Geography, History & Economy
Kouga Local Municipality is part of Sarah Baartman District Municipality.
MDB code: EC108
Description: The Kouga Local Municipality is a Category B municipality situated in the Eastern Cape Province within the Sarah Baartman District Municipality. It comprises the coastal region and the fertile Gamtoos Valley, which also happens to be the gateway to the famous Baviaanskloof wilderness area. It is one of seven municipalities in the district.
The Gamtoos Valley is recognised as one of the prime exporting areas for citrus and avocado pears. It also competes with the best that South Africa has to offer with its potato crops. Port St Francis, situated in St Francis Bay, is home to the squid industry. The squid, normally referred to as ‘chokka’, is mainly export quality but is available locally as one of the area’s prized products.
The Kouga region is of strategic importance in the energy industry. Two large wind farms are already in operation in the area, with more to follow. The area is also home to Thyspunt, one of the sites under consideration for Eskom’s proposed new nuclear power station.
Kouga has great development opportunities and astute businessmen and women can take advantage of the diverse economic heritage that the Kouga area offers to entrepreneurs.
The seat of Kouga, Jeffreys Bay, is situated roughly 80km from Port Elizabeth. The town is world-renowned for its ‘Supertubes’ surfing spot while ‘Bruce’s Beauties’ at Cape St Francis also attract surfers from all over the globe. The clean, safe beaches are exploited by many a tourist, with a large number making an annual pilgrimage to the sandy shores to enjoy a relaxed yet vibrant holiday.
Area: 2 670km²
Cities/Towns: Cape St Francis, Hankey, Humansdorp, Jeffreys Bay, Loerie, Oyster Bay, Patensie, St Francis Bay, Thornhill
Main Economic Sectors: Agriculture, fishing, tourism and retail