KNYSNA NEWS - "How much more time does Knysna Municipality need to get Knysna out of its broken state?" That's the question being asked by an increasingly frustrated resident, Lo-Anne Lewis, as homelessness, crime and infrastructure failures continue to plague the once-thriving coastal town. 

A recent exposé by Carte Blanche has intensified public scrutiny, with Knysnarians accusing the municipality of broken promises and repeated delays.

Among the most visible issues is the growing homeless encampment near the town's refuse station, a route frequently used by tourists heading to the Knysna Waterfront. In a letter to the mayor and municipal manager, Lewis said the worsening conditions, marked by filth and increased harassment, are threatening the town's reputation and its tourism-dependent economy.

"What exactly is being done? We have heard many promises that this was being dealt with, but nothing has happened after months of waiting. Our town is a dumpster fire. And you and your team need to fix it," said Lewis.

"How about facing the big problems head-on? Then perhaps the other parts will be easier to address. Fixing pipes and overflowing sewage everywhere is not quite going to cut it. And not even this is being done properly. Ridiculous temporary fixes down the walk on the estuary as an example."

Mayor responds
In response, Mayor Thando Matika acknowledged the mounting concerns and pointed to historical leadership gaps. "For the first time in five years, we have a full, permanent senior management team in place," he said. "We understand that residents are tired of waiting, but real change is finally under way."

Despite these assurances, residents are losing confidence and basic service delivery continues to lag. For many, this is just another sign of poor follow-through and a lack of urgency.

Over the past year, four potential shelter sites for the homeless were explored, but each was rejected due to community resistance or departmental objections. Matika said the Knysna Business Chamber has now joined forces with the municipality to find a workable solution.

Meanwhile, the municipality says, it has acquired 15 new water pumps and is retrieving others from service providers with provincial assistance. But temporary fixes to water and sewage systems, particularly along the estuary walk, continue to draw criticism.

The mayor pledged greater transparency, collaboration with neighbouring towns like George and Mossel Bay, and consistent public updates.

But for many, the message is clear: Knysna is out of time, and patience is running out.

Overflowing sewage and temporary pipe fixes visible down the walk on the estuary. Photo: Supplied

Photo: Supplied

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