Kouga Municipality gears up for a safe and enjoyable festive season

As the festive season approaches, Kouga Municipality is set to welcome residents and visitors with robust safety, traffic, and beach management measures.

Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, emphasised the municipality's readiness to ensure a joyful and secure holiday season, stating, "Kouga is committed to providing a world-class holiday experience for all.

“Our focus remains on safety, cleanliness, and accessibility, ensuring that every visitor leaves with fond memories of our beautiful region."

Blue Flag beaches ready to shine

Dolphin Beach in Jeffreys Bay and Cape St Francis Beach have once again earned the prestigious Blue Flag status for the 2024/2025 season, reaffirming Kouga’s commitment to environmental excellence and tourism standards. The Blue Flag programme, managed by WESSA, assesses beaches on criteria including water quality, safety, and environmental education.

The Blue Flag season for Dolphin Beach will run from 1 December 2024 to 30 April 2025, while Cape St Francis Beach will maintain its status from 2 December 2024 to 28 February 2025.

During this period, lifeguard services will be available daily from 08:00 to 17:00.

Additionally, both beaches feature well-maintained walkways, disability ramps, and amphibian wheelchairs to ensure accessibility for all visitors. Facility maps will further assist guests in navigating available amenities. Shark spotters will also be deployed for added safety.

Lifeguards will also be on duty from 2 December 2024 to 17 January 2025 at Kabejauws Beach and Lagoon, Pellsrus Beach, Aston Bay Beach and Lagoon, Paradise Beach, St Francis Main Beach, Granny’s Pool and Oyster Bay.

Bornman said, "The Blue Flag status of our beaches is a testament to our dedication to maintaining Kouga as a premier tourist destination. Visitors can rest assured that their safety and enjoyment are our top priorities."

Enhanced traffic law enforcement

The municipality has implemented a comprehensive traffic management plan to promote road safety during the busy holiday period. Enhanced visibility patrols and zero-tolerance enforcement will target:

• Alcohol consumption by drivers
• Seatbelt compliance
• Overloading, particularly in public transport vehicles
• Driver and vehicle fitness.

Speed enforcement measures, including average speed monitoring, will also be in effect.

Bornman urged all road users to adhere to traffic regulations, stating, "Safety on our roads is a shared responsibility. Let us work together to ensure that every journey is a safe one."

Law enforcement and security

The municipality’s law enforcement teams will operate 24/7, supported by a dedicated Boots on the Ground unit comprising 43 members.

These patrols will cover key areas, including:

• Jeffreys Bay: From Aston Bay Road to Island Vibe, Main Beach, the Central Business District, Kabeljauws, and Pellsrus Park Area.
• St Francis Bay and Cape St Francis: From Granny’s Pool to the Main Beach, St Francis Drive, the R330, Tarragona, and Oyster Bay.
• Humansdorp: The Bosbok, Gill Marcus, Arcadia, and KwaNomzamo Water Treatment Plants, as well as the Humansdorp Holding Pen.

Neighbourhood Watches and private security companies will bolster efforts to combat crime, while regular beach patrols will focus on safeguarding visitors during early morning hours.

Two new LDVs have been allocated for law enforcement patrols, and an additional vehicle will support municipal security operations.

Bornman said, "We are deeply invested in the well-being of everyone in Kouga. From our pristine beaches to our vibrant towns, every measure has been taken to ensure a festive season that is both enjoyable and secure."

Kouga Municipality wishes all residents and visitors a joyous festive season. Let us celebrate responsibly and make this holiday one to remember.