Knysna Municipality has assisted the communities of Rheenendal and Karatara to establish their Councils of Stakeholders (CoS) to effectively take part in the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform’s Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP).

“In essence, a community’s CoS is established to make sure that effective communication takes place between the people of that community and governmental structures,” explained Knysna Executive Mayor Georlene Wolmarans.

“They organise the stakeholders of their community and see to it that government projects are implemented in their area.”

The Ward Councillors of both wards met with members of their Ward Committees to request for assistance with engaging the various sectors within their wards.

A Sector Forum consisting of representatives from the various community sectors was formed within each ward and nominations for CoS seats were made from each sector.

“Members of the Sector Forums and the CoS’ are all members of their local community. And they were nominated and voted into their positions by their neighbours,” said Wolmarans.

“So the community is directly represented in communications with government and included in the implementation of government projects.”

“This is a sterling example of the municipality and its residents working together to create a town where people and nature prosper.”