AfriForum signs cooperation agreement with Knysna Municipality

AfriForum’s Knysna branch took an important step towards improving service delivery in the area with the signing of a formal cooperation agreement with the Knysna Local Municipality last Friday. This step lays the foundation for a new era of cooperation between civil society and local government.

With the new memorandum of understanding, AfriForum’s cooperation with the Municipality, as well as projects aimed at supporting progress, are formally established. Among other things, AfriForum and the Knysna Municipality have agreed to work together to address service delivery challenges in the community.

The agreement ensures that AfriForum can assist with upgrading and maintaining infrastructure, undertake projects to improve public spaces, and conduct supplementary audits and independent monitoring of water quality and landfill sites. These functions are aimed at promoting transparency and efficiency while ensuring that the community receives the services to which it is entitled.

Over the past year, the branch has proven that it is both willing and capable of making a meaningful difference: AfriForum’s first neighbourhood team in the Western Cape was launched in Knysna; the branch successfully introduced a recycling service; all road markings and speed bumps in Buffels Bay were repainted; more than 20 tonnes of tar were used to repair potholes in Knysna and Sedgefield; and the public bathrooms in Sedgefield and Buffels Bay were refurbished and repainted. In 2024, the branch also repaired the road leading to the site where garden refuse is dumped. Annual audits are conducted to determine whether the site complies with the necessary requirements for responsible waste management.

“These projects are proof that the branch can make a substantial contribution and come up with practical solutions that benefit the entire community,” says Marthinus Erasmus, AfriForum’s District Coordinator for the Southern Cape.

“We believe that real progress is possible when communities and local authorities work together. This agreement serves as proof that AfriForum is willing to build and cooperate – not only for today, but also for the future of every resident of Knysna.”

The first joint project between AfriForum and the Knysna Municipality will commence shortly. As part of this initiative, the branch will assist with the installation of 185 high-efficiency toilets in the Smutsville neighbourhood.

AfriForum encourages residents to be a part of the branch’s projects and to help build a culture of self-reliance, responsibility and community pride. Join today and help the Knysna branch do even more. Send an email to marthinus.erasmus@afriforum.co.za or contact Marthinus on 081 216 9602 for more information.