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In late June, Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, issued the notice to intervene in Knysna Local Municipality under Section 139 of the Constitution.
If implemented, Knysna could be placed under administration, triggering elections in all 11 municipal wards within 90 days.
The Garden Route town, known for its lagoon, forests, and the Knysna Heads, has long struggled with governance and service delivery issues affecting its 100,000 residents.
Reports since 2018 have detailed repeated sewage spills, chronic water shortages, and erratic refuse removal, all of which have harmed residents, businesses, and the environment.
Recently, residents told BusinessTech they were without running water for weeks due to pump failures. Water had to be supplied by NGOs like Gift of the Givers.
The municipality acknowledged that the crisis was preventable, citing poor planning and maintenance, but it was resolved with the support of groups like the Knysna Infrastructure Group (KIG).
Community members began filling the service delivery gap themselves, at personal cost, bringing some meaningful improvements.
Still, the provincial government has grown frustrated at the continued burden placed on residents.
“The notice issued to the municipality… details the municipality’s persistent and ongoing failures to fulfil its executive obligations relating to delivering basic services, particularly in wastewater/sanitation management, water and refuse management,” said Bredell.
The MEC listed the root causes as:
- Governance failures within the municipality.
- Council’s delayed response to crises.
- Prolonged infrastructure neglect.
- Faulty budget allocation decisions.
- Weak accountability in core service areas.
These factors have worsened conditions in Knysna, prompting some citizen-led interventions. Yet Bredell maintains that a structural fix is needed.
“Despite various interventions, the municipality has not prioritised addressing its executive obligation failures,” he said.
“Consequently, the situation continues to deteriorate, even with the assistance from the national and provincial governments.”
“The quality of municipal services is worsening over time… It is foreseeable that basic service delivery will continue to degrade unless the WCG intervenes,” added Bredell.
Knysna is currently governed by an ANC-led coalition, including the PA, EFF, KIM, and PBI, holding 13 of the 21 council seats.
Council response and reactions
Not everyone agrees with the move to dissolve the Knysna Council, including the apolitical, community-led Knysna Infrastructure Group (KIG).
KIG partners with the municipality to address urgent infrastructure challenges, particularly around water, sewage, and roads.
They raise private funds, mobilise volunteers, and provide technical expertise to supplement municipal efforts while holding authorities accountable.
Eugene Vermaak from KIG told BusinessTech that the group is “not in agreement in dissolving the Knysna Council at this late stage and so close to the new local government elections in 2026.”
KIG argues that such a move would plunge the town into 4–5 months of uncertainty, ultimately bringing back mostly the same councillors and officials through by-elections, with little to no meaningful change.
Instead, they point to recent progress made in 2025. Vermaak noted that all director posts have been permanently filled for the first time in years, and that the new mayor, deputy mayor, speaker, and MPAC chair are “making a positive impact.”
“KIG calls on all National, Provincial and Local Political Leadership not to use Knysna as a political platform,” he said.
“KIG has proven that collaboration, working together towards a common goal, will serve Knysna and its residents best. The recent water emergency and the resolving thereof with the KIG’s facilitation and collaboration is proof of the success that can be achieved.”
“Knysna is fortunate enough that we have every professional skill required in town, which though the KIG can be harnessed at no cost to the KM.”
“All we need is the political will, the collaborative approach and proper project management skills,” said Vermaak.
Executive Mayor Thando Matika responded to MEC Anton Bredell’s notice of intent to place the municipality under administration, saying it “merits a clear, factual and balanced response.”
“This municipality has not stood still,” he said, citing the CEOMEF plan adopted in June 2024 and listing achievements such as governance reforms, senior appointments, and infrastructure rehabilitation.
Matika highlighted improved waste management, smart metering, and progress on sewer and water systems.
“We are not waiting to be rescued,” he said, affirming Knysna’s readiness to accelerate its turnaround through collaboration.
