ActionSA writes to Premier Winde urging swift action to prevent imminent collapse of Knysna
4 January 2023
ActionSA has written to the Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, expressing our deep concern as the shocking state of governance and service delivery in Knysna has further deteriorated over the festive season.
Following the Premier’s Facebook post on 27 December 2023, acknowledging the crisis facing the town, we find encouragement in his apparent contemplation of ‘appropriate action.’ However, we must emphasise the situation’s urgency and call upon the Provincial Government to take swift action, dissolve the council without delay, and place the Municipality under administration.
We are aware of the political appeal for the DA-led province to highlight Knysna’s failure as an example of ANC-led lousy governance. However, it is simply unfair to the residents of Knysna for the province not to intervene urgently as the town faces collapse. This is particularly true since the decline began under a DA-led coalition, where clean audits became a thing of the past, and political interference led to the absence of a stable and competent administration.
Regrettably, we have witnessed the exodus of competent staff and the shameless appointment of cadres, rendering the Knysna Municipality dysfunctional. Consequently, the once-prized gem of the Garden Route has devolved into a leaderless, rudderless cesspit.
As a result, sewage is streaming down residential streets and into the estuary. Refuse collection is sporadic, causing delays that lead to bags being torn open by scavengers and ibises, scattering refuse across the streets. The waste transfer stations are not being serviced, and piles of refuse welcome visitors entering Sedgefield and passing by the waste transfer station in Knysna.
We are particularly concerned that the Municipality is often unable to provide access to potable water, which is an infringement of a basic human right, and electricity outages are frequent, with the Municipality being unable to combat vandalism despite millions being spent on security.
Emergency numbers frequently go unanswered, and the councillors have proven themselves incapable of leading or providing solutions, which is their mandated responsibility.
ActionSA deems this an entirely unacceptable state of affairs and demands urgent intervention. Therefore, we have written to the Premier to demand the council’s dissolution and to appoint a competent administrator to remedy this crisis.
Issued by Julie Seton, ActionSA Knysna Constituency Chairperson, 4 January 2024
