draai, Lungile Mgobo, Laurian Plaatjies, Rhalf Manuel, Nomfundo Mate, Thembisa Oliphant, Lindelwa Matshobeni, and Julius Hammond.

Celebrating twenty years of commitment were Abraham Carolus, Noluthando Sodladla, Nonzimo Tengo, Brian Kafile, Glen Harmse, Siphokazi Mbete, Sipho Kamte, Glynis Plaatjies, Marlin Sodien, Lindiwe Miggels, Daliwonga Xawuka, Deon Rooi, Nicolett Stigling, Sanele Dlava, Ntombethemba Soul, Patrick Sacks, Madodana Kota, Zoleka Mvimbeli, and Asa Abrahams.

The silver milestone of twenty-five years recognised the remarkable service of John Hammond, Hendrick Perils, Msondezi Malangeni, Nombuyiselo Charlie, and Mavis Mkokeli.

Honoured for three decades of service were Buyisile Ngqandu, Bonginkosi Gasa, Willie Jantjies, Monica Johnson, Rosaly Minnaar, Lourens Anker, and Zimisele Zonke — individuals whose careers have become woven into the history of Kouga itself.

A special moment of admiration was reserved for Kerneels Lejander, who reached the extraordinary milestone of 35 years of service.

The event also paid tribute to retirees who had completed their journey of public service, including Elise Goeda, Alfred Tanda, Mpumelelo Mnkani, Mthetheleli Mooi, Sicelo Nkwenkwezi, Mapaseka Damane, Zuziwe Mpepho, Nombuso Sentile (medically boarded), and Alfred Ngqandu.

As the celebration drew to a close, one truth remained evident: behind every functioning streetlight, every emergency response, every repaired road, every helping hand during fires and floods, are the people of Kouga Local Municipality – dedicated public servants whose years of service continue to shape the future of their communities with quiet excellence and unwavering heart.