By Bev Mortimer: Kouga Municipality (KM) says the proposal to join Cape St Francis and St Francis Bay with a link road “is only a suggestion put forward as part of the broader spatial development plan for the area.”
This Eastern Cape municipality said this in response to a request yesterday by St Francis Chronicle for comment on the proposed link road scheme to join Cape St Francis (CSF) village with the town St Francis Bay: “No decision has been taken by the municipality in this regard,” KM said.
The KM comment follows an outcry on online groups last week by mostly CSF residents, who were ‘up in arms’ on reading the news online that there was a proposal to connect the two St Francis areas by way of a Link Road. Their main reasons given are:
* The road will cut through a protected nature reserve, potentially causing environmental harm:
* It could lead to increased traffic, noise, light pollution, and security risks for the area; and
* Added strain on St Francis’ fragile roads, including those CSF residents have repaired in their village.
Long-term Cape St Francis resident, Professor Richard Cowling, who, for about two decades, has been chairman of FOSTER, the custodian of the four nature reserves in and around Cape St Francis, commented that 250 residents completed a questionnaire and 95% agreed with the statement: “No road should be developed to link Cape St Francis via the Cape St Francis Nature Reserve.” He said: “Proponents of this road must expect resistance from local stakeholders.
“They must also expect resistance from the provincial conservation and tourism authorities who recognise the irreplaceable biodiversity and tourism value of the CSF nature reserves, and will reject any proposal to build a road through it.”
The four reserves are Seal Point, Seal Bay, Cape St Francis and Irma Booysen Nature Areas which are the home of an increasing number of fauna and flora/ wildlife.
Comments on FB and WA groups showed shock, disbelief and anger. These were some of the concerns raised: “Any road connecting CSF and St Francis Bay via St Francis Drive should not be supported. “A link road will destroy part of a nature reserve. Increased traffic will endanger the wildlife in the reserve that will cross the road to get to another side of the reserve.”
In 2003 St Francis Chronicle had a front-page story (see photo here) on residents objecting to the same plan in one of this newspaper’s first articles. The plan was soon scuttled.
The Cape St Francis Civic and Ratepayers Association (CSFCA) formally objected in a letter to KM about the proposed ‘link road’ and other proposed amendments in the Spatial Development Framework (SDF), dated 25 August 2025. All residents and stakeholders were urged to add their voice to the objection.
“Cape St Francis’ unique character and natural setting are under direct threat from inappropriate town planning principals in the latest Kouga Municipal Draft Spatial Development Framework (SDF), the CSFCA said. The latest iteration of the SDF includes a proposed link road between CSF and SFB as well as additional “mixed use” zonings.
“By submitting your own objection, you help ensure our village remains true to its ethos – ‘Keep it green, keep it clean, keep it small’. Please take a moment to stand with us and protect the future of Cape St Francis.”
The CSFCA asked residents /stakeholders to object with the following wording: “I support the Cape St Francis Civic Association Objection Letter (25th August 2025) and object to the proposed link road and ‘Mixed-Use zonings’. “Please record this email as my formal objection.”
Several Santareme residents also came out in support of the CSF residents in the online group, though some welcomed the proposal. Those against fear this may lead to new commercial and residential development, which may degrade the sensitive areas and the village character in Santareme and Cape St Francis.
“A link road will also change the tranquil nature of Santareme permanently as there will be even more traffic on St Francis Drive,” one resident told this newspaper.
KM also said in its comments to St Francis Chronicle newspaper: “The purpose of the public participation process is to gather valuable insights, comments, and concerns from residents and stakeholders before any consideration is given to the way forward.
“The municipality confirms the draft Kouga Municipal Spatial Development Framework (SDF), compiled by the appointed service provider Maswana Group of Companies, is currently out for public participation.
“As reflected on page 60 of the draft document, Maswana Group suggested greater spatial integration between St Francis Bay and Cape St Francis. This includes the possibility of establishing a new corridor to connect the two towns more effectively, with the intention of enhancing access to amenities and fostering a stronger sense of shared identity across the corridor.”
The municipality says it encourages the community to study the draft SDF and to submit their written comments. Submissions can be made via email to sdf@kouga.gov.za or delivered by hand to the Town and Regional Planning Department, Room 45, Woltemade Building, 16 Woltemade Street, Jeffreys Bay (60 days from date of publication on 14 August 2025).
“Public consultation meetings on the draft SDF are scheduled to take place from 13-16 October 2025. The municipality values the input of residents and stakeholders and remains committed to ensuring that the final SDF reflects the needs and aspirations of the communities it serves.”
St Francis Chronicle 