Tag Archives: Johan van Schalkwyk

Knysna Tourism's Marketing Manager Proves His Innocence

Mike Hampton Posted on by

At the Knysna Tourism AGM last night, Lisette Withers, co-owner of the Knysna Elephant Park made a query that implied that Johan van Schalkwyk, the Marketing Manager for Knysna Tourism, had benefited illegally when his visiting family’s accommodation had been paid by Tourism. Greg Vogt, the CEO of Knysna Tourism, responded with (paraphrasing according to the other players i’ll soon introduce), “That must be the Knysna Hollow incident. It was dealt with internally which goes to show that we’ve got good checks and balances in place.” By saying such, he … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Knysna Tourism's Marketing Manager Controversially Quits at AGM

Mike Hampton Posted on by

At the Knysna Tourism AGM last night, sparks flew and resulted in Johan van Schalkwyk, the Marketing Manager, quitting under a cloud. His resignation letter states that he and the staff have “lost all confidence in the management and board of the organisation.” On this blog, i have clearly expressed that i lost my faith in the likes of CEO Greg Vogt and Tourism’s directors (current and past) such as Municipal Manager Lauren Waring, Mayor Georlene Wolmarans and Deputy Mayor Esme Edge a long time. Until they stop the cover-up … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

The Immaculate Conception of Greg Vogt (Part 1)

Mike Hampton Posted on by

The NSPCA has confirmed that Greg Vogt, the new CEO of Knysna Tourism (KT), has been charged for his alleged role in elephant abuse at Knysna Elephant Park (KEP) during his 7-year tenure as manager. His selection as CEO is controversial and I have previously stated my belief that this was in order to continue the cover-up of the financial disaster that befell Knysna Tourism and should have led to politicians and municipal staff being punished. Ironically, three of the alleged guilty, who were Board Directors with Vogt during that … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

KEP versus Greg Vogt & Knysna Tourism

Mike Hampton Posted on by

After reports of animal abuse for which the Knysna Elephant Park (KEP) has yet to be charged for, the organisation is undoubtedly facing many challenges. Two of these include Greg Vogt, their former manager, and the Knysna Tourism Board (KTB) who will appoint Vogt as their controversial CEO today, July 1 2014.  KEP is a member of KTB. Lisette Withers, the owner of the park, is outraged at the manner in which Vogt has been appointed. If there’s validity to her claims, you should be too. Withers has demanded answers … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Should There be Elephant Guilt?

Mike Hampton Posted on by

Oct 26 2015: There is a lot more to this story. I have more information at hand that suggests i soften my stance, that possibly there is no right or wrong but an incredibly difficult grey in between. I still believe that the staff who were involved should have suffered more severe punishment than dismissal but all the facts were not in evidence. Interestingly, rather than hate me for the blog below, The Knysna Elephant Park responded by opening their doors to me. What i’ve seen has encouraged me to … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

DA Lies 1: Helen Zille’s Fake ‘Multi-Racial’ Photo Shoot in Knysna’s Taxi Rank

Mike Hampton Posted on by

“Helen Zille, the Premier of the Western Cape and the leader of the Democratic Alliance is coming to Knysna.” It seemed too good to be true… but she did arrive… but she wasn’t true. 2 days before Helen Zille’s less than impressive arrival in Knysna, the Knysna-Plett Herald, that tabloid that refuses to address serious issues lest the DA-led Municipality and DA-influenced Knysna Tourism pull their advertising, announced, on their website, that Helen Zille, the ‘Madam’ of South Africa, would be stopping at the Junction in Knysna Central before heading … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!