‘Dear’ Knysna Tourism Board

The Knysna Tourism Board has utterly failed and damaged Knysna.

It’s been 6 months since we first spoke (and 2 and a half years since i first asked for a detailed breakdown of Knysna Tourism’s budget). All i’ve experienced are delay tactics wherein small matters are addressed and large matters promised to be resolved (but never are). Disappointment cannot be overstated.

No one has taken responsibility for the fiasco that was Shaun van Eck which makes the Knysna Tourism Board complicit. We have lost millions. The Knysna Tourism Board has utterly failed its members and, if anyone retains their membership, they are doing Knysna and themselves a disservice. Bowing to political agendas for a handout is terrible. Knysna Tourism should be closed.

I have intentionally allowed my membership to lapse in protest and intend making the maladministration of Knysna Tourism my main priority. The timing of this mail is to put pressure on you as the AGM approaches but goes further than that. I will have you investigated. I will make the Board members, present and past, accountable for commiting crimes against Knysna unless there is 100% transparency by Tuesday, June 4.

Truth matters. Anyone who doesn’t practice that doesn’t love Knysna.

The above was emailed to the following Knysna Tourism Board members and ex-members:

• Greg Vogt (Global Conservation)
• Dianne Pepler (Featherbed Nature Reserve)
• Nan Raturat (Villa Castollini)
• Kathy White (Sedgefield Arms)
• Christine Collins (Magnetic South)
• Ella Mahlulo (Emzini Tours)
• Marion McIlvenna (Armadillo Studios)
• Mark Dixon (Garden Route Trail)

Municipal Manager Lauren Waring and politicians such as Esmé Edge, Georlene Wolmarans and Michelle Wasserman were not included because they have repeatedly made it clear that transparency is banned by the Knysna Municipality. This, however, does not exclude them from condemnation and further action. If anything, they have committed the worst crimes against Knysna because they were not only entrusted with our care but paid enormous, disproportionate salaries to do so.