27/06/2026
KNYSNA MUNICIPALITY CONFIRMS READINESS AHEAD OF 30 JUNE
Knysna Municipality wishes to reassure residents, businesses, and visitors that comprehensive operational measures are in place to ensure the continued safety and wellbeing of all communities ahead of the planned protest action expected on 30 June 2026.
In partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS), Knysna Community Policing Forum (CPF), All Sounds, Men in Blue, Garden Route District Municipality, Municipal Law Enforcement, Traffic Services, Fire and Rescue Services, Disaster Management, Emergency Medical Services, and other security stakeholders, the municipality has finalised coordinated operational plans to maintain public safety, protect essential infrastructure, and minimise disruption.
To further strengthen intergovernmental coordination, a multi-stakeholder readiness meeting will be held on Monday afternoon, bringing together all relevant stakeholders, including National and Provincial Government departments, the Garden Route District Municipality, Ward Committee representatives, emergency services, law enforcement agencies, and other key role players. The meeting will serve to confirm operational readiness, review contingency measures, and ensure a coordinated response ahead of the planned protest action.
A Joint Operations Centre (JOC) will be activated for the duration of the planned protest action. The JOC will oversee all operational deployments and facilitate continuous coordination between Knysna Municipality, Knysna SAPS, Knysna CPF, All Sounds, Men in Blue, Garden Route District Municipality, Municipal Law Enforcement, Traffic Services, and all relevant emergency and security partners. These preparations ensure that resources can be mobilised rapidly should circumstances require intervention.
The municipality also confirms that, to date, no application has been received in terms of the Regulation of Gatherings Act for a march within the municipal area. Should any march proceed without the required authorisation, it will be regarded as an illegal march, and the matter will be dealt with by the relevant law enforcement authorities in accordance with applicable legislation.
As part of its preparations, the municipality has engaged with local church leaders to establish the role they may play in promoting calm, supporting their congregations, and encouraging peaceful, lawful conduct within the community.
The municipality recognises and respects every person's constitutional right to participate in peaceful and lawful demonstrations. However, this right carries the responsibility to exercise it in a manner that respects the rights, safety, and property of others.
The municipality will not tolerate acts of violence, intimidation, vandalism, xenophobia, discrimination, or any other criminal conduct that threatens public order or the wellbeing of communities. Any unlawful activity will be addressed through the appropriate law enforcement response.
Knysna Executive Mayor Cllr Thando Matika said, "Knysna is a resilient community built on respect, compassion, and the rule of law. We support every resident's constitutional right to peaceful protest while calling on everyone to exercise that right responsibly and with respect for others. The safety of our residents, businesses, and visitors remains our highest priority, and we are confident that the coordinated efforts of all our emergency and law enforcement partners will help ensure that our communities remain safe and peaceful throughout this period."
Residents may notice an increased visibility of law enforcement personnel across strategic areas of the municipal area as part of proactive measures to safeguard public spaces, maintain essential municipal services, and support business continuity.
The municipality encourages all residents to remain calm, avoid the spread of unverified information, and rely on official communication channels for accurate updates. Members of the public are urged to report any criminal activity or incidents that may pose a risk to public safety to their nearest SAPS station without delay.
Knysna is a community founded on diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect. The municipality calls on all residents to reject violence, misinformation, and division, and to continue promoting the values of tolerance, unity, and respect for human dignity.
Maintaining a safe and peaceful environment is a collective responsibility. Knysna Municipality remains confident in the preparedness of its emergency and law enforcement partners and is committed to protecting residents, businesses, and visitors before, during, and after the planned protest action.
The Greater Knysna Business Chamber Sedgefield Ratepayers & Residents Association Knysna Township Smutsville informal settlement FORUM Knysna Community Police Forum Garden Route District Municipality Knysna-UpperTown Knysna 97.0 FM & MC 90.3 FM Plettenberg Bay
