Kouga celebrates local environmental champions with inaugural community awards launch

Kouga Municipality launches its first Community Environmental Awards (KMCEA) to honor local champions driving sustainability and environmental protection in the region.

Two women standing on beach sand with the sea as a back drop.
Sarah-Vee Goodman and Yonela Mlindazwe. Credit: Supplied

Kouga Local Municipality is proud to present the inaugural Kouga Municipality Community Environmental Awards (KMCEA), a new initiative dedicated to recognising the unsung heroes making a meaningful impact in protecting the environment and promoting sustainability across the region.

These awards aim to honour individuals, groups, and organisations that have actively contributed to keeping Kouga clean and green through projects such as recycling, tree planting, clean-up campaigns, climate change mitigation, and community upliftment initiatives.

From small businesses turning waste into useful products to individuals educating others about eco-friendly practices, the KMCEA is about celebrating everyday champions whose efforts, no matter how big or small, are helping Kouga thrive.

The inaugural event will also mark the official launch of the Cleanest and Greenest Ward Competition, alongside the Environmental Awards for Schools.

Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, stated that the KMCEA provides an opportunity to acknowledge the remarkable work being done by local changemakers and environmental advocates.

“There are extraordinary people and organisations in Kouga who work tirelessly to protect our environment and build a sustainable future for all,” said Bornman. “These awards are a way for us to recognise their efforts and inspire others to do the same. Whether someone is planting food gardens, installing solar panels, or simply picking up litter, every contribution matters.”

He added that the awards reflect Kouga’s commitment to the principles of the National Environmental Management Act, which encourages community-led environmental efforts, waste diversion, and climate resilience.

“The future of our region depends on the actions we take today,” Bornman continued. “By supporting these green initiatives, we are protecting our natural environment as well as creating jobs and building a stronger, more resilient Kouga.”

Nominations

Eligible nominations are open to companies, cooperatives, forums, and individuals based within the Kouga Local Municipality.

Entrants must submit supporting evidence of their work, such as photos, videos, reports, or project summaries. Submissions will be evaluated based on innovation, sustainability, environmental impact, and the potential for job creation.

More Information

Nomination forms for the KMCEA are available at https://forms.gle/kBApprgV2rjF68dU8. Alternatively, visit the Kouga Local Municipality Facebook Page. Nominations close on June 15, 2025.

For submission of completed forms or more information, send an email to enviroawards@kouga.gov.za.

Yonela Mlindazwe and Sarah-Vee Goodman from Kouga Local Municipality’s Community and Safety Services are ready to dig in and go green for the launch of the very first Kouga Community Environmental Awards.
Credit: Supplied

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