KNYSNA NEWS - The future of tourism entity Knysna & Partners was again discussed at a heated council meeting at which the deputy mayor Peter Myers publicly insulted the entity and, when challenged, stormed out of the council chambers.
A visibly upset Myers stated that the tourism function should be run by professionals and not, as he put it, “an incompetent and dysfunctional” board. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the item and the process and again questioned its legality, stating that he was “absenting“ himself and exited the chambers.
This he did without the permission of the speaker of Georlene Wolmarans, which constitutes a disciplinary hearing.
In an item serving on the supplementary agenda of the ordinary council meeting on August 11, the majority of councillors, irrespective of party affiliations, rose in support of the service level agreement (SLA) concluded between the municipality and Knysna and Partners on July 11, 2017. This agreement extends the relationship between the parties for a further 12 months and enables the tourism offices to remain open, avoiding the retrenchment of staff.
The supplementary agenda, which was added to the council agenda by municipal manager Kam Chetty, contained the report on the SLA, a copy of the SLA, and a recommendation that it, together with the fact that a deviation process was followed, be noted.
CONTROVERSY
However, the item was not without controversy. The meeting became tense as Myers queried the legality of the inclusion of the item. He accused the municipal manager, who had signed the agreement on behalf of council during recess, of effecting a “cheap conjuring trick” and not following due process.
Chetty responded by pointing out that, in view of the devastation caused by the fires, urgent action was required. He went on to say it would have been disastrous to close down the tourism offices and functions at the point in time when a clear message needed to go out, that Knysna was open for business.
Failing to act would have sent out the wrong message and discourage much-needed investment in Knysna, at a time when the town needed all the help it could get to help with the rebuild and healing process, said Chetty.
Legal advice had been taken prior to this meetings and any concerns raised in the working committees and by attorneys had been addressed in the agreement that was ultimately signed.
MANY INTERRUPTIONS
The municipal manager was interrupted on numerous occasions by the visibly agitated deputy mayor, who had to be called to order several times by the speaker.
Councillor Ricky van Aswegen from Cope then addressed council, stating that he trusts that the municipal manager did not act in haste, but in the best interests of the town. He pointed out that at times like these, the interests of the town must be put before the interests of the parties. He therefore supported the recommendations.
The mayor then rose and informed council that the working committee, which had been established before the fires to resolve this matter, had reached a deadlock, based on differing opinions. As the Knysna narrative after the disaster had to be that Knysna is “open for business”, it would have been disastrous to shut down tourism and retrench more people. In the light of these extraordinary circumstances and, after consultation with both national and provincial Treasury, she deemed it necessary that Knysna municipality conclude this agreement for a further 12 months, to ensure continuity.
This speech was warmly received, with applause from several of the public gallery members, who included the chairperson of Knysna & Partners, Elmay Viljoen-Bouwer.
OPPOSITION SUPPORT
Independent councillor Velile Waxa then rose and indicated his support for the recommendation, followed by councillor Titi Gombo, the chief whip of the ANC.
Gombo pointed out that the purpose and function of councillors are to collectively lead this town. She stated that leaders, even when disagreeing on political matters, should act constructively and not forget the interests of the town, which has been broken by the fire. She continued, saying, “The decision taken today must be for the people of Knysna – today is not about party politics. If the SLA had not been signed, then the current employees would be retrenched.”
The ANC declared its support for the recommendation.
Councillor Lavael Davis, the chief whip of the DA, stood up and formally distanced the party from the comments and opinions uttered and harboured by Myers. He stated, on behalf of the DA caucus, that "we agree with the decision of the accounting officer (municipal manager) and endorse the existence of the SLA agreement".
The item was concluded in the absence of Myers, where the existence of the SLA and the deviation were duly noted.
SLA SIGNED AND SEALED
Knysna & Partners will continue to represent Knysna tourism for another 12 months, in accordance with the SLA signed on July 11.
The agreement can be viewed as an annexure to the supplementary council agenda on the municipality's website.
STOP PRESS: At the time of going to print the regional chairperson of the DA, Jaco Londt, said a complaint against the deputy mayor had been received. "The provincial executive committee (PEC) referred the matter to the Federal Legal Commission (FLC), who will determine what processes should be followed. No further comment was given.
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