I have laid complaints with the National Anti-Corruption Hotline and the Public Protector against Knysna Tourism staff (former and current), Knysna Tourism Board members and ex-members, Knysna Municipality staff and politicians from the Democratic Alliance for being complicit to the financial disaster at Knysna Tourism which has cost Knysna millions and weakened one of the most important bodies in our local economy.

My action aims to force more truth into the Knysna Tourism AGM on June 20 (which i will not be attending as i’ve resigned my membership in protest) but is by no means limited to that as the goal is accountability and continued transparency.

I will lay criminal charges with the South African Police Service (SAPS). I have asked the Hawks (Commercial Crimes Unit) for advice on how best to proceed.

Initially, this blog will be divided into several parts; this intro, The Law Against Corruption in South Africa, Their Criminal Actions, What Happened at Knysna Tourism and Their ‘Blind’ Eye. Who Has Been Charged is intended but i await legal advice on how best to proceed with that. More will be added as necessary.

I have spent over 2 years pursuing justice in this matter in which you, the public, got screwed.

During this period i have faced the challenges of being cut-off from business and essentially being blacklisted by the DA, Knysna Municipality and local newspapers. From our local municipality and Knysna Chamber of Business, right up through MEC Alan Winde to Helen Zille, all have refused to help Knysna and i’ll explain why i think that is so later on.

The law has been disobeyed and our rights, as a citizens in a democracy, and mine, along with others, as Knysna Tourism members, have been flagrantly violated by those who act in secret and possibly for their own interests. That they have chosen to do so in Knysna’s desperate economic time of need makes them heartless.

On a personal note, there’s no doubt that i’m facing a battle against individuals with influence and money. With elections approaching, even more will be at stake. Gaining public attention is my best bet at safety so i’m asking you to please spread this information as far as you can. In case they try gag me, I blog rapidly so as to make that less consequential.

If you are a Knysna local, then help me help yourself – questioning authority furthers transparency, democracy and your own well being. Use your email, Facebooks and Twitters. Subscribe to the Knysna Keep (on the right-hand menu bar). If you know a journalist outside our town, approach them. Let’s force our local media to start printing the real news and not the lop-sided version the powers-that-be have decided for us through their clout of advertizing revenues.

Importantly, do you have information to share? Please help Knysna if you can.

Part 2 at www.knysnakeep.org/knysna-corruption-2-the-laws-against-corruption-in-south-africa.