KOUGA – Kouga Local Municipality proudly opened its doors last week to the fourth-year Environmental Health students from Nelson Mandela University, continuing a meaningful tradition of learning, exchange and inspiration.
Municipal Manager, Charl du Plessis, extended a heartfelt welcome. In his address, he reflected on the vital role played by health inspectors and senior municipal officials in safeguarding communities, describing their work as “the difference between anarchy and civilisation.”
Encouraging the students to dream beyond their degrees, Du Plessis spoke passionately about lifelong learning and leadership.
“Your primary qualification is only the beginning,” he said. “As you step into the workplace, experience will sharpen your skills, but continued study and personal growth will elevate you. A municipality is a dynamic space – you will be called upon to manage performance, track key indicators, and lead people. With commitment and resilience, there is no reason why one of you cannot one day sit in the chair of Municipal Manager.”
Du Plessis also underscored the importance of emotional intelligence in the profession, noting that true professionalism means being able to work with people from all walks of life with respect and understanding.
The academic programme for the visit provided the students with practical insights into the environmental health field.
At Kouga Funerals, the group explored inspection protocols and compliance requirements for funeral undertaker premises in line with Regulation 363.
At the Humansdorp Landfill Site, they were given an overview of the standard requirements relating to waste disposal to ensure minimisation of environmental impact
At the Humansdorp Sewerage Works, they observed the processes behind safe waste disposal, wastewater treatment, and pollution control – all essential to protecting the environment and public health.
At the Distillery in Jeffreys Bay, the health and hygiene requirements for milking sheds and the transportation of milk in terms of the regulations governing food premises R961 were outlined.
Other site visits offered a wide range of exposure, including Balobi Seafood Processors, Jeffreys Bay Water Treatment Works, Noah’s Ark Early Childhood Development Centre, Patensie Correctional Services, Mooihoek Strawberry Farm and the Kouga Dam.
The thirteen students, guided by Associate Lecturer Shireez Brown, engaged eagerly at each stop, gaining first-hand knowledge of the complex systems and dedicated teams that keep Kouga’s communities safe, sustainable, and thriving.
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