‘Premeditated chaos’: ANC hits back at DA over Knysna dissolution

The African National Congress (ANC) in the Western Cape has formally challenged the provincial government’s decision to dissolve the Knysna Municipal Council.

They are appealing to Velenkosini Hlabisa, the Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and the National Council of Provinces to set aside the decision.

The dissolution, set for September 27, 2025, has sparked a contentious political debate between the ANC-led coalition in Knysna and the Democratic Alliance (DA)-controlled provincial government.

The DA argues that its decision is a practical response to persistent governance failures, while the ANC maintains that the municipality has made measurable progress and that the dissolution threatens to undo recent gains.

Speaking to Newsday, ANC Western Cape spokesperson Khalid Sayed called the move a “premeditated, politically motivated attack aimed at plunging an improving municipality into instability.”

“We are not saying that there are no challenges in the municipality. However, there has been significant progress since the new ANC-led coalition took over.”

“Premier Alan Winde, who is from Knysna, and the DA cannot come to terms with the fact that they do not have a majority in the town.”

Mayor Thando Matika echoed these concerns, stating that the council “disagrees with the provincial decision” and believes it is “not in the best interests of Knysna or its people.”

Matika said progress made includes filling all senior management positions as of April 1, 2025, adopting a fully funded 2025/2026 municipal budget, and improving the Auditor-General’s 2023/2024 report.

He also noted the successful adoption of water and waste services plans, reflecting “solid progress” in partnership with civil society and the Knysna Business Chamber.

“From infrastructure rehabilitation and audit remediation to environmental enforcement and institutional upskilling, our progress is documented, measurable and continuous,” Matika said.

The ANC-led coalition, which includes the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Patriotic Alliance (PA), and Knysna’s local PBI party, expressed “full confidence” in its ability to improve service delivery, water provision, sanitation, and waste management in the municipality.

Sayed said recent by-election victories show that the community continues to support its governance.

“This has nothing to do with governance and the people of Knysna. It has everything to do with regaining control by any means necessary,” said the spokesperson.

“It’s premeditated chaos and residents will suffer because of this instability.”

He said that the ANC and the Mayor written to the Minister and engaged with ANC members of the NCOP, who are now embarking on a process to see if they will set the dissolution decision aside.

A necessary move – DA

The Western Cape Provincial Government, however, maintains that the dissolution is necessary.

Confirmed at a special Provincial Cabinet meeting, the intervention is attributed to “extensive service delivery failures and concerns that the municipality is unable to meet its constitutional obligations to residents.”

MEC Bredell cited repeated sewage spills, prolonged water shortages, and inconsistent refuse removal as critical factors driving the decision.

Winde described the intervention as “an act of last resort,” with an administrator expected to assume full executive and legislative authority to stabilise the municipality and implement recovery plans “unhindered by entrenched political interests, mismanagement, or lack of oversight.”

Dave Bryant, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Local Government, dismissed the ANC’s allegations of political interference as “unsubstantiated,” asserting that the MEC’s role is “completely apolitical and the decision is backed up by clear information detailing the reasons.”

Levael Davis, DA Knysna Caucus Leader, supported the dissolution as “the only path to restore proper service delivery and good governance to our community.”

Davis highlighted ongoing issues including daily sewerage overflows, unreliable water supply, chronic staff vacancies, and poor contract management, arguing that “when councillors fail their fundamental duty, change isn’t just needed—it’s essential.”

He urged the ANC and its coalition partners to “abandon their costly legal interdict.”

The constitutional framework allows for the dissolution to take effect within 14 days unless overturned by the National Minister or NCOP.

If implemented, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) will organise fresh municipal elections within 90 days.

Until then, the ANC-led coalition continues to contest the decision through legal channels.

Millionaire hotspot town placed under administration

Mixed reactions

The debate has also drawn reactions from local civic groups.

Knysna United’s Ralph Stander said that while they were uncertain about the idea of dissolving council, they were in favour of fresh elections. 

“We were not sure about the desolation of council but have always maintained that the only way to take over a council is elections.

“Nothing has changed in terms of service delivery. The Mayor is a good guy and there are lots of good intentions, but maybe it’s time for a sheriff with all the powers to come in and do whatever must be done. Knysna deserves better,” he said. 

The Accountability Group, a key advocate for the dissolution, launched a court application in November 2024 to disband the council, pointing to persistent service delivery failures and political instability.

Their legal efforts, which underscored the need for decisive action, align closely with the provincial government’s intervention to address the council’s governance challenges.

The Knysna Infrastructure Group (KIG), represented by Eugene Vermaak, expressed concern over dissolving the council “at this late stage and so close to the 2026 local government elections.”

KIG warned that such a move could cause “four to five months of uncertainty,” potentially disrupting municipal services.

Vermaak called for collaboration across all political levels, urging, “KIG calls on all National, Provincial and Local Political Leadership not to use Knysna as a political platform.”

The Greater Knysna Business Chamber, while not taking a stance on the dissolution itself, emphasized its commitment to supporting Knysna’s economic and social well-being, regardless of the administrative outcome.

The chamber continues to advocate for effective governance to ensure the town’s prosperity.