DA’s Knysna intervention under scrutiny

The ANC in the Western Cape says the provincial government's decision to place Knysna Municipality under administration is “informed by narrow party political interests" and was not the interest of the Knysna Community as a whole.

The party said the DA was unable to “stomach” the progress made by the ANC-led coalition in turning the Knysna Municipality around and indicated it will approach both the National Minister of Co-operative Government and Traditional Affairs, Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, as well as the National Council of Provinces Chairperson, Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane to set aside the attempted dissolution of the Knysna Council by Local Government MEC Anton Bredell.

This comes after Bredell announced the decision to dissolve the council and appoint an administrator on September 27, which would trigger fresh elections within 90 days to install new political leadership.

Bredell’s office on Friday said the decision followed a special provincial government cabinet meeting, citing service delivery issues including “repeated sewage spills, prolonged water shortages, and inconsistent refuse removal”. 

The municipality had been on a knife’s edge since June, when Bredell signaled his intention to intervene, citing “reasonable grounds” that it was failing to fulfill its executive obligations under the Constitution and other legislation.

Last month, the Knysna Municipality said it had responded to Bredell’s notice and was awaiting further correspondence. At the time, Bredell confirmed he was still “studying” the municipality’s response.

On Friday, Bredell’s spokesperson Wouter Kriel said: “After careful consideration of all available evidence, the Provincial Cabinet resolved to dissolve the Knysna Municipal Council and appoint an Administrator, who will assume all executive and legislative authority, with the support of the provincial government, until a newly elected Municipal Council is elected.” 

According to the MEC, by dissolving the council and vesting temporary authority in an “impartial Administrator” it will help with the swift implementation of “recovery strategies unhindered by entrenched political interests, mismanagement, or lack of oversight that may have perpetuated the decline”.

“The Administrator can enforce essential national standards for service delivery, impose recovery plans, assume responsibility for critical obligations such as budget approval and revenue-raising measures, and prevent actions prejudicial to the Municipality’s recovery. This external oversight not only stabilises immediate operations but also lays the groundwork for long-term governance improvements, culminating in fresh elections for a new Municipal Council better positioned to sustain accountable and effective local administration.”

The next step will be to notify Hlabisa and Mtsweni-Tsipane. 

Once the dissolution is confirmed, fresh elections will be held within 90 days of the dissolution taking effect, to reconstitute the council, the provincial government said. 

Knysna Municipality acknowledged receipt of the Bredell’s letter regarding the proposed dissolution of Council in terms of Section 139(1)(c) of the Constitution.

While not providing much details, Knysna Mayor Thando Matika said the council had resolved to pursue a “course of action” following the DA cabinet’s decision to place it under administration. 

“As stated on 27 June 2025, we fundamentally disagree with this course of action, as it is not in the best interests of Knysna or its people,” Matika said. 

“Council anticipated the Western Cape Provincial Cabinet’s decision and has already resolved to pursue a course of action. Residents are urged to be cautious of misinformation. Council has not yet been dissolved, and residents should rely solely on official communication from the Municipality,” the municipality added. 

Knysna municipality said they would issue a more detailed statement on the matter in due course. 

The ANC said in the last three months, the party had won two by-elections in Knysna and it was clear that the ANC continues to enjoy the support of the community.

"The only conclusion to draw is that Bredell and the DA cannot stomach the fact that the ANC-led coalition council has started to turn the municipality around. Secondly, they cannot stomach the fact that the business community is supporting the Mayor in his efforts to ensure that section 154 plan is a success. 

“We are acutely aware of the challenges faced by the Knysna municipality. This is exactly why the National and Provincial government initiated a section 154 support strategy towards the end of 2023. Deputy President Paul Matshatile also visited Knysna in early 2024 during the 6th administration along with Ministers of Co-operative Governance and Water and Sanitation. This visit was in support of the section 154 plan. The progress made is clear for all to see. All senior management positions have been filled as of April 1, 2025, bringing much needed stability. Each of these appointments were supported by MEC Bredell in terms of concurrence. A fully funded budget has been adopted for the 2025/2026 financial year. The Auditor General’s report for the 2023/2024 year has shown substantial improvement (unqualified with findings) from the previous year. A water services plan and a waste services plan have been adopted and working in partnership with the civil society and the Knysna Business Chamber, and solid progress is being made.” 

They called on the Minister and the NCOP to set aside the dissolution of the Knysna Council and to “continue supporting the section 154 intervention”. 

Meanwhile, Knysna United’s Ralph Stander said while they were uncertain about the idea to dissolve council, they were in favour of fresh elections. 

“We were not sure about the desolation of council but have always maintained that the only way to take over a council is (through) elections.

"Nothing has changed in terms of service delivery. The Mayor is a good guy and there are lots of good intentions, but maybe it's time for a sheriff with all the powers to come in and do whatever must be done. Knysna deserves better," he said. 

Cape Times