A mosque for Knysna

KNYSNA NEWS - The proposed Islamic Centre for Knysna may soon be realised.

A media statement in this regard was recently issued by the Knysna Municipal Communication Department.

A Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee meeting was held on Monday, May 18 at the council’s chambers in Clyde Street. During the meeting, it was discussed that a total of 457 people were for the development of the Islamic centre in Rawson Street and 1 504 people objected.

According to Georlene Wolmarans, Knysna’s executive mayor, "All relevant procedures have been followed and all relevant regulations have been adhered to. And while many objections have been raised against the application, it also attracted a lot of support from across the country."

She continued, "As South Africans we are quick to mention how tolerant we are. And, truth be told, our history should have taught us that tolerance is essential to the growth and prosperity of our country. But recent national events have shown we lack a basic expression of tolerance. I am proud that Knysna can stand with its head held high as it accepts all members of its community. We can only create a town where people and nature prosper once we embrace all facets of our diverse community."

Some of the issues raised in the past about the proposed centre were the noise factor and the impact the centre may have on traffic. Residents were especially concerned about the first pre-dawn call to prayer, when many holidaymakers will still be sleeping. Objectors also raised their concerns about the traffic congestion that the centre may cause, especially on Friday afternoons when members gather to pray. The Islamic centre will also house an educational facility which was also a traffic concern.

At the meeting, the Knysna municipal manager made the following recommendations:

That the applicant shall submit an application for departure on order to have parking bays closer than 4.6m from the street boundary.
The amplified broadcasting of prayers or any other form of external broadcasting shall be prohibited.
Final building plan approval shall be in accordance with the final comments of the Architectural Review Committee.
A minimum of eight parking bays shall be provided on the premises.
The height of 17m in respect of the minarets and the height of 14m in terms of the dome must be adhered to.

According to Wolmarans, the recommendation will now serve before the mayoral committee and thereafter at the next ordinary council meeting for final deliberation, on May 28.

Even though Knysna-Plett Herald had on numerous occasions requested an illustration depicting the proposed centre, the Knysna Muslim Council has not been forthcoming in this regard.

Click here for previous articles:

ARTICLE: INGRID LEHMENSICH-BOTHA, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD CORRESPONDENT.

'We bring you the latest Knysna, Garden Route news'