Kouga Municipality was awarded first prize for winning the Sarah Baartman District Greenest Municipality Competition for 2024 on October 24.
Sarah Baartman District Municipality spokesperson, Natasha Peterson, said that the competition has been held annually since 2022 and precedes the Provincial Greenest Municipality Competition.
She said that the winner of the district competition will be entered into the provincial competition and will stand a chance of being selected for the National Greenest Municipality Competition.
Peterson mentioned that last year, Sundays River Valley Municipality won both the District and Provincial Competitions and was able to implement several greening and cleaning projects with their combined R550 000 prize money.
She added that this year, Sundays River Valley Municipality came third, with Blue Crane Route Municipality second, and Kouga Municipality winning first place.
“The first prize winner receives R50 000 in the district competition, and if they go on to win the provincial competition, they will win R500 000.
“In the district competition, the second prize winner receives R30 000, and the third prize winner receives R20 000,” said Peterson.
During the awards ceremony, Dayalan Govender, a representative from the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, encouraged municipalities to participate in the competition as it aims to improve environmental issues that affect us all.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment also announced that they will be rolling out a Million Tree Campaign, which will see each local municipality receiving 3 500 trees to be planted in municipal areas across each municipality.
Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman said that the competition provides Kouga Municipality with a valuable platform to showcase its greening initiatives, such as energy efficiency, park and open space management, and water and waste management efforts.
He further stated that the competition also highlights the strength of partnerships between municipalities, residents, and local businesses.
“Our commitment to these efforts is truly a point of pride. Kouga is a prime tourist destination, and recognition like this will not only enhance our appeal but also support job creation in hospitality and related sectors,” said Bornman.
He mentioned that the municipality has identified areas needing further greening and is actively encouraging residents to plant or donate trees.
“This award is one the entire Kouga community should celebrate, as each effort has been noticed and valued,” said Bornman.
