Where were they? What positions do they hold now? Is it possible that political bias rewards Knysna Ward Committee members?

Subtitles are the positions they’ve held since the DA took over Knysna. In a twisted way, it totally makes sense why they refuse to answer.

As mentioned several times on this blog, there are people who are failing Knysna because of political bias. Looking at the photo above, I can’t help but wonder if there’s a reward for ignoring the public.

Municipalities and Ward Committees are not weapons for political parties. If they were, municipalities would not be staffed by the general public and ward committees would not exist. They are there to serve everyone! Unfortunately, in South Africa, it’s clearly evident that political parties and big business are often put ahead of the public’s best interest. Knysna is no different. And the DA is no different to the ANC.

Dee Hollely, Ward 10 (Knysna Central) committee member, hung the phone up on me. I’ve never met or communicated with her before i.e. I was polite – I had no reason not to be.  So why was her back up from the start of the call and why did she end it with discourtesy and contempt for democracy? Only later did I realise how neck-deep she was in the DA and the DA, unconstitutionally, are rumoured to have instructed people not to communicate me. In practice, this would appear to be true…again and again…and again.

Kevin Grinaker, who also serves on the committee, was as unhelpful. Here’s the letter i sent him. How is this, in any way, unreasonable?

Why would they not respond the past 5 months. What are they hiding? Who are they hiding it for?

Complaint & Queries: Ward Committee Bias, ISDF Tender & Knysna Tourism Mismanagement

This is a follow-up to the separate telephone calls I had with you and Dee Hollely as Ward 10 committee members.

The goal is the betterment of Knysna so I was disappointed by your reactions. Dee Hollely was rude and, more importantly, would not answer simple questions. You were not rude but you were also obstructive in that you were not willing to directly entertain my queries or complaint submission. Additionally, you would not give me your email address which would keep a record of our discussions. You also said that you’d call me back yesterday but didn’t.

These are odd reactions considering the role Ward Committees are supposed to play. I can only assume that it falls under our small-town syndrome where opinions and actions are bias towards personal or political relationships. If I’m erring in my assumption, please correct me?

Please remember that Ward Committees are meant to be apolitical and that you represent me as a citizen of Ward 10. You carry greater responsibility than some as you represent the heart of Knysna where our local government and majority of businesses reside.

Laying out what has happened is not meant to be antagonistic but rather a reminder of your duty. Henceforth, I’m hoping that you will treat me diligently and with respect to the law. I’d much rather pursue constructive dialogue that helps Knysna.

In the spirit of that, please be kind enough to meet me today and have a conversation that seeks commonalities and positivity. If you are willing, please call me on 083 673 0909.

Onwards to matters that require the Ward 10 Committee’s attention:

• Has the Committee addressed the conflicts in the awarding of the ISDF Tender? If so, what has been done?
• Has the Committee addressed the mismanagement of Knysna Tourism and the subsequent financial loss? If so, what has been done?

If one or both of these topics have not resulted in discussion or queries, then please explain how that is possible considering that they have been shoutingly evident as some of the largest, if not the largest, matters of public discussion the past year? And, if the latter is true, then please explain how i can best lodge a complaint that will receive the full attention of the Ward 10 Committee.

Thanking you in advance for your cooperation.

Mike Hampton