KNYSNA, Western Cape — Political parties are entering intense coalition negotiations following the confirmation of a Knysna hung council, as frustrated residents across the municipality urgently demand improved service delivery. Despite the Democratic Alliance (DA) securing the highest vote share, the failure to secure a majority has plunged the Garden Route town into another round of coalition politics, leaving communities to grapple with two decades of broken promises.
Communities Left in the Dark
While politicians prepare for negotiations, residents in areas such as Hornlee, Concordia, Khayalethu, and Greenfields are looking past the political maneuvering to demand basic necessities. In the Hornlee informal settlement, residents report having lived without electricity for four years. The community is forced to share communal taps and only two to three toilets for nearly 30 houses.
The lack of basic infrastructure has also led to a surge in safety concerns. Residents note that the unlit roads and dark streets have resulted in frequent break-ins, with passersby frequently throwing debris into the settlement.
Locals express deep frustration over unfulfilled political promises. An unnamed former ANC councillor and the previous mayor had allegedly promised the community electricity, even claiming to know how the funding would be secured, but the meetings were ultimately canceled. “We as a people don’t have a voice here,” one resident lamented.
The housing crisis is equally pressing. While developments on the local hill offer new housing, residents point out that these are strictly reserved for individuals earning a salary of R5,000 or more. Those earning less are excluded, forcing them to purchase their own building materials and construct their own homes because the municipality has failed to provide adequate housing. In Greenfields, the sentiment remains uniform: politicians must put the people first and abandon partisan politics.
The Coalition Conundrum
With nearly 20 years of failed coalitions in the municipality’s history, governance and coalition management have become critical focal points. A spokesperson emphasizing the mechanics of local coalitions noted that successful governance requires robust coalition management and dedicated conflict resolution committees. Because different parties enter the council with varying manifestos and distinct constituencies, the lack of proper management makes governing exceedingly difficult. The spokesperson expressed hope that negotiations will yield a stable coalition that truly serves the residents.
Party Spokespersons Outline Their Stances
As the political landscape shifts, various party spokespersons have outlined their priorities for the municipality:
- The DA Spokesperson stated that it is currently premature to discuss specific coalition plans. However, the spokesperson affirmed that all future decisions made by the party will be strictly aimed at improving the town and its residents.
- The SACP Spokesperson took a firm stance, declaring that the party is not desperate for leadership positions and is fully prepared to occupy the opposition benches if necessary. The SACP spokesperson vowed to root out corruption and criminality, specifically targeting a “smash and grab criminal network.” They identified a toxic nexus of corrupt politicians, councillors, service providers, and officials as the root cause of the town’s political and administrative collapse. Furthermore, the SACP spokesperson rejected alliances with right-wing forces such as the DNA and the Freedom Front Plus, insisting that any governing partners must be strictly committed to building people’s power and securing the right to work, safe drinking water, sanitation, roads, and safety for all.
Ultimately, the standoff in the Garden Route highlights a stark divide: while political parties vie for power, the residents of Knysna are simply asking for good governance, land, water, electricity, and a council that actually functions.
