Kouga:Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson and Hattingh Bornman, Executive Mayor of Kouga Local Municipality, have announced a landmark agreement to protect approximately 235 hectares of State-owned land at Ongegunde Vryheid, near Cape St Francis, for nature conservation.
According to South African Government News Agency, the agreement, revealed on Friday, resolves a decade-long administrative impasse, ensuring that the land is actively managed and provides long-term benefits for the local community. The process began in 2015 when the Kouga Local Municipality sought to use the land for development and municipal purposes. Environmental assessments later identified significant portions as unsuitable for residential development, necessitating a balance between conservation and housing needs.
In 2025, Macpherson initiated a resolution, leading to a revised approach that separated conservation land from future human settlements. This allowed both processes to move forward independently. After a legal review and necessary approvals, Macpherson granted final approval on September 29, 2026. The land will now be protected as a nature reserve under the National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act, with the municipality managing it at no cost to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
The protected area features environmentally sensitive ecosystems, wetlands, and the critically endangered St Francis Strandveld vegetation, along with habitats for threatened species and diverse wildlife. The coastal dune systems contribute to beach stability, and its wetlands play a crucial role in regulating water flows and sustaining ecosystems. The area also harbors significant archaeological heritage, enhancing its value for future generations.
This arrangement aims to preserve the natural assets supporting nature-based tourism and maintaining the area's appeal as a destination. By establishing a clear management framework, the agreement safeguards the land from environmental degradation and ensures its productive use in the public interest.
Macpherson emphasized the importance of decisive action to unlock the potential of State-owned land, stating that the government has overcome administrative obstacles to deliver public value. He highlighted the government's responsibility to manage assets effectively, supporting both housing and economic development, while protecting sensitive areas for future generations.
Bornman hailed the agreement as a crucial step in protecting Kouga's unique natural heritage while addressing future housing needs. He noted that Ongegunde Vryheid is an environmental asset deserving protection and responsible management. The partnership allows the municipality to manage the land without additional costs to the national department, demonstrating that conservation and development can coexist through collaborative government efforts.
The department anticipates the arrangement will positively impact conservation, local tourism, and the broader community, while the separate process for land designated for human settlements will proceed through appropriate channels.
