As a Board, we had taken the decision not to make public all the details pertaining to this case, as we were hoping to protect the integrity of both the Board and its CEO, Shaun van Eck.

And while we continue to act in the best interests of Knysna, Knysna Tourism and its members, some people are under the unfortunate impression that we have acted out of order. We wish to set the record straight here.

We would also like to point out flaws in recent media reports:

• Knysna was named as one of the Top 100 Destinations in the World and one of the Top 25 in Africa by the Trip Advisor, 2008 Travellers’ Choice Destinations Awards. This, however, happened before Shaun was appointed as CEO.
• And while we are extremely proud to have been named Conde Nast Travel’s second favourite city in Africa, this was a result of their annual readers’ survey in which 46, 476 people participated – an award scheme of which our office was not even aware of and which was certainly not influenced by Shaun.
• As to the issue surrounding Lightley’s Holiday Houseboats, while the liquidators may have repaid the amount of R81 000.00, Shaun had no right to extend credit to the value of R124 000.00.
• We would also like to strongly reiterate our faith in the abilities of our extremely capable Financial Manager (as opposed to “low level bookkeeper” as Shaun has been quoted as calling her) and the rest of the team at the Knysna and Sedgefield Tourism offices.

In an effort to provide all interested parties with the factual information pertaining to the inquiry, please find the complete finding of the chairperson in the inquiry based on the evidence and arguments presented to her. We request that recipients of this communication do not speculate on the merit of the finding as this will be tested at the CCMA.

Kind regards,

Knysna Tourism Board