Latest news with #Knysna
The Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- The Herald
Ex-mayor Tsengwa to stand for ANC in Knysna by-election
Aubrey Tsengwa has been unveiled as the Ward 8 councillor candidate in the June by-elections in Knysna. Tsengwa was the Ward 8 councillor until he resigned just three months ago. His resignation came after an investigative committee recommended his removal from office. In April 2023, the provincial local government department established an investigative committee to examine multiple allegations against former mayor Tsengwa, former deputy mayor Alberto Marbi and former council speaker Mncedisi Skosana and provide recommendations. The investigation followed a council resolution in 2022 to create seven support staff positions in the offices of Tsengwa, Marbi and Skosana. Following his resignation, Tsengwa was suspended by the party after the ANC accused him of disrupting the party's business in the ward. Tsengwa, who is the ANC's acting chair, did not inform the party before his resignation. The by-election will be held on June 25, and other candidates vying for the position include Elmarie Maxim from the Knysna Independent Movement, who used to be a DA councillor and Vuyisile Sonjani from the MK party. The PA's Magdalena Moos is also contesting alongside Thozama Mali from the Land Party and Mkululi Pasi from the EFF. Local electoral project officer Sibusiso Ntshiba said the manual candidate nomination process closed on June 2 at 5pm while online applications closed at midnight. 'This phase involved submissions from political parties and has now transitioned to the internal processes of the IEC [Independent Electoral Commission], at this point, we are unable to confirm any further details as internal verifications are still under way,' Ntshiba said. The Herald
The Herald
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald
Rastafari fest returns with celebration of culture, unity, peace
News All welcome to visit cultural landmark in Knysna in July Premium By Siphokazi Mnyobe - 03 June 2025 The most vibrant and colourful winter celebration on the Garden Route, the annual Rastafari Earth Festival, is set to return from July 22-30 in Judah Square, Khayalethu — the largest Rastafarian community in SA. Rooted in the traditions, lifestyle and spiritual practices of the Rastafari faith, the weeklong festival honours the birthday of Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia...
The Herald
26-05-2025
- Politics
- The Herald
MEC removes Knysna speaker Skosana as a councillor
Western Cape local government MEC Anton Bredell has removed Knysna speaker Mncedisi Skosana as a councillor. Bredell announced his decision on Friday in a letter to Knysna mayor Thando Matika and municipal manager Lulamile Mapholoba. In April 2023, the provincial local government department established an investigative committee to examine multiple allegations against councillors and provide recommendations. The investigation followed a council resolution in 2022 to create seven support staff positions in the offices of Aubrey Tsengwa, Alberto Marbi and Skosana. The investigation recommended that Skosana, former mayor Tsengwa and deputy mayor Marbi, of the PBI, be removed from office. Bredell has also ordered Skosana to repay 20% of all allowances he received as a councillor and speaker. Bredell first requested the three to make representations to him on the recommendations, before taking action. Tsengwa and Marbi both resigned as councillors to avoid Bredell's sanctions. In his letter, Bredell said that the council resolution of the meeting of September 16 2022 to create support staff positions in the offices of the mayor, deputy mayor and speaker for political appointees breached the code of conduct for councillors. 'It is critical to state that as a councillor, Skosana was obliged to perform his functions honestly, in good faith, acting, at all times, in a transparent manner and in the best interests of the municipality, to ensure that the integrity and credibility of the municipality is not compromised,' Bredell wrote. 'In relation to the sanctions as recommended by the committee, and the seriousness of the infringement committed by your client, I concur to the sanction of removal as councillor. 'In addition, as to the recommendations of the fines by the committee, I resolve to impose a total fine of 20% of councillor Skosana's month's allowance which should be deducted from monies due and payable to him.' ANC Knysna regional spokesperson Moyisi Magalela noted the ruling delivered by Bredell and the findings of the investigation. 'We are currently studying the contents of the report and its implications, and we will engage with our legal representatives to consider all appropriate steps forward. 