What exactly is AfriForum and what does it do?
A vast number of people do not know what AfriForum stands for and what its purpose is, say the group - and that is evident from the online reaction to an article in last week's Knysna-Plett Herald.
AfriForum was responsible for fixing a part of the railing on the N2, an article which was published on 11 April, and while some people expressed their gratitude online, some accused AFriForum of having a political agenda.
"Many are still under the impression that it is a political party, which can't be further from the truth," says Schalk van der Merwe, chairperson of AfriForum in Knysna.
"Firstly, it is a civil rights organisation," he explains. "The capitulation of local and national government created a need for a civil rights movement to look after the interests of all South Africans, and led to the establishment of AfriForum.
"Secondly, it is an a-political organisation, contrary to what many people think. Thirdly, it is colourless and assists citizens of all races."
AfriForum currently has over 300 000 members in South Africa and branches in a vast number of towns and cities throughout the country.
The organisation established a Knysna branch just over a year ago and this branch already has 200-plus members and a fully functional management structure in place.
The current team members are chairperson Schalk van der Merwe, deputy chairperson Piet Janse van Rensburg, secretary Karen Griffiths, treasurer Rethea Lombaard, Fanus Brink is in charge of local affairs and municipal matters, Louise Lombaard is involved in youth issues, Chris van der Merwe in environmental affairs and Mornay Bouwer deals with safety issues. Cheree Rietchard is involved with social media.
"AfriForum relies and functions solely on input from volunteers and therefore we need all the assistance financially and support for various important projects," says Van der Merwe.
One of their current projects is refurbishing the handrail on the N2 in association with Revive Knysna. The first and second second phases, from the Kwikspar to Waterfront Drive, approximately 570m, have been completed.
"Collaboration is the future for communities to rectify that which municipalities neglect and/or are not competent to do," says Van der Merwe.
"Revive Knysna has done some sterling work in Knysna and we have dovetailed well with them on this project."
Community members who care about the gentrification of their town are invited to join AfriForum as members or just to support their cause with donations, materials
or to help out. See the AfriForum Knysna Facebook page. To join or to get more information, call 082 8912 476 or e-mail voorsitter.knysna@afriforumtak.co.za.
"AfriForum strives to be a catalyst for change in South Africa, promoting equality and fostering community engagement. By joining forces, we believe that communities can work together to rectify issues and make a lasting impact. Be part of the change," says Van der Merwe.