The Western Cape Government recently decided to place the Knysna Municipality under administration in terms of Section 139(1)(c) of the Constitution. At a special Cabinet meeting, it resolved to dissolve the Municipal Council and appoint an Administrator with full executive and legislative authority until fresh elections are held within 90 days.
Premier Alan Winde said the decision was taken as a last resort after repeated failures in governance and service delivery. He stressed it was necessary to protect residents, restore stability, and ensure reliable services.
Local Government MEC Anton Bredell said Knysna has faced escalating crises despite years of support, including a Section 154 Support Plan, technical assistance, and millions in provincial funding. Chronic infrastructure breakdowns have left residents exposed to sewage spills, water shortages, and irregular waste collection.
A recent provincial assessment found that of 67 sewage pump stations, only 11 were fully functional, while nearly half were non-operational or missing pumps altogether. These failures have resulted in raw sewage flowing into homes, streets, waterways, and the Knysna estuary, creating severe health and environmental risks.
Despite interventions such as emergency water tankers, backup generators, and refuse vehicles, the municipality has not fulfilled its obligations, and conditions have continued to deteriorate.
“The situation has become untenable,” Winde said. “We must act in the interests of Knysna’s residents.”
Bredell added that recovery will take time but assured residents the province will work with national government, the Garden Route District Municipality, and local civil society to stabilise the municipality and prepare for fresh elections.
Premier Alan Winde said the decision was taken as a last resort after repeated failures in governance and service delivery. He stressed it was necessary to protect residents, restore stability, and ensure reliable services.
Local Government MEC Anton Bredell said Knysna has faced escalating crises despite years of support, including a Section 154 Support Plan, technical assistance, and millions in provincial funding. Chronic infrastructure breakdowns have left residents exposed to sewage spills, water shortages, and irregular waste collection.
A recent provincial assessment found that of 67 sewage pump stations, only 11 were fully functional, while nearly half were non-operational or missing pumps altogether. These failures have resulted in raw sewage flowing into homes, streets, waterways, and the Knysna estuary, creating severe health and environmental risks.
Despite interventions such as emergency water tankers, backup generators, and refuse vehicles, the municipality has not fulfilled its obligations, and conditions have continued to deteriorate.
“The situation has become untenable,” Winde said. “We must act in the interests of Knysna’s residents.”
Bredell added that recovery will take time but assured residents the province will work with national government, the Garden Route District Municipality, and local civil society to stabilise the municipality and prepare for fresh elections.
