ADDRESSING water security, financial sustainability, sewerage and sanitation are among the priorities high up on the list of newly-elected Knysna mayor Thando Matika of the ANC.
He made the commitment to restore Knysna as a top-performing municipality following his uncontested election on Friday. He takes over from fellow ANC councillor Aubrey Tsengwa who was ousted during a recent motion of no confidence vote tabled by coalition partners the EFF.
In his acceptance speech, Matika reaffirmed his commitment to serving all residents and ensuring that the municipality remains focused on its core mandate - delivering essential services, maintaining financial stability, and fostering economic growth.
“He acknowledged the challenges facing Knysna but assured residents that these issues will be tackled head-on with urgency and dedication. To achieve these goals, he has invited the Municipal Manager, Directors, and all staff to work alongside him in ensuring efficient service delivery and strengthening governance. He has also called for unity, encouraging all political parties and stakeholders to work together in building a prosperous and well-governed town,” said the municipality.
Reacting to the election, community organisation Knysna United has since thrown its weight behind the new mayor, saying the change in leadership was long overdue.
“Knysna United is very happy that there's change. We have asked for the total removal of the corruption coalition, but we understand that we must learn to count our blessings. Councillor Matika is a young man of good character. We know he will try to do what he said he was going to do. If he will be successful is another matter, because he must still answer to his party bosses. Knysna United will give Mayor Matika a chance and will work with him,” said Knysna United chairperson Ralph Stander.
The DA said Knysna’s fortunes will not change under Matika.
“It is evident that former ANC Mayor of Knysna Aubrey Tsengwa’s removal, and incoming Mayor Thando Matika’s election were merely a reshuffle of the chairs on the Titanic to maintain the interests of the coalition of corruption and disregard those of Knysna’s residents. There remains no pathway to a stable alternative majority government in Knysna, and thus it was not possible for an alternate candidate to stand and win. This is the inevitable outcome of Knysna’s fractured council make up where small parties hold the balance of power, and which only allows the ANC/EFF/PA/PBI coalition to continue closing ranks to keep the coalition of corruption in government,” said DA Knysna constituency head Ryan Smith.
Cape Times