KNYSNA NEWS - The Hornlee Summer Sports Festival had to be cancelled at the last minute due to the unavailability of the Hornlee sports field, leaving the local sporting community frustrated.
Organisers and sports clubs say they have repeatedly raised concerns with Knysna Municipality about the poor condition of the grounds - including potholes, unsafe courts and deterio-rating facilities, but no action has been taken to date.
The festival, scheduled from 19 to 21 December, would have marked its ninth year and has long been a key platform for youth sport, community development and local economic activity.
Celeste Wabanie, the festival's founder, expressed her disappointment, noting that despite years of applying for funding from municipal, provincial, and national departments, no financial support has materialised.
"All proceeds from the festival are reinvested in the community, and now the community is left with nothing," she said.
Ashkin Klein, director of rugby at the Titans Rugby Academy and a member of the Knysna Sports Council, said the cancellation highlights a recurring problem for community sports organisations.
Wabanie had been assured the field would be available, but players attempting to train in the week leading up to the event, 19 December, were told the grounds would remain closed until January 2026.
Potholes abound at the Hornlee sports ground. Photo: Celeste Wabanie
According to Klein, Knysna Mayor Thando Matika appeared unaware of the sudden closure of the sports field and the festival's cancellation.
He also noted past issues, including the 2024 cancellation of the Titans Rugby Academy's Knysna 7s tournament due to double-booking, which led to the loss of R1m international sponsorship.
Klein raised concerns about unequal treatment, pointing out that Loerie Park remained open with white youth playing tennis and cricket while Hornlee's facilities were closed.
Attempts to secure clarity and municipal intervention have failed to materialise. The cancellation has reignited calls for transparency, accountability, and equitable access to community sports facilities.
At the time of going to print, no official comment had been received from the Knysna Municipality.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