'It is important to note that Mr Bredell is a senior politician and a member of the DA. 'In light of this, we question the objectivity and impartiality of the investigation and its outcomes,' Magalela said. 'It is our considered view that the DA has continuously sought to destabilise the municipality, which is currently governed by a progressive coalition committed to service delivery and clean governance.' Meanwhile, DA Knysna constituency head Ryan Smith welcomed the decision. 'Councillor Skosana's dismissal comes as a result of the DA Knysna caucus's tireless multiyear fight to combat maladministration and corruption in our town. 'This included alerting the provincial department of local government of severe governance irregularities and misconduct under the ANC, PA, EFF, PBI coalition of corruption,' Smith said. The Herald
The Herald
24-05-2025
- The Herald
From seahorses ... to whales and winter specials
My first memory and encounter with a seahorse came in a capsule and it was a plaything for my children. The capsule got popped in water and then out of it emerged a tiny foam seahorse, and other little sea creatures. It wasn't until I came to Knysna that I found out seahorses do exist for real. This endangered species lives in our Garden Route estuaries, making this part of the world quite unique. Just don't think you are going to find one easily in the world because for the last 10 years I have been peering into the lagoon to see one, but I have never found sight or sound of one. I know of people who have, but it's a rare sighting. That's why when SANParks restocked its educational display tank in April the tiny creatures were greeted with much fanfare. Locals take their children to see them and visiting this tank is a bucket-list item for foreigners who know about them. The endangered Knysna seahorse ( Hippocampus capensis ) lives happily in this educational display tank at the South African National Parks (SANParks) office on Thesen Island, Knysna. This initiative to keep them in captivity forms part of SANParks' ongoing efforts to raise awareness about this unique species and to strengthen conservation education in the Garden Route National Park. It is also to educate people about the threats they face in the wild including habitat degradation and pollution. This Thesen Island SANParks office is one of the few locations in SA permitted to house and display captive Knysna seahorses. This seahorse is found naturally only in three estuaries in the world, Swartvlei (near Sedgefield), Knysna and Keurbooms (Plett) — all located within the Garden Route. The tank was restocked because the educational permit allows for the housing of up to 50 adult seahorses and the tank population had declined significantly in recent years, with fewer than three breeding pairs remaining by early 2024. The decline was primarily due to natural ageing, as most of the seahorses had exceeded their typical lifespan of five years. As part of a one-off restocking effort, SANParks researchers introduced six young adult seahorses from the Knysna Estuary to boost the tank's breeding population and enhance genetic diversity. This is in line with SANParks' Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) standing permit from the department of forestry, fisheries and the environment (DFFE) in conjunction with an exemption issued under the Marine Living Resource Act (MLRA) which stipulates the maximum numbers allowed to be stocked in the display tank and the specified conditions. These new additions are already contributing to improved breeding success, with recent signs of spawning offering hope for a sustainable, self-sustaining population in the display tank, SANParks reports. Seahorses got their name from the ancient Greek word 'Hippocampus,' which combines 'hippos' (horse) and 'kampos' (sea monster or sea animal). This name refers to their distinctive horse-like head shape. If you live here and haven't seen them (forget about finding them in the wild) you need to see them at least once — and it's a great outing if you have visitors. On that note, the Plett Ocean Festival takes place again from July 4 to July 13. 