Kouga Local Municipality

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Kouga Local Municipality is in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, about 80 km west of Gqeberha. It is part of the Sarah Baartman District and covers coastal areas from the Van Stadens River in the east to the Tsitsikamma River in the west, with inland reach toward the Baviaanskloof Mountains. Jeffreys Bay is the municipal seat, and the region includes towns such as Humansdorp, St Francis Bay, Oyster Bay, Hankey and Patensie. Jeffreys Bay is growing fast and tourism is a big part of the area’s economy.

Key facts
- Area and people: About 2,670 square kilometres with around 107,000 residents in 2022 (roughly 40 people per square kilometre).
- Racial makeup (2022): Black African about 32.6%, Coloured 35.2%, White 29.9%, Indian/Asian 0.3%.
- Languages (2011): Afrikaans spoken by about 59%, Xhosa by about 31%, English by about 7%.
- Geography: Four main tidal rivers—Kromme, Seekoei, Kabeljouws and Gamtoos. Groundwater and wetlands are important for water supply and biodiversity.
- Climate: Subtropical and generally windy, with annual rainfall ranging from about 400 mm to 650 mm.
- Government: 30 councillors (15 elected in wards by first-past-the-post, 15 from party lists to make representation proportional).
- History: Kouga was formed in 2000 by merging Humansdorp, Jeffreys Bay, Hankey, Oyster Bay, Patensie and St Francis Bay. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has held power since 2016. Notable mayors include Elza van Lingen (died 2018), Horatio Hendricks (2018–2023), and Hattingh Bornman (deputy mayor who became mayor in June 2023).

Municipal code: EC108.