Locals have their say at meeting
- The South African Rights Commission (SAHRC) recently conducted a successful report-back meeting in Knysna at the Hornlee community hall, facilitated by the local organisation Knysna Unite.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders to discuss ongoing investigations, engage with the community and address human rights concerns.
SAHRC representatives, including Aseza Gungubele and Western Cape SAHRC manager Zena Nair, provided an update on their activities.
They highlighted that they are preparing a report that encompasses discussions with Knysna Unite, findings from their investigations, and interviews conducted within the broader Knysna community. The SAHRC team undertook visits to various locations and interviewed multiple individuals in February.
Additionally, they mentioned an upcoming meeting with the mayor and the municipality to address the complaints they had received.
Knysna Unite presented several pressing concerns to the SAHRC during the meeting: 1. Water, sewerage and refuse removal crisis:
The ongoing crisis in these essential services were highlighted and the involvement of a single company at the centre of the issue was marked.
2. Unresolved financial losses: Frustration was expressed with Knysna Municipality's failure to take action in recovering millions of rands lost due to the negligence of their previous two security companies.
3. Corruption and maladministration:
Concerns regarding corruption, maladministration, and wasteful expenditure at the municipality were raised. They urged authorities to address the reports and investigations related to these issues.
4. Firefighting services: Knysna Unite
advocated for the establishment of a fire station in Hornlee and highlighted the disparity in firefighting services provided to poor and affluent areas.
5. Water tanks for poor households: The organisation called for the installation of water tanks in every economically disadvantaged household in Knysna.
6. Restoration of rail services: The need to repair the rail between Knysna and George was emphasised, as it would help mitigate the refuse removal problem and attract tourists to the area.
They specifically mentioned the desire to reinstate the Choo-Tjoe train service.
Apart from the issues raised by Knysna Unite, the community also drew attention to various human rights concerns.
These included housing and land issues in Old Place, Salt River, Noetzie, and other areas where forced removals had occurred. Additionally, the community expressed grievances against forestry landowners such as PG Bison, MTO and SANParks.
The SAHRC assured the community that they would continue investigating all the matters raised during the meeting.
They stated their intention to make appropriate findings and, if necessary, collaborate with other agencies such as the Public Protector or the Corruption Investigation Unit. As a last resort, legal action would be pursued.
The SAHRC said it is committed to working closely with Knysna Unite and encouraged community members to bring their concerns and issues to the organisation should they be unable to approach the SAHRC directly.