KOUGA – The Media and Communication Section in the Office of the Deputy Municipal Manager at Kouga Local Municipality has been nationally recognised for its outstanding performance during one of the most challenging emergencies in the municipality’s recent history.
The team received the prestigious Crisis Communication Excellence Award at the 2026 National Communicators Forum (NCF) Awards, hosted by the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) in Cape Town.
The award recognises a team that demonstrated exceptional implementation of crisis communication with clear, consistent messaging during an emergency, providing accurate and timely information to effectively guide, inform, and reassure the public amidst challenging circumstances.
Leading from the front during January fires
Kouga Local Municipality proudly submitted its nomination in recognition of the exceptional efforts of its Media and Communication Section during the devastating fires that swept across the Kouga region from 6 to 15 January 2026.
The fires posed a significant threat to lives, homes, infrastructure, farms and the natural environment, marking one of the most testing disaster events in recent municipal history.
From the onset of the fires, the municipality activated its Disaster Joint Operations Centre (JOC) to coordinate emergency response efforts. The Media and Communication Section formed an integral part of the JOC, ensuring that verified, accurate, and actionable information was disseminated swiftly to residents, businesses, community organisations and key stakeholders.
Communication efforts included real-time updates across digital platforms, regular media statements, internal staff briefings, public advisories, safety notices, and direct engagement with affected communities. The team worked around the clock to counter misinformation, clarify evacuation procedures, provide safety guidelines, and keep the public informed of road closures, relief measures and firefighting progress.
Importantly, the communication strategy focused on both internal and external communication – ensuring that municipal leadership, operational teams, councillors and frontline responders were aligned and informed, while residents received clear and reassuring updates during a period of uncertainty and distress.
Dedication beyond the call of duty
Kouga Media and Communication Manager, Monique Basson, said the award belongs to the entire team, who demonstrated unwavering dedication under immense pressure.
“This award is a testament to the incredible resilience, professionalism, and commitment of our Media and Communication team,” Basson said.
“During the fires, our team worked extended hours, often late into the night and over weekends, to ensure that residents received accurate and timely information. They went the extra mile – not because they had to, but because they understood the critical importance of communication in protecting lives and maintaining calm.”
She added that crisis communication is not merely about sharing information, but about providing reassurance and stability during moments of fear and uncertainty.
“In times of crisis, communication becomes a lifeline. Our responsibility was to ensure that every message was clear, factual and constructive. We understood that our words had the power to either create panic or instil confidence, and we chose to communicate with empathy, transparency, and responsibility.”
Strong leadership and coordination
Basson further expressed appreciation for the leadership provided by Kouga’s Deputy Municipal Manager, Dawie de Jager, during the disaster response.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to Deputy Municipal Manager Dawie de Jager for his exceptional handling of the disaster. His ability to navigate a highly complex and fast-moving situation with clarity and calm was truly inspiring,” she said.
“He consistently motivated teams, ensured strong coordination within the Joint Operations Centre, and made certain that we, as communicators, were always well informed. This enabled us to keep the public accurately and responsibly informed at all times. His leadership played a pivotal role in the effectiveness of our communication strategy.”
A model for crisis communication
The recognition at the National Communicators Forum Awards underscores Kouga Local Municipality’s commitment to transparency, accountability and community-centred governance.
By integrating communication into its operational disaster response structures, the municipality ensured that information flowed seamlessly between emergency teams and the public – reinforcing trust during a time of crisis.
The Crisis Communication Excellence Award not only honours the team’s performance during the January fires but also highlights the critical role that strategic communication plays in disaster management and public safety.
For Kouga, the award stands as both a proud achievement and a reaffirmation of its dedication to serving and safeguarding its communities – even in the face of adversity.
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