Afriforum’s Knysna Fire report shed light where, ironically, there’d only been dark. The investigation gave foundation to rumours and other media articles that addressed municipal incompetence as a reason for the disaster i.e. the Sedgefield branch of the Knysna Fire Department failed, for two months, to act on complaints by residents of a large smoulder in Elandskraal. When the wind arrived, the smoulder combusted into destruction that destroyed Knysna houses, businesses and lives.

The tragedy seems to have had little effect on Knysna DA Councillor Dr. Martin Young who has a history of being incapable of stepping into a mess. He expressed on Afriforum’s Facebook page that accountability shouldn’t be pursued. Below is his argument with Chris Gould, a committee member of the Knysna Ratepayers’ Association. He not so subtly insults Gould for being of American origin.

In a democracy, political representatives should be leading the charge for honesty, transparency and accountability. Instead, the opposite happened… and the victims of the fire were relegated to in-consequence. The DA’s attitude and the ANC’s silence should frighten every citizen who wants a safer future.

You can comment on the Love Knysna Facebook page or join in the argument on Afriforum’s post.