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Knysna has no mayor a week before local elections

Published

Ongoing: Elections Hot

The Western Cape town ends five years of coalition rule marked by sewage pollution, a water crisis and 10 acting municipal managers since 2021. Former mayor Thando Matika lost his ANC membership and now contests the election for the SACP.

A Western Cape government inspection in September 2025 found only 11 of Knysna's 67 sewer pump stations fully working. Of 136 pumps needed, 56 worked, 28 did not work, 50 had been removed and 2 were not assessed. In January 2026 the Akkerkloof Dam fell to around 15% capacity, which left the municipality 10 to 15 days of water supply.

ANC provincial spokesperson Sifiso Mtsweni said the party ended Matika's membership because he declined to serve on a party list and campaigned for another organisation. The ANC considers that misconduct. Municipal manager Lulamile Mapholoba is on precautionary suspension.

Jan van der Westhuizen, chairperson of the Greater Knysna Business Chamber, said Knysna is "really in trouble". He said consultants hired by the chamber found a water management problem, not a water problem. Businessman Andrew Stuart, a ward candidate, said the parties are so polarised that they cannot talk to each other.

The 21-member council has 8 DA seats, 7 ANC, 2 KIM, 2 PA, 1 EFF and 1 PBI. The council has committed R630 million over the next five years to environmental compliance and sewerage infrastructure. Oakhill School cancelled its Waterfront Chukka Festival in 2026.

Key facts

Who
Jan van der Westhuizen (Chairperson, Greater Knysna Business Chamber); Ron Weissenberg (Member, Accountability Group); Andrew Stuart (Businessman and ward candidate, Choose CX); Thando Matika (Former mayor of Knysna (ANC membership terminated; now contesting for SACP))
When
26 October 2026
Where
Knysna, Western Cape, Garden Route
Status
Reported

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