Category Archives: Guest Posts / Press Releases

Interesting political and social commentary posts from sources other than blog author, Mike Hampton.

Knysna Allowed to Trade Alcohol on Sundays

Mike Hampton Posted on by

Socio-economic benefits are expected for the greater Knysna municipal area as a direct and indirect result of a new alcohol by-law that allows licensed premises to trade on Sundays and hours suitable to the hospitality industry. Knysna Mayor Georlene Wolmarans said the Knysna Municipality By-law on Liquor Trading Days and Hours was promulgated in mid-December according to the Western Cape Liquor Act, Act 10 of 2010, Section 59(1), which provides for municipalities to determine their own trading days and hours for businesses licensed to sell alcohol, within their area of … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Removal of Sludge from Knysna Estuary

Mike Hampton Posted on by

The Knysna Municipality is planning general maintenance and clearing, including the removal of sludge from reed beds, adjacent to George Rex Drive at the Vigilance Drive turn-off. Knysna Municipal Manager, Lauren Waring, said the activities complimented the first phase of upgrades at the sewage plant and formed part of projects identified to reduce pollution in the lagoon. “An environmental management plan has been submitted to the national Department of Environmental Affairs in Pretoria. Work will start once we received approval from them.”

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The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

An Incredible Letter to the ANC

Mike Hampton Posted on by

Facts are not treated as facts in South Africa when it comes to questioning the government and political parties. It is especially tiring and frustrating for me, as a white activist, to continually hear black ANC and ANCYL leaders blaming their current mistakes on historical apartheid. Apartheid sucked and fuelled disparity – no one doubts that! But disparity is deep in most countries around the world, determined globally by power and greed, not race. And, in South Africa, i am only in a 9% demographic of the population. The other … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

The Cyclist Who Was Killed in Knysna

Mike Hampton Posted on by

I was thankful when Mike Wood wrote this blog about Joseph Moyo, the Malawian cyclist who was run over and killed last Friday. Too often, the personal aspect is overrun by the situation. I have great respect for Malawians i’ve worked with. They work damn hard, their primary goal to support their families. It’s enrages me that they have experienced xenophobia in Knysna. The fact that they seem to have taken over gardening in our town is not theft of jobs (as they’ve been accused of) but owed to their … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Is Knysna Sinking?

Mike Hampton Posted on by

Thanks to Mike Wood, the author, for his first contribution to Knysna Keep. It is always welcoming to find someone who can see both sides. We have to bridge the divide between Knysna central, its islands and the poor areas that surround them. Concordia, Khayalethu, Smutsville and Hornlee are Knysna suburbs too! Last night I had supper with departing friends at a well known, up-market Thesen Island restaurant. It’s the first time I’ve been back for a year and a half. Why? Because I’d imposed a personal boycott. How so? … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Rondevlei Primary Celebrates Xmas!

Mike Hampton Posted on by

Rondevlei Primary had every reason to celebrate on Friday 2nd December. In the low-lying sandy soils of Rondevlei in Knysna, stands a 3-classroom primary school. Here 72 primary learners spend their school days; ably taught by the Principal, Mrs Saayman and Mr Swartz. With the help of Oakhill School and many caring community workers, this school is helped with donations of books, food, furniture, clothes, playground equipment and many essential items. Friday was a morning of celebration for us all as we lined the church walls and filled the available … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!