Whilst Knysna remains in the throes of a severe water crisis, with infrastructure failures disrupting water supply to thousands of residents, it seems that teamwork between multiple public and private entities is finally showing dividends. At time of going to press the two main pumps at the Charlesford pump station had been replaced and were running optimally, pushing water into the system at a stable rate of 190 litres per second.
Knysna Municipal Manager Lulamile Mapholoba confirmed that the municipality is taking the necessary steps to ensure that the Knysna wastewater treatment works (KWWTW) complies with a notice served by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) in early April. “All of the minor mechanical failures at the KWWTW were attended to in March of […]
Residents of Sedgefield are being called to actively participate in shaping the future of the town through comments/participation in the draft Sedgefield Local Spatial Development Framework (LSDF) 2024 released last week and now available on the Knysna Municipality Website www.knysna.gov.za.
“This is more than a planning exercise—it’s about building a shared vision for Sedgefield,” said Andy Brough of Sedgefield Ratepayers Association,“When communities own the process, implementation becomes more effective, and critical priorities such as environmental care and inclusive development take centre stage.”
The LSDF, which is being compiled by Citeplan Consulting Town Planners appointed by DALRRD, serves as a blueprint for managing the unique challenges and opportunities presented by Sedgefield’s future growth, from safeguarding its fragile ecosystems to addressing historical spatial inequalities. By integrating community input, the framework should ensure development aligns with the needs of the population, such as improved infrastructure and responsible tourism management.
For Sedgefield, renowned for its biodiversity, lakes, and vibrant tourism sector, residents’ insights will be vital to the LSDF’s inclusion of strategies that will protect wetlands, dunes, and beaches from over-development while mitigating climate risks such as coastal erosion and flooding.
Economic sustainability would be another key focus of the LSDF, hence the importance of residents advocating for balanced tourism policies to prevent permanent overcrowding of the town whilst still bringing in enough spend to support the livelihoods of local families.
It should be noted that public participation in the LSDF is not just encouraged by the compilers of the framework, but a legal requirement under South Africa’s Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA). Engaging in the process ensures transparency, accountability, and alignment with national goals, while also addressing historical disparities in access to services and resources. Infrastructure gaps, such as roads, water supply, and healthcare facilities, should also feature prominently in discussions so that residents are able to highlight areas they believe to be ‘under-served’,reduce spatial fragmentation and improve quality of life for its poorer communities.
Levael Davis, Sedgefield’s Ward One Councillor, is also encouraging residents to voice their approval or disapproval of the draft SSDF.
“Whether you are an individual or stakeholder group, this is the time to speak. This document must align to our IDP and will shape development in the future. It does include both good suggestions, and some that I don’t agree with which I will make known through the appropriate channels,” he told us, “What I will say is that houses cannot just be built anywhere, and densities for low-cost housing developments cannot be excessive to the point where we have a Cape Flats typology in Smutsville. One of the critical things I would like to see which isn’t on the proposal is an identified land parcel for future housing development. One that would be suitable, accessible and not make the life of the vulnerable more difficult than it already is.”
The councillor also underlined the importance of the SDF taking Sedgefield’s pristine environment into account by maintaining the spaces that make Sedgefield special.“I’m sure everyone has his or her own views, so please use this opportunity to share them,” he concluded.
Ward Two Councillor Cleone Vanston is also keen for the community to have its say about the draft LSDF.
“This is a crucial time for you to make your voice heard, give inputs and help us all work together to plan the future development of our beautiful town,” she said, pointing out that the LSDF is a 10 – 15 year plan to help the town grow in accordance with the physical and social needs of the families of Sedgefield.
“Whilst many residents feel that change and growth is not needed, it is important to note that our town has had an increase in younger families. Parents between the ages of 40 – 60yrs and many young children and teenagers have increased the population.
“There is a need for a light industrial area, job and skills development,” she continued, “There are five primary schools in Wards One and Two, and we currently have an estimated 1000 grade 7 learners that will need to move on to High-school next year (2026). Transportation is a challenge for many families in Sedgefield and Karatara and surrounding areas, thus making the need for a local high school one of our top priorities.” Cleone also reasoned that social housing for middle-to-lower income families should be another priority.
“All of these are identified needs for Sedgefield and I encourage all of our residents to make give your input within the next 60 days while the public participation process is underway.”
The Draft LSDF is available for public review at: Knysna Municipality’s Land Use Management Department, the Sedgefield Library and on the Municipal website: knysna.gov.za. Any comments, representations, objections, or inputs must be submitted in writing to Casper Badenhorst (casper@citeplan.net) or Hennie Smit (hsmit@knysna.gov.za)by20 May 2025.
(See official advertisement on page 7 of edition 712.)
Picture by Jean Marie van Gent:- The juvenile African Penguin made its way ashore at Platbank, not realising it is a beach frequently visited by dogs. On 31 January 2025 a juvenile African penguin, seemingly stranded on the beach at Platbank, was rescued by the Dunefields Private Nature Reserve managerial team. It turns out that […]
For some time now The EDGE has been itching to ‘celebrate’ a phenomenal gift to Sedgefield, but we couldn’t due to a press embargo by the donors ‘Lottoland’ who, quite understandably, wanted to save the big reveal for the airing of their ‘Help n Dorp’ episode featuring the project.
Well, the episode has been aired (and undoubtedly viewed by thousands of South Africans) and whilst most locals will have seen – and admired – the final results firsthand, we may at last share details and heap praises on the donors and indeed, the initiators of the project – the Revive Sedgefield team.
Much earlier this year the Revivers had decided that at least some financial assistance would be needed for the huge amount of work that was needed in the village – especially the children’s play park on the Village Green, They sent in a very detailed application to Lottoland ‘Help ‘n Dorp’ – a community focussed initiative which aims to benefit small towns across South Africa … and waited.
Finally, in June, they received the wonderful news that their project plan had been approved, and Lottoland would sponsor the very princely sum of R485 000 towards achieving the final goal!
The plan included the total (and most wonderful!) overhaul of the children’s play park, a substantial refurbishment of the inside of the Sedgefield Community Hall (painting the walls and sanding and resealing the floor), installing an Astro Turf play area at the Masithandane ECD Centre, and painting the speed humps all over Sedgefield.
The Revive team got seriously busy and, with huge assistance from the workforce of Knysna Municipality and a long list of volunteers as well as AfriForum and Sedgefield Lions, the dedicated members of Revive have performed absolute miracles – we’re sure you all agree!
On behalf of the community, a HUGE vote of thanks to Revive Sedgefield and everyone involved in this project.