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About Kouga Business Forum

The voice of business in the Kouga Region. For over 15 years, we've been connecting entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators across Jeffreys Bay, Humansdorp, St. Francis Bay, and beyond.

Our Vision

To be the voice of business in the Kouga Region.

Our Mission

To establish a credible and purposeful business forum that will through effective leadership and collective negotiation, further the interest of all members.

Our Story

Founded in 2011, Kouga Business Forum was established to create a platform where businesses across the Kouga region could connect, collaborate, and grow together.

What started as a small gathering of local entrepreneurs has evolved into the region's premier business network. Today, KBF serves hundreds of businesses across Jeffreys Bay, Humansdorp, St. Francis Bay, Hankey, Patensie, Loerie, and Thornhill.

Our commitment to collective growth and advocacy has made us the trusted voice for business in the Kouga Region, empowering our members through networking, education, and meaningful collaboration.

Regional Economic Footprint

KBF provides a unified voice for business hubs across the Kouga region, ensuring regional economic interests are represented as one.

Jeffreys Bay

The primary commercial and tourism hub of the Kouga region.

Humansdorp

Strategic industrial and agricultural center for regional trade.

St Francis Bay

Key destination for tourism, lifestyle, and marine-based business.

Patensie

Agricultural powerhouse known for its world-class citrus production.

Hankey

Key agricultural hub supporting the valley's diverse farming operations.

Loerie

Essential link in the regional economic corridor supporting local trade.

Thornhill

Growing business node within the regional economic corridor towards Gqeberha.

Proven Impact & Advocacy

Since 2011, KBF has been the frontline advocate for business interests, securing tangible victories for regional growth and sustainability.

Municipal Rates Advocacy

In 2022, KBF successfully challenged and negotiated assessment rates, protecting Kouga businesses from excessive increases and ensuring a fair taxation environment.

View Official Proof

Water Incentive Scheme

A strategic partnership with local government that rewards businesses for sustainable water management, ensuring resource security and operational continuity.

View Program Details

Building Plan Amnesty

Our successful advocacy for building plan amnesty reduced bureaucratic hurdles, unlocking local development potential for hundreds of property owners.

View Proof of Action

Support the Voice of Kouga Business

Our advocacy work is funded entirely by our members. Join the Forum today to ensure we can continue representing your interests at the highest levels of government.

Join to Support Our Mission View Official Proof

Our Committee

Meet the dedicated team leading KBF's vision and operations.

Lieb Swiegers
Strategic Leadership

Lieb Swiegers

Chairman

Lieb provides strategic leadership as Chairman, bringing years of business expertise and a passion for Kouga's economic growth.

Johannes Barnard
Financial Oversight

Johannes Barnard

Vice-Chair & Treasurer

Johannes oversees financial stability and organizational operations, ensuring KBF remains a sustainable and impactful forum for all members.

Dries du Preez
Policy Advocacy

Dries du Preez

Executive Committee Member

Dries is a key member of the executive team, focusing on policy advocacy and strengthening relationships between business and local government.

Gerhard Wilsnacht
SME Innovation

Gerhard Wilsnacht

Committee Member

Gerhard is dedicated to fostering innovation and supporting small to medium enterprises in the Kouga region through KBF's initiatives.

Waldo van Niekerk
Industrial Relations

Waldo van Niekerk

Committee Member

Waldo leverages his extensive industry knowledge to help members navigate local business challenges and identify growth opportunities.

Frank Harpur
Community Engagement

Frank Harpur

Committee Member

Frank focuses on community engagement and ensuring that the voice of every business owner is heard within the forum's decision-making processes.

Susan Lottering
Membership Growth

Susan Lottering

Committee Member

Susan leads efforts in networking and membership growth, creating meaningful connections that help local businesses thrive and collaborate.

Ryno Matthee
Digital Transformation

Ryno Matthee

Committee Member

Ryno is passionate about youth entrepreneurship and digital transformation, bringing modern perspectives to the KBF committee's strategic goals.

Jaco Bothma
Brand Advocacy

Jaco Bothma

Committee Member

Jaco works to enhance KBF's visibility and impact, ensuring that the forum remains the primary advocate for business interests in the region.

Fred Kemp
Infrastructure & Sustainability

Fred Kemp

Committee Member

Fred brings a wealth of local experience to the committee, focusing on sustainable development and infrastructure improvements for Kouga businesses.

Join Our Community

Be part of Kouga's most active and engaged business network.

Ready to Grow Your Business?

Join hundreds of entrepreneurs who have already transformed their business through KBF's network and resources.

Apply for Membership