Knysna Coalition Politics in Disarray After Councillor Defection

Knysna Municipality’s political landscape is facing a significant realignment after the Plaaslike Besorgde Inwoners (PBI) party expressed intentions to withdraw from the current governing coalition. This reaction follows the recent defection of a PBI councillor to the Patriotic Alliance (PA). The coalition, which also includes the African National Congress (ANC), is key to the governance of Knysna, a coastal town currently grappling with a severe water crisis magnified by infrastructure mismanagement and power outages.

The stability of the coalition is crucial for the municipality, which is evenly split—with the current PBI/PA/ANC coalition and the opposition, consisting of the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Knysna Independent Movement, holding 10 seats each in the council. The sole Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) seat often plays a pivotal role in the governance decisions. The recent upheaval has the potential to tip the balance of power and cause further administrative turmoil at a time when effective leadership is paramount to address the ongoing water and sanitation issues.

The PBI's Deputy Mayor of Knysna, Alberto Marbi, has been vocal about the situation, stating that the PBI cannot collaborate with those "that want to destroy our people." This statement was made after John Patrick Buys, the PBI councillor in question, announced his switch to the PA, taking his canvassing team with him, a strategic move ahead of an anticipated by-election in George Municipality's Ward 8, scheduled for February 2024.

PA party president Gayton McKenzie welcomed Buys and his team, affirming the party's ambition to secure control over George Municipality. The PA’s spokesperson, Steve Motale, reacted to PBI’s proposed withdrawal by suggesting that every party should prioritize its interests, indicating no objection to the PBI’s potential exit.

The Knysna water crisis has been a hotbed for political conflict, with parties frequently engaging in a blame game that hinders progress. Amid the political infighting, the residents continue to suffer from water shortages and inconsistent supply. The impending coalition collapse could exacerbate the existing problems if a workable solution is not found promptly.

The PBI has been assertive in its criticism of Buys' move, questioning his loyalty and his meager contributions during his tenure as a councillor. Claims suggest Buys was resistant to joining the EFF following the path of PBI’s former president Virgill Gericke, who defected to the EFF and became an MP alongside the controversially axed Public Protector, Busisiwe Mkhwebane.

The PBI's stance is that no member was coerced to follow Gericke to the EFF and emphasizes the expectation that councillors should serve their community through to the end of their term within the PBI. The party has declared that it will not support the PA in its endeavors to govern George, nor will it lend its backing under the present conditions, accusing the PA of attempting to "buy" councillors.

The unfolding political scenario in Knysna accentuates the complexities of coalition politics, especially when faced with a crisis that requires decisive action and unity. As the PBI ponders its next move and the PA continues its campaigning, the residents of Knysna and George await a resolution that will prioritize their welfare over political maneuvering.