DA presses on with interventions in Knysna, as ANC/PA/EFF coalition deepens mismanagement

Anton Bredell, the Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning, has highlighted the myriad challenges facing Knysna Municipality and outlined the support measures initiated by the Western Cape Government (WCG) to address governance, financial, and service delivery issues persisting throughout 2023.

Governed by an ANC-led coalition in collaboration with the EFF, PA, and local parties, Knysna Municipality has faced severe neglect of public infrastructure and a degradation of public finances, raising concerns about its ability to deliver essential services.

According to insiders, the conditions the PA demand in coalition negotiations are exclusively around access to lucrative tender portfolios, opening up opportunity to graft.

Knysna Municipal Manager, Ombali Sebola, responded to allegations of “mafias” infiltrating structures, urging the public to report concerns to the South African Police Services. The municipality remains committed to transparency and the rule of law, actively engaging with the provincial government to address service delivery challenges.

Minister Bredell labeled Knysna Municipality a “cautionary tale of service delivery decline,” citing water, sewage, and waste removal challenges during the recent summer holiday period. These issues occurred at a time when the town, once a proud holiday destination, should have been showcasing its best to visitors and residents.

The challenges presented to the provincial cabinet encompass governance, service delivery, and financial concerns. In terms of governance, the municipality’s questionable senior appointments, failure to adhere to minimum qualifications, and the creation of unlawful political positions have all contributed to its current state.

During the holiday period, Knysna faced significant sewage spillages, water supply disruptions, and waste removal interruptions. Minister Bredell outlined the WCG’s intervention, including coordinating water tankers and refuse removal trucks from neighboring municipalities. The municipality is also considering reallocating funds for infrastructure projects, such as an additional water reservoir, to address long-term water security.

The financial health of Knysna Municipality declined, resulting in a qualified audit outcome for the 2022/23 financial year after achieving unqualified audits for the previous four years. Minister Bredell affirmed the WCG’s commitment to providing financial advice and support to the municipality, emphasizing the importance of this offer being taken seriously.

A draft diagnostic assessment report, covering governance, service delivery, and financial challenges, has been completed and will be presented to the Knysna Council. If approved, this report will serve as the foundation for a support plan that the municipality must implement with the assistance of the WCG.

Minister Bredell acknowledged the difficulties faced by Knysna residents, expressing awareness of their frustrations. Premier Alan Winde, chairing the cabinet meeting, labeled the situation in Knysna as “completely unacceptable” and emphasized the need for decisive action.

Waste collection and clearance issues in 2023, including garbage piling up in the streets and water supply disruptions, have been attributed to the ANC-led coalition, termed the “coalition of corruption” by the opposition DA coalition.

While the diagnostic report is awaited, Premier Winde reiterated the Western Cape government’s commitment to supporting Knysna Municipality, recognizing it as a separate sphere of government that must be held accountable by residents. Despite the challenges, the Western Cape remains a province of hope, according to Premier Winde, committed to addressing long-term issues and meeting the needs of its residents.

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