Resilient Knysna: Where Natural Beauty Meets Community Spirit
Press Release, Visit Knysna - 5 August 2025
Nestled between forests, mountains, rivers and sea, the Greater Knysna area continues to offer visitors a rich and rewarding year-round experience.
Knysna Municipal Manager, Lulamile Mapholoba, said the area is nestled between mountains, forests, rivers and the ocean. “This makes for magnificent natural vistas and a dreamscape for visitors to the area. With these assets comes the responsibility of ensuring it is maintained and safe for public use. Walkways, forest roads, hiking and cycle tracks are maintained. Regular water quality testing by SANParks and the Garden Route District Municipality is crucial to confirm that rivers, estuaries and recreational areas are safe for public use. These test results are available for public viewing on the Knysna Municipality website - https://www.knysna.gov.za/live-here/environment/lagoon-update/. Cleaning initiatives to address plastic and other pollution, as well as the removal of invasive vegetation are among the measures undertaken to ensure that this area this area remains safe, well-maintained, and ready for visitors to explore and enjoy.”
Mapholoba stated that the support of the private sector remains vital to the town’s well-being. “With public sector budgets increasingly stretched across the globe, municipalities are being called to be innovate, rethink, and reimagine how they deliver essential services. We are fortunate to have a strong relationship with local initiatives launched by residents, such as the Knysna Infrastructure Group, a civic-minded team of professionals working in partnership with the Knysna Municipality to address long-term service needs and help to improve delivery timelines. Another example is “Revive Knysna”, a non-profit organisation helping to revitalise and green public spaces, making the town even more beautiful for residents and visitors alike.”
Judiet Barnes, spokesperson on Tourism for the Greater Knysna Business Chamber (GKBC) said Knysna remains a safe, vibrant, and welcoming destination. “While Knysna, like many municipalities in South Africa, is facing legitimate governance concerns, these challenges do not define our town, nor do they detract from its enduring appeal as one of the country’s most beloved travel destinations.”
She reiterated that the local tourism industry is robust, professional, and fully operational. “Accommodation providers, tour operators, restaurants, and experience hosts across Knysna remain committed to delivering excellence, hospitality, and safety. From tranquil lagoon cruises to forest hikes, local art, gourmet food, and family-friendly adventures, Knysna continues to offer the rich, authentic charm it is known for.”
“We acknowledge and support the need for stronger governance and improved municipal service delivery. However, we urge the public and the media to recognise the distinction between administrative issues and the vitality of Knysna’s tourism and hospitality sector.
Now more than ever, your visit to Knysna matters. Tourism supports thousands of livelihoods and small businesses, contributes significantly to local economic stability, and helps preserve the very natural and cultural assets that make Knysna extraordinary.”
Mapholoba concluded by saying that the Municipality, through assistance from both national and provincial government, and with the help of the private sector, is addressing the challenges. “We are in the process of finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding with private entities, which will be presented to Council for consideration. Knysna is a town that doesn’t just talk about caring. We act on it. The natural beauty remains, but the community spirit shines even brighter. Come and enjoy all it has to offer: lakes, rivers, forests, scenic drives, warm hospitality, amazing, friendly people, and diverse adventures. We look forward to welcoming you to the Greater Knysna area!”
ENDS
*The Greater Knysna area includes Knysna, Sedgefield, Noetzie, Brenton-on-Sea, Brenton on-Lake, Belvidere, Buffalo Bay, Rheenendal, and Karatara.
Media Enquiries:
Visit Knysna: info@visitknysna.co.za | www.visitknysna.co.za
Greater Knysna Business Chamber
Judiet Barnes: info@gkbc.co.za | +27 (0)44 382 5510, +27 (0)84 701 1717
