Kouga honours environmental champions at second Community Environmental Awards
11 Jun 2026
Media Releases
KOUGA – Kouga Local Municipality recently celebrated the region’s environmental champions at the second annual Kouga Municipality Community Environmental Awards (KMCEA), held at Oase Church in Jeffreys Bay on World Environment Day, 5 June 2026.
The awards recognise individuals, community groups, schools, businesses and organisations that are making a significant contribution to environmental protection and sustainability across Kouga through initiatives such as recycling, clean-up campaigns, tree planting, climate action and community upliftment.
From entrepreneurs turning waste into valuable products, schools participating in food gardens and water harvesting to volunteers educating communities on sustainable living, the awards celebrate the everyday heroes whose dedication is helping to keep Kouga clean, green and resilient.
Addressing guests at the ceremony, Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman, said this year's devastating fires and floods had renewed the community's appreciation for protecting the environment.
He described the awards as an opportunity to acknowledge the remarkable work of local environmental advocates and change-makers.
"Kouga is blessed with exceptional natural beauty and biodiversity. Our coastline, rivers, wetlands, agricultural lands and towns play a vital role in supporting livelihoods, tourism, food security and the quality of life of our residents. However, we also face the growing challenges of climate change, water scarcity, pollution and environmental degradation," he said.
"It is within this reality that environmental leadership becomes essential. The individuals and organisations honoured today have gone beyond simply complying with regulations. They have taken responsibility, shown initiative and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to protecting the environment that sustains us all."
Bornman said the awards recognise practical actions that contribute to sustainable development throughout the municipality.
"Whether through water-wise practices, waste reduction, environmental education, biodiversity conservation or community-based initiatives, every recipient has made a meaningful contribution. Government alone cannot solve environmental challenges. Sustainable communities are built through partnerships between municipalities, residents, schools, businesses and civil society."
He congratulated all recipients, describing them as environmental ambassadors whose efforts inspire others to take responsibility for protecting the environment.
Keynote speaker, André Adendorff from Woodlands Dairy Sustainability, said the awards celebrate not only excellence but also the shared commitment to building a sustainable future.
"Today's recipients represent the key pillars that ensure Kouga remains a region we can all be proud of," he said.
He highlighted initiatives such as Keep Kouga Clean, the Kouga Maak Skoon campaigns and community recycling projects, noting that they not only reduce waste but also create economic opportunities while promoting sustainability at grassroots level.
Adendorff also commended the municipality's ongoing efforts to combat illegal dumping, saying they promote accountability and environmental responsibility.
He shared several of Woodlands Dairy's own sustainability initiatives and emphasised the importance of partnerships between government, business and communities in creating lasting environmental impact.
"Nothing that you are doing is too small," he told the recipients. "You are shaping the future of Kouga. Together we are not only protecting the environment, but we are also building a lasting legacy."
Award Recipients
Environmental Service Excellence Awards (internal environmental stewards)
Community Environmental Awards
Ward Champion
Environmental Schools
Outstanding Community Stewardship Awards
The event also featured performances by programme director and artist Andre Martinez and learners from the Rainbow Centre for Special Needs, adding a celebratory atmosphere to the occasion.
