Knysna has the blues

- Knysna residents united on 29 February to show their frustration with the dysfunctional local government of the town.

Led by the Democratic Alliance (DA), the protesters urged the municipal manager Ombali Sebola and mayor Aubrey Tsengwa of the ANC to resign.

The gathering started at 15 Spring Street and moved along central town, ending in front of the Knysna Municipality's building in Queen Street.

The protest highlighted the numerous issues that have plagued the town in recent times. Residents slammed inadequate service delivery and a lack of transparency in local decision-making processes.

They said if the MM and the mayor resigned it would be a step towards addressing the serious problems and help restore faith in the local government.

The residents' determination to bring about change was palpable as they marched through the streets, chanting slogans and carrying placards demanding accountability. It is hoped that this show of solidarity and resolve will motivate the local government to pay attention to the requests for change and take the required action to address the citizens' concerns.

The memorandum demanding the resignations was handed over to Sebola.

DA Councillor Jason White said following action by the DA, Sebola's appointment is subject to judicial review in the Western Cape High Court. "Basic service delivery has all but collapsed under this uncaring coalition government, and the municipality is unable to meet its financial commitments."

The municipality did not issue a statement in reaction to the memorandum.

The protest was led by the DA and highlighted residents’ frustrations with the town’s ongoing water and waste crisis.

Protesters gathered outside the municipal building.