The Kouga Local Municipality recently hosted its inaugural Community Environmental Awards ceremony on 27 June, recognising the outstanding contributions of local environmental champions.
At least 50 awards were presented to deserving recipients, including local individuals, non-profit organisations, and dedicated municipal employees who have gone above and beyond in their environmental stewardship efforts.
The awards ceremony was made possible through the municipality’s recent success at the Provincial Greenest Municipality Competition, hosted by the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism earlier this year.
The municipality’s victory came with a substantial R500 000 prize, which was strategically invested in organising the community awards and purchasing prizes for the winners.
Christa Venter, Kouga Waste and Environmental Manager, expressed the significance of their provincial win.
“Winning the Provincial Greenest Municipality Competition was a great experience for the municipality because it serves as recognition for all the work we have done to improve the environment. It was also good to know that we had support from the Department,” said Venter.
She further emphasised the importance of community involvement in environmental conservation, acknowledging the municipality’s resource limitations.
“The municipality has limited resources and cannot do everything it wants. Therefore, it needs people to also play their part by taking care of the environment,” she explained.
“If we don’t safeguard our environment today, we cannot leave a healthy planet for future generations.”
The awards ceremony served a dual purpose of recognition and encouragement.
Venter said that it was important for them to recognise the assistance they have received from those who have helped in keeping the environment clean.
In addition to this, she said that it was also important for them to recognise Kouga municipal employees who play a major role in keeping Kouga clean.
Venter encouraged broader community participation ahead of the next awards.
“We hope that others will feel encouraged to look at ways they can play a part in cleaning the environment,” said Venter.
Beyond recognition, the municipality unveiled several new environmental initiatives funded by their provincial prize money, which include planting trees throughout the municipal area and the employment of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) to assist with cleaning municipal areas.
Reinforcing their commitment to environmental education, the municipality inaugurated the Cleanest School Competition on July 1, a programme that will flourish under the guidance of appointed environmental teachers at each participating school.
“Through this programme, we will be working closely with the environment teachers appointed at primary and high schools throughout the municipal area to ensure that schools are kept clean,” said Venter.
She further said that the programme will be monitored monthly, with the municipality also assessing and addressing school needs where possible.
Xolisile Ngantweni, founder of the Sea Vista Food Garden, received an Outstanding Community Service Award for his remarkable community contribution.
He said that the award means a lot to him and has inspired him to work harder to support his community.
“I have been operating my community garden out of love for my community, and I was not expecting anything in return. I was surprised to learn that I was going to receive an award for what I do,” said Ngantweni.
He said that his garden has become a substantial community resource, expanding to house at least 35 chickens that produce 18 to 20 eggs daily.
“The community has been very supportive because they benefit from the garden,” said Ngantweni.
Loulita Vosloo, a long-standing member of Dorp van Drome, expressed the organisation’s delight with their recognition.
The organisation received multiple awards, with several volunteers also being individually honoured.
“I am happy that Kouga Municipality is recognising people for what they are doing in the community,” said Vosloo.
“I hope that these awards will help people get more involved with environmental projects.”
Vosloo said that the organisation is already planning expanded community outreach, focusing on township areas.
She said that they are currently looking into ways to assist township areas by donating excess plants.
“I believe that there are many people who want to beautify their surroundings but do not have funds to buy plants,” said Vosloo.
She further said that if parts of the townships were beautified, it would cause a ripple effect throughout, encouraging more people to beautify their surroundings and take care of the environment.
“People want to improve their communities,” said Vosloo.
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