Kouga’s beaches fly the flag for coastal excellence in 2026/2027 season

KOUGA - Kouga Local Municipality’s commitment to protecting its coastline while delivering exceptional beach experiences has once again been recognised, with Dolphin Beach in Jeffreys Bay and Cape St Francis Beach retaining their prestigious Blue Flag status for the 2026/2027 season.

The municipality’s Green Coast sites, JBay Supertubes and Paradise Beach, also continue to showcase Kouga’s commitment to protecting its natural coastal environment.

The awards were announced last night at the annual Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards Ceremony, recognising coastal destinations that uphold high standards of environmental management, water quality, safety, public information and environmental education.

The Blue Flag status for Dolphin Beach will run from December 2026 to April 2027, while Cape St Francis Beach will fly the Blue Flag from December 2026 to February 2027.

Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, welcomed the recognition, describing it as an achievement that reflects the collective efforts of municipal teams, local partners and communities in safeguarding one of the region’s most valuable natural assets.

“Receiving this recognition is a proud moment for Kouga. Our beaches are more than beautiful places to visit – they are central to our tourism economy, support local businesses and contribute to the quality of life of our residents. Maintaining these standards requires consistent effort, cooperation and a shared commitment to protecting our coastline,” said Bornman.

He added that the awards strengthened Kouga’s position as a sought-after coastal destination, particularly as the municipality prepares to welcome holidaymakers during the upcoming festive season.

“With the summer season approaching, we want residents and visitors to enjoy our beaches with confidence, knowing that safety, cleanliness and environmental responsibility remain priorities. We also encourage everyone to play their part by keeping our beaches clean, respecting marine and coastal wildlife, and helping us preserve these natural treasures for future generations,” he said.

The internationally recognised Blue Flag Programme, administered in South Africa by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), promotes responsible coastal tourism and recognises beaches that meet stringent criteria relating to water quality, environmental management, safety, services and environmental education.

Alongside its Blue Flag achievements, Kouga continues to support the Green Coast Programme at JBay Supertubes and Paradise Beach in partnership with the JBay Surf Alliance. The programme recognises natural coastal areas where conservation, responsible access and community participation are essential to protecting sensitive ecosystems.

These Green Coast recognitions highlight the importance of safeguarding Kouga’s diverse coastline, from popular swimming beaches to stretches of coast valued for their natural character and ecological significance.

As the 2026/2027 beach season gets underway, Kouga Local Municipality remains committed to working with its partners and communities to maintain high coastal standards, support sustainable tourism and protect the environmental heritage that makes the region a special place to live, work and visit.