Live Debate 6pm: Independent vs DA corruption
UPDATE – Watch the video on Facebook.
Step 1 towards taking control of Knysna away from the Democratic Alliance (DA) begins tonight, 13 August 2019, at 6pm. 5 candidates will debate the pending Ward 5 by-election.
What likely makes this different is that a DA stronghold is being challenged by Susan Campbell from the recently erected Knysna Independent Movement (KIM). They’re running on an anti-DA corruption platform and are unofficially supported by the Knysna Ratepayers’ Association.
This may prove of interest to the Western Cape. It’s symbolic of the backlash the Democratic Alliance (DA) is receiving for rewarding corrupt representatives and favouring property developers over the Public interest.
The biggest question is whether Eden FM, the host and broadcaster, will address the most relevant topics. They have been known to favour the DA for years, and I am, essentially, banned by them. Once the debate begins, be sure to sms your questions for the debate to 060 505 2693.
STREAM EDEN FM: 6->8PM
LIVE IN KNYSNA
If you’re a Knysna resident, get to Brenton Community Hall. I suggest you go early to get a seat.
CHALLENGES AND GOALS
Susan Campbell has a major challenge considering the overwhelming majority the DA won last time – 75%. The ANC got 17% with the remaining 8% divided by other parties.
But I expect her to do better than the ANC, and have more long term, strategic goals:
1. This a test run for the 2021 elections when her party called KIM runs in all wards seeking proportional votes, enough to be the swing amount taking control of the town. Some DA politicians may defect or become organisers.
2. A goal will be to ensure that the wealthy in this area are on their side, ensuring fundraising for that 2021 election. The DA’s disasters have allegedly left them broke in Knysna, having to bring in money from Cape Town.
3. A main issue may be corruption, and, as always, service delivery, but Campbell will likely have something to promise forest dwellers. She already has a track record helping the Brackenhill Community, on the other side of town, for free.