Press Releases

Lionel Mapoe’s vision to uplift Kouga

There is something powerful about coming home – not just to reminisce, but to rebuild. For Lionel Mapoe, former Springbok rugby centre, the journey back to Kouga is a calling rooted in gratitude, resilience, and a deep desire to uplift the next generation. As Kouga Local Municipality continues to position itself as a hub of opportunity and growth, Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman welcomed Mapoe’s initiative. “Mapoe’s decision to reinvest in Kouga is both inspiring and timely. It speaks to the power of giving back and reminds us that true success is measured not only by personal achievement, but by the lives we uplift along the way.”

Enter now for second annual Environmental Awards  

Building on the remarkable success of its inaugural edition in June 2025, Kouga Local Municipality is once again shining a vibrant spotlight on environmental excellence with the launch of the second annual Kouga Municipality Community Environmental Awards (KMCEA) – a dynamic platform dedicated to recognising the inspiring, often unsung heroes who are actively driving sustainability and positive environmental change across the region.

A day in the life of Jonathan Jacobs

Before the sun rises over Hankey, while most of the town is still asleep, Jonathan Jacobs is already at work – checking registers, coordinating teams, and preparing for a day that will directly shape the health and cleanliness of his community. It is a role that demands both grit and heart, as he tackles everything from service delivery challenges to the ongoing battle against illegal dumping. Yet, for Jacobs, this is far more than routine – it is a mission to uplift the place he calls home, one street, one site, and one conversation at a time. Born and raised in Hankey, with roots also in Humansdorp, Jacobs’ journey with Kouga Local Municipality began in 2018. Starting out as a truck driver and part-time Tractor Loader Backhoe (TLB) operator, his dedication and work ethic saw him rise to the role of Gamtoos Waste Supervisor in 2022.

The inspiring journey of Eamon Oerson

Kouga strengthens water security with revised Drought Mitigation Plan

Kouga Local Municipality has taken a decisive step to safeguard its water future, with Council approving a revised Drought Mitigation Plan while intensifying water restrictions and conservation measures across the region. The updated plan responds to ongoing operational challenges and follows the declaration of the current drought as a disaster by the National Disaster Management Centre on 31 January 2026. It builds on interventions introduced since the 2021 drought plan and is aimed at strengthening water security, improving risk management, and aligning mitigation strategies with the municipality’s current capacity and long-term objectives.

Council approves revised SDF for public participation

During the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 30 March 2026, Kouga Local Municipality adopted the revised Draft Spatial Development Framework (SDF) and approved the commencement of the next phase of public participation. This follows extensive consultations, technical inputs, and previous public engagement conducted over 2024 and 2025. The Spatial Development Framework forms a legally required component of the Municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and guides long-term spatial planning, including the preservation of high-potential agricultural land and promotion of densification within urban areas. The revised Draft SDF incorporates comments received from previous public participation and stakeholder engagement, ensuring alignment with national and provincial spatial development frameworks.

The journey of senior traffic officer Emile Groenewald

Long before he wore the uniform himself, recently promoted Kouga Local Municipality Senior Traffic Officer Emile Groenewald was already drawn to what it represented – discipline, pride, and service. Growing up in Arcadia, Humansdorp, his earliest inspiration came from the crisp, immaculate presence of a traffic officer who left a lasting impression on him. That officer was his friend’s father, Traffic Superintendent Sean Williams. “Oom Sean was the first traffic officer I ever saw,” Groenewald recalls. “He was as neat as a pin in his uniform. I admired that.”

Kouga approves 2026/2027 draft Integrated Development Plan and MTREF Budget to strengthen service delivery

The Draft Medium-Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework (MTREF) Budget for the 2026/2027 financial year was approved at a virtual Ordinary Council Meeting held on 30 March 2026. The approval follows a detailed planning process aligned with the municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and key service delivery priorities. “The 2026/27 budget reflects our commitment to maintaining and improving financial sustainability while continuing to deliver quality services to our communities,” said Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman. “We have carefully balanced the need to fund essential services with cost containment measures to ensure operational efficiency.”