Bredell yet to decide on intervention in Knysna Municipality
Image: Facebook
LOCAL government MEC Anton Bredell has yet to take further action after announcing in June his intention to intervene in the Knysna municipality, citing 'reasonable grounds' that it was failing to meet its executive obligations under the Constitution and other legislation.
Approached for comment on the status of the intervention, spokesperson for Bredell, Wouter Kriel said: 'Minister is still studying and applying his mind to the response received from Knysna Municipality."
Knysna Municipality said they have responded to the MEC.
"We have not received any further correspondence at this stage," said Knysna Municipality spokesperson, Christopher Bezuidenhout.
Late in June, Bredell said the notice issued to the municipality on June 26, details the municipality's persistent and ongoing failures to fulfil its executive obligations relating to delivering basic services, particularly in wastewater/sanitation management, water and refuse management.
"These failures are associated with and caused by systemic governance issues on the part of the municipality; council's failure of a prioritised response; prolonged infrastructure neglect; budget allocation decisions; accountability failures in the municipality's management of wastewater /sewerage, water provision, and refuse management.'
Shortly after Bredell's announcement, Knysna Mayor Thando Matika pushed back against the provincial government's plan to dissolve the municipal council, maintaining that Knysna is on the right path to recovery.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Matika last month said they had implemented structural reforms and enhanced service delivery since the Council adopted the Consolidated Executive Obligations Monitoring and Enforcement Framework (CEOMEF) in June 2024.
'The journey is far from over but Knysna is on the correct path. A series of administrative and governance improvements were undertaken,' the mayor said at the time.
Matika had highlighted key infrastructure improvements in 2024, including an upgraded waste transfer station and enhancements to water and sanitation systems. In response to a 2025 wastewater non-compliance notice, the municipality addressed mechanical faults, engaged stakeholders in a regulatory workshop, and committed to weekly effluent reporting and a coastal discharge permit application.
Knysna United said while officials were trying to turn things around, in their view most of the problems were endemic.
'We know the municipal manager and the new mayor are trying their best. It however is hard and most of the problems are endemic and definitely require some kind of intervention. We must all put Knysna first and if we do that then we must welcome intervention. The problem, however, is what kind of intervention. Are we talking about administration or about new elections or both? We will definitely support administration, maybe until the LGE 2026. In terms of new elections now, we are not sure and are busy consulting on this matter.
'We would want the administrator to prioritise the prosecution of all cases of corruption. Also to recover all wasteful and fruitless expenditures from whoever was involved. There must be consequence management,' said Knysna United's Ralph Stander.
Cape Times
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
Ministers under fire for tardy replies to parliamentary questions
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi as well as her Social Development counterpart Sisisi Tolashe are the latest ministers to find themselves having to explain themselves to MPs why they fail to provide responses to written questions within stipulated timelines. Image: Photographer: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers Minister are blaming the long time it takes to compile responses to written parliamentary questions for their delayed responses. This happens as parliamentarians are taking some ministers to task for failing to respond to written questions within the stipulated 10 days and the 10-day additional time. Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi as well as her Social Development counterpart Sisisi Tolashe are the latest to find themselves having to explain themselves to MPs, instead of being reprimanded in the sitting of parliamentary session when found to be on the wrong side of the rules. DA MP Janho Engelbrecht asked Kubayi to provide the reasons for not responding to his questions published on April 25 within the period stipulated by parliamentary rules. In her response, Kubayi said she took her responsibilities and accountability very seriously. 'I am aware of the Rule 145(5) which stipulates that Parliamentary Questions should be responded to within 10 working days. 'I would like to confirm that the reply was submitted to Parliament on 22 May 2025, however, due to the process of sourcing the required information as well ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the response, as a result, the tabling of the said reply was delayed,' she said. ActionSA MP Dereleen James enquired from Tolashe why she provided a reply to her written question only as late as 10 March, which was 12 working days from when the reply should have been provided. James asked whether Tolashe has found that her failure to respond within the stipulated time frame undermined parliamentary accountability and oversight as provided for in the rules of the National Assembly and the provisions of the Constitution. Tolashe said the delay with regards to the James' response was regretted and she apologised. She said the question required very extensive and detailed answers as it dealt with expenditures, to ensure that little or no mistake was committed. 'The nature of the question that the honourable member asked requires that we reconcile different records of all expenditures so that we can give an accurate account. The other issues were that (the) honourable member will realise that most of the officials are still new in the organisation; to recognise the need for asking for an extension while we compile her responses,' she said. This development comes as Parliament published a report of outstanding parliamentary questions for both and written reply on August 1. The report is prepared for submission to Leader of Government Business, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, to take up the non-compliance with affected ministers. It shows that a total of 3,282 written questions were asked as at May 30. At least 323 written questions were not responded to as at August 1.
eNCA
5 hours ago
- eNCA
City of Joburg told to address wasteful expenditure
JOHANNESBURG - National Treasury has sent a letter to the City of Johannesburg, warning the city about unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure to the tune of R22 billion. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has written to Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero. He's given him two weeks to address the issue. Former Joburg Mayor Mpho Phalatse says the current issues within the city of gold signal a collapse of good governance and a failure of internal controls. "For the minister to intervene proves that at a departmental level the heads are not doing their job. It means the MEC overseeing those portfolios are not doing their job. Additionally it shows that the cities council is frustrated from asking questions and not getting any response," she says. She said the city is currently on auto pilot with a lot of rampant looting and that it is time for someone to step in.