'Observe, Conserve, Preserve', is the theme of the fest taking place for the fourth year. The aim here is for people of all ages to learn more about the ocean. Rock pools come under the microscope, there are all sorts of talks on various sea creatures from whales to seals, there are plenty of activities and excursions for adults and children, ocean art workshops, you name it. A highlight will be the 'Ocean Aweh-ness Kids Club' which will kick off again as part of the young learner educational programme. The 'Black Mermaid Foundation' educational underwater workshops, where local children get sand between their toes in partnership with the Adopt-a-Swimmer organisation, opens up a whole new world of possibility for their futures. The Plett Ocean Festival is anchored around the Marine Science Symposium hosted from the Beacon Island Resort. A key objective of the symposium is to lead the discourse on ocean observation, conservation, preservation and action, both locally and in a broader sense. Researchers, marine biologists, oceanographers and conservationists will share their knowledge with guests during the fest. Of particular interest this year will be the latest updates on the Cape fur seal population and the rabies outbreak. Whales will be a hot topic since by then they will have arrived in the bay making their grand entrance breaching, lobtailing and spy-hopping. Ocean Blue Adventures reported on May 8 having seen the orcas back in the bay. The Plett Board Riders' Association is proud to present the Wedge Classic Surf & Bodyboarding Contest taking place from July 7 to 19 at Hobie Beach. The full programme is available and tickets went on sale in May. Check out this link for more details Then if you are coming to the Garden Route in the winter, there are really excellent winter specials on accommodation at CapeNature. From May until July 2025, select camping and glamping spots are 40% less. Take scenic walks, embark on epic hikes, and stay over in unique, comfortable and cosy accommodation offerings. CapeNature Garden Route accommodation includes the Goukamma Nature Reserve and charming self-catering cottages with wood-fired hot tubs and a choice of lodges tucked between the forest and the dunes — ideal for friends, families and couple. The Keurbooms Nature Reserve is a 10-sleeper perfect for a group of friends or family. It's one of my favourites because you need to canoe about 7km up the Keurbooms River to reach the accommodation and once you are there you are truly in nature. Then if you want to literally own a beach, the Robberg Nature Reserve is home to the one-of-a-kind Fountain Shack. You hike to this hut which sleeps up to eight guests. It's also ideal for small groups of hikers or families and an unforgettable experience. Treat yourself to winter bliss at any of CapeNature's reserve. Email for more information.
The Herald
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Herald
Great performances for EC drivers at Simola Hill Climb
There were some standout performances from Eastern Cape drivers at the 15th Simola Hill Climb in Knysna at the beginning of May. Gordon Nicholson in his Audi R8 V10 took part in his 11th Simola Hill Climb and continued his dominance in the A6 class that caters for standard production, road-going saloon cars with eight cylinders, and above that are naturally aspirated, by taking the class win with a personal best time of 46.517 seconds. He also finished fifth overall in the King of the Hill Shootout for road-going cars. This is the eighth time that Nicholson has achieved a class win, having previously competed in the A8 and A9 classes for hybrid cars in a BMW before he switched to the Audi R8. Dayaan Padayachey claimed his second class A5 for standard production, road-going saloon cars with five or six cylinders that are normally aspirated, in just his second year of competing in his magnificent Porsche Cayman GTS. In the B2 class for four-cylinder racing cars that are unlimited two-wheel drive vehicles with forced induction, Daniel Rowe was second behind his VW teammate Jonathan Mogotsi, in their VW Motorsport Polos GTIs, with East London's Owen Bridger in his Honda K24 in third. Another solid performance from Aldo Scribante saw him finish in third place overall in the B5 class for four-wheel drive cars with five cylinders or more in his Audi S4, His brother Silvio stormed to fifth place overall in the King of The Hill shoot-out for modified saloon cars in his ever-improving Audi RS3, followed by Wade van Zummeren, from East London, in his fire spitting Nissan GTR R34. In Friday's very wet classic car celebration, the powerful Nissan Skylines of Brent Watts and Rane Berry just couldn't find traction off the line, but provided many thrills as they sped up the hill, often drifting through the corners, but were unable to get into the class finals that were dominated by less powered front wheel drive vehicles. Neil Stephen took his rare 1972 Opel Manta to Simola for the first time and had an early scare when a pipe on the oil cooler came loose, and thus missed a few of the practice runs, which unfortunately cost him dearly and he wasn't able to make the class finals. The event was sadly marred by the tragic death of well-known competitor Pieter Joubert, who was killed after hitting a tree at high speed after his Lotus Exige left the road. Initial indications are that the car suffered steering failure.
