Kouga Municipality reaffirms long-term vision at Opening of Festive Season.
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
One of the best and fastest-growing municipalities, Kouga, hosted the official opening of the festive season on 15 December, with an early media breakfast at St Francis Links. The event brought together councillors, Kouga Municipality staff, stakeholders, and members of the media for a day that reflected progress, partnership, and purpose.
The key address was delivered by Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman, who used the platform to reaffirm the municipality’s long-term vision, a vision set more than four years ago and now visibly taking shape across the region. During the media engagement, the mayor emphasised that Kouga’s recent successes are the result of careful planning and consistent delivery, rather than short-term decision-making.
“What we are seeing today is not something that happened overnight,” the mayor said. “These are targets we set for ourselves three to four years ago, and we are now seeing the fruits of that work.”
The mayor reiterated Kouga’s ambition to become a blueprint for what a flourishing South Africa can look like, a municipality where good governance, economic growth, infrastructure development, and collaboration between government, business, and communities come together to improve people’s lives.
As part of the opening-of-season programme, Kouga Municipality also hosted the media and stakeholders on a guided tour to various sites across the area, offering first-hand insight into the municipality’s developments, tourism offerings, and rich cultural heritage. The tour was designed not only to showcase progress, but also to immerse guests in the full Kouga experience.
A key highlight of the day was the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the St Francis Shipwreck Museum, a newly opened historical site rich in maritime heritage. The museum tells powerful stories of ships that once reached Kouga’s shores and those that never left. Among its displays are recovered ship fragments found in the area, as well as rare and secret historical books documenting the journeys, struggles, and lives of travellers who passed through the region centuries ago. The museum stands as a reminder that Kouga’s future is deeply connected to its past.
Infrastructure and sustainability were also central themes of the engagement. The mayor highlighted the municipality’s R200 million road upgrade programme and its energy initiatives, including a newly awarded 5MW battery storage system aimed at reducing electricity costs and strengthening long-term resilience.
“Our vision has always been about making people’s lives better,” the mayor said. “Everything we do - roads, electricity, tourism, and heritage, is connected to that goal.”
With the festive season now officially open, Kouga is preparing for a vibrant period ahead. From major music festivals to hidden gems like Chokka Block Restaurant, a local favourite that serves not only calamari but also rich stories behind every dish, visitors can expect an exceptional seafood and cultural experience.
From The Konvenient team, we have only one message - go on, book, and explore Kouga Municipality. The season promises discovery, history, and unforgettable moments across the region.