Tag Archives: Blue Flag beaches

Reasons for Knysna Blue Flag Removals

Mike Hampton Posted on by

It’s obvious that the Knysna-Plett Herald’s and Knysna Municipality’s attempts to diminish the loss of the Blue Flags from Knysna’s beaches is seriously questionable. It would be fairer to say that the Knysna Municipality was attempting to break every rule. These are the reasons for the removal of the Blue Flags: The safety of bathers was compromised by boats. The signage with the correct FEE-eco labels which is required to display Blue Flag information is out-dated and faded. Water samples were not submitted timeously. Water quality results were not displayed … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

The Unprofessional Elaine King (Knysna-Plett Herald)

Mike Hampton Posted on by

The Knysna-Plett Herald (KPH) is journalism for sale. Editor Elaine King’s front-page story this week was a continuation of their complicity in the Knysna Municipality’s agenda against the public. When a community newspaper becomes a political mouthpiece, we should be scared. Do Blue Flag beaches attract tourists? Did the removal of the Blue Flags from Knysna’s beaches affect the impression of our town? I can’t answer and no official has stepped forward to sufficiently explain their value. However, public funds have been used to pursue it so the matter can … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Why Did Knysna Lose Its Blue Flags?

Mike Hampton Posted on by

Why did Knysna’s beaches lose their Blue Flags? The short video in this post is one possible reason. It cannot be looked at alone. Why did the Knysna Municipality, who was warned of the possible removal weeks before, not act? Why, when the flags were taken down, did they not explain to the public what had happened? Instead, the Knysna-Plett Herald published an unaccredited article (view the comment section) that explained nothing – was there an ulterior motive for an article without questions or facts? Why, when i questioned such, … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Blue Flag Beach Screw-Up, Courtesy Knysna Municipality

Mike Hampton Posted on by

Damn Democratic-Alliance-I-Don’t-Care-About-the-Public-Knysna Municipality!!! All hail, Blue Flag beaches??? Hey, readers, this isn’t about those servants to the DA, the Knysna ANC. Focus on the issue. How many bad things have to happen before our government fixes things beforehand instead of reacting too late??? Right now, i’m referring to 2 of our beaches losing their Blue Flag status. First, refer to my blog 17 days ago – www.knysnakeep.org/is-knysna-buffalo-bay-blue-flag-under-threat. Then follow the links to the sequels… Are you back after an appropriately timeful departure? Good. It’s clear that they refused to deal … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

The Very Unhelpful Fran Kirsten & Mayor Spies

Mike Hampton Posted on by

The conflict between me and Knysna Municipality has been publicly obvious since I exposed their wrongdoings. Nevertheless, in matters where those topics are not involved, there’s no good reason not to work together. Knysna, our town, must always come first. Despite saying goodbye for the year, I felt compelled to respond to a phone call telling me that Buffalo Bay’s Blue Flag status was threatened unless there was immediate action. This wasn’t an expose or political moment, just something that had to be immediately shared with the Knysna Municipality. In … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Is Knysna’s Buffalo Bay Blue Flag Under Threat?

Mike Hampton Posted on by

Knysna’s Buffalo Bay Blue Flag status is claimed to be under threat after an argument between local surfers and the Buffalo Bay Ski Club. A letter of complaint has been sent to Mayor Eleonore Spies. Among other issues, it’s alleged that members of the fishing club have been launching through the public area and have been intoxicated whilst driving dangerously near bathers. The full letter can be read here. Included in the conflict is approximately 20 parking bays being chained off for use by the club. Considering how jam-packed the … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Claimed Blue Flag Supporters’ Letter to Mayor Spies

Mike Hampton Posted on by

This shouldn’t be read without reading first reading ‘Is Knysna’s Buffalo Bay Blue Flag Under Threat?’ in which both sides are presented. Additionally, the Buffalo Bay Ski Club is welcomed to provide a full response. Attention: Joclyn Fearson, Mayor Bouw-Spies, Knysna Municipality CC: Peter Myers [Deputy Mayor] Date: Wednesday, December 7th 2016 This is a formal letter of inquiry into the dangerous situation surrounding the Buffalo Bay Ski Club and the allocation of the public parking bays to them. With the Bay being a Blue Flag Beach, and the number … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Dog Rules & Blue Flag Beaches

Mike Hampton Posted on by

Two of Knysna’s favourite beaches, Buffalo Bay and Brenton-on-Sea, once again received Blue Flag status for the upcoming holiday season. While dogs will still be allowed to enjoy the beaches, their movements will be more restricted to comply with international Blue Flag requirements. Knysna Municipal Manager Lauren Waring explained that provisions for Blue Flag beaches were very strict and included that no dogs were allowed in the designated bathing areas during the peak holiday periods from 1 December 2012 to 31 January 2013. “However, to accommodate dog owners and still … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!