The current Kaws committee confirmed it received a written request for a special general meeting (SGM) shortly after one had already been held where members, according to the committee, "democratically elected" the existing committee.A summary of events in the possession of Knysna-Plett Herald shows that the SGM followed the resignation of chairperson Richelle Kohn in January.
According to the report, the committee remained undecided on appointing a new chairperson, and the SGM was called for the purposes of the "election of office bearers for the society," which took place on 7 May.
The summary further states: "According to the Kaws constitution, the notice calling a special general meeting must state the object for which the meeting is called, and no other business may be transacted at that meeting."
Despite this, members at that SGM also voted to reduce the number of committee members from nine to seven.
2nd SGM request
In response to Knysna-Plett Herald's enquiry, Kaws said the new request for another SGM came from individuals dissatisfied with the outcome of that election, including a member who had not been re-elected.
After seeking independent legal advice, the committee determined that the request did not meet constitutional requirements, as most signatories had only joined the organisation on the same day the request was received.
The committee deemed the attempt "a manipulation of the constitution".
Volunteer and donor Michel van Biljon, however, stated that the purpose of the proposed SGM was not a hostile takeover attempt, and that it was the committee that had manipulated the constitution - not the members.
She said they had only three committee members at the first SGM, which did not make up a quorum, but they did not call for an SGM even though the constitution requires it.
"Acting out of bounds of the Kaws constitution is acting out of bounds of the NPO Act, therefore making them non-compliant," explained Biljon.
"Our intention was to act in good faith and in the best interests of Kaws and its operations, for the benefit of the animals we all care about."
Resignations and governance challenges
Since the last AGM, four committee members have resigned. One stepped down for personal reasons, while two others resigned following alleged online harassment and public pressure.
One of those later rescinded their resignation after receiving an apology.
Controversy deepened when the committee revoked the membership of two individuals - including volunteer and donor Michel van Biljon - citing conduct "prejudicial to the welfare of the organisation".
However, Van Biljon's lawyer, Brett Stiebel, disputes the legality of the decision, claiming Kaws acted ultra vires and unlawfully.
He argues that the committee failed to provide evidence of wrongdoing and that the 17 October hearing was improperly chaired by a committee member, violating principles of impartiality.
"Any decision flowing from that hearing is null and void," Stiebel stated.
Despite the departures, Kaws maintains that all vacancies were filled through proper co-option and that the committee continues to function legally, holding quorate meetings in line with Clause 6.4 of the Kaws constitution.
Volunteer backlash and allegations of intimidation
Several volunteers and supporters have spoken out anonymously, alleging a culture of secrecy, intimidation and censorship within Kaws.
One long-term volunteer claimed that non-disclosure agreements were imposed on volunteers and that critics were removed from communication groups or threatened with legal action.
According to the report in Knysna-Plett Herald's possession, Van Biljon and Lucy Wood, have been banned from the premises, prompting outrage among supporters who praised their tireless work for animals in need.
According to another report obtained by Knysna-Plett Herald, a committee member allegedly defamed a volunteer in a public setting (WhatsApp group).
This has raised concerns among volunteers and other members, who question what they perceive as double standards within the organisation.While volunteers are allegedly being silenced and reprimanded, the committee member in question has reportedly not been held accountable. The rest of the board has also indicated that they do not intend to take any action regarding the alleged defamation.
SPCA monitoring and current welfare standards
The Garden Route SPCA confirmed that earlier inspections found hygiene and welfare issues at Kaws, but that a follow-up visit on 30 October showed "significant improvements", including cleaner kennels and better animal care standards.
The SPCA stated that it remains in a "guidance and monitoring phase" with Kaws to ensure continued compliance under the Animals Protection Act.At the time of going to press, Knysna-Plett Herald was awaiting an updated response from SPCA on the status of Kaws after their follow-up visit on 30 October.
Commitment to rebuilding trust
In a recent statement, the Kaws committee reaffirmed its "commitment to restoring trust and transparency", pledging to improve communication, complete audits, and consider independent governance oversight ahead of the upcoming AGM - to be held on 26 November - where many hope long-standing tensions will finally be addressed.
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