Eyewitness News
5 hours ago
- Eyewitness News
Why judicial Commissions of Inquiry are important for the functioning of democracy
Shireen Said 6 August 2025 | 11:46 The judicial commission of inquiry into corruption within the criminal justice system held a media briefing in Sandton, Johannesburg on 28 July 2025. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/EWN There is a lot of commentary in the public discourse, following the decision of the President to establish the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry tasked to inquire into, report on and make findings and recommendations concerning whether criminal syndicates, including but not limited to drug cartels, have infiltrated or exert undue influence over our law enforcement and justice system. Some people have criticised the decision of the president citing various reasons such as potential waste of taxpayers' money and others questioning the effectiveness and rationality of Judicial Commissions of Inquiry in general. It is important for members of the public to understand the nature and rationale for the establishment of Commissions of Inquiry. The first and the most critical reason being the obligation of the President to uphold, defend and respect the Constitution. The founding values of our Constitution, underpinned by the Rule of Law principles, require a government that is open and responsive, accountable, transparent and collectively outlines the principles for public administration, requiring professionalism, efficiency, and responsiveness to people's needs, whilst also encouraging public participation in policymaking. In establishing this Judicial Commission of Inquiry therefore, the President is legally obliged to uphold these constitutional principles. The other important factor that should not be undermined is the fact that one hallmark of a constitutional democracy is a populace that is educated about its rights and responsibilities. While South Africans possess a strong instinct to identify corruption and demand accountability, there remains a gap in engaging effectively with the systems designed for oversight. This is imperative to defend this constitutional democracy. An often-overlooked aspect of Commissions of Inquiry is their role in raising public awareness about widespread corruption. It is unavoidable that the impact of this Commission will be significantly shaped by media narratives throughout its duration, fostering critical discourse on the evidence presented and its implications. In this regard, the public must be fully informed and engaged with the intricate workings of this commission and how its outcomes will impact on their livelihoods and wellbeing. Commissions of Inquiry are integral to the political landscape of constitutional democracies, designed to uncover truths, expose systemic issues, and align governance with legal standards. They also serve as vital 'tools' in the 'toolbox' for constitutional democracies designed to be swift, responsive and effective. They are legal mechanisms designed to hold public officials accountable through inclusive and transparent processes. A Commission of Inquiry can make recommendations aimed at holding public officials accountable and restoring public trust in institutions. By their nature, these commissions play a significant role, providing essential insights into governance challenges and shaping responses to those issues. They are essential to strengthen the systems of governance and building open and accountable institutions. One of the primary advantages of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry is its ability to operate outside the limitations of regular governance systems, including the judiciary. These commissions are typically designed for efficiency, with clear timelines and the authority to summon witnesses and access documents. This capability is crucial for navigating the complexities of corruption and systemic challenges. Their public accessibility fosters long-term accountability and keeps the public informed about the extent of corruption, reducing opportunities for coverups. A Commission's independence is vital for its credibility and legitimacy, as the appointment of impartial leadership is essential. This contributes towards integrity governance and helps restore faith in the criminal justice system. By making constitutional principles more relatable and accessible, the public can better understand their roles within these processes, contributing to a more informed citizenry capable of holding governmental systems accountable. Ultimately, enhancing constitutional and governance literacy among citizens is crucial to combating corruption. The sore point that is always cited as a drawback to establishing Commissions of Inquiry is the issue of cost, yet it is essential to contextualise this investment against the far greater costs of corruption, illicit financial flows, and organised crime. Proper funding will enable them to function expeditiously with the necessary independence, capacity, and efficiency required to uncover the truth, hold wrongdoers accountable, and make credible recommendations for reform. Past experience has shown that well-resourced commissions have the potential to significantly transform governance, expose systemic failures, and guide institutional reforms. The cost of inaction is likely to have far more damaging effects that will extend beyond financial loss affecting national security, social security and overall wellbeing. The landmark case of Corruption Watch and Another v The Arms Procurement Commission has established a new legal framework for Commissions of Inquiry in South Africa, drawing from international best practices. Findings from such commissions can be challenged in court, ensuring that all evidence is scrutinised and validated. Their public nature – where proceedings are often broadcast live and are widely reported on in the media – help to ensure transparency. It also presents an opportunity to leverage technology for enhanced public engagement with legal processes and constitutional rights. What is indisputable is the fact that the public deserves a speedy yet meticulous process and the expeditious implementation of the findings of this commission will be critical to restoring faith in the criminal justice system. The statistics are quite scary, and this process should contribute to getting the country out of the doldrums. For instance, South Africa currently scores 65.9 out of 100, ranking 4th out of 54 countries in Africa according to the Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG). This score, while above the continental average of 49.3, reflects a decline in certain governance areas, particularly in rule of law and civic participation. T The 2022 IIAG report indicates that from 2012 to 2021, South Africa experienced challenges that have eroded public trust in governance institutions. Furthermore, the 2024 Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index places South Africa at a score of 41 out of 100, ranking it 82 out of 180 countries, highlighting ongoing struggles with public sector corruption. A recent Human Sciences Research Council survey revealed that public trust in the police has plummeted to an all-time low of 22%, underscoring the urgent need for reform. This Commission of Inquiry could be a pivotal moment for South Africa, elevating the discourse on governance and accountability and helping to address the deepening crisis in a justice system. As we navigate this pivotal moment, we must collectively garner all efforts to safeguard our constitutional democracy. Advocate Shireen Said Deputy Director General: Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
