English and Afrikaans soundbites by Jan de Villiers MP.
The water crisis in Knysna did not happen overnight. Until 2022, the town was governed by a DA-led coalition, ensuring stable services and responsible management of municipal resources.
Under our leadership, basic services were delivered, infrastructure maintained, and water supply reliably managed.
Unfortunately, political opportunism dismantled this stability. The DA was the largest party in Knysna after the 2021 elections, but due to a split vote, the PA crossed the floor to partner with the ANC, EFF, PBI and KIM – one and two seat parties that have minimal support but are able to hijack the politics of the municipality.
Since taking power, this coalition has overseen a rapid decline in governance, leaving residents without basic services and forcing provincial intervention. In 2024, the Western Cape Government had to step in as the municipality lost control of refuse collection. That same year, a decomposing body was found in a water reservoir, highlighting the depth of systemic failure.
The Western Cape Government did everything in its power to place the municipality under administration, in terms of section 139 of the Constitution. This was a difficult but necessary decision to rescue the town from a collapse in services.
However, placing the municipality under administration was blocked by the ANC and other small parties in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), the upper house of parliament, when the ANC and other small parties voted against the Western Cape government proposal to place the municipality under administration.
Knysna now faces both a critical water shortage due to low rainfall and contamination from municipal mismanagement. The Akkerkloof Dam, the town’s main water source, is at just 15% capacity, leaving a dangerously low buffer.
Despite this, the Western Cape Government is doing everything possible to save what can be saved. MEC Anton Bredell and the Joint Operations Committee are implementing urgent measures, including developing springs, refurbishing existing boreholes, accessing private boreholes, and ensuring water conservation measures are enforced.
The DA delivers clean, accountable local government that delivers for all residents. This has been confirmed by surveys, auditor-general reports, and even President Ramaphosa. The DA has tabled proposals to parliament to stabilise coalitions by limiting motions of no confidence, raise seat thresholds, and prevent opportunistic “kingmakers” aim to ensure voters’ mandates are respected and communities are protected.
The situation in Knysna is a painful reminder of what happens when micro parties are able to hijack local governance for their own interests. Residents deserve a government that delivers, not one that collapses under corruption and opportunism. The DA calls on voters to support leadership that restores order, protects essential services, and prioritises the needs of communities.