GENERAL

The Knysna Infrastructure Group (KIG) is a community-driven initiative formed by dedicated residents who aim to address infrastructure challenges in Knysna, working in collaboration with the local municipality. The group was founded by residents, with a focus on tackling urgent repairs and maintenance issues that affect the town’s essential services. Our mission centres on improving the quality of life for Knysna residents by ensuring that the towns water, wastewater, electrical and road infrastructure remain functional and sustainable, enabling service delivery to all the residents.

Our work began with our first project, the George Rex Drive pothole repair in December 2023. Since then, we have expanded our efforts to include significant projects such as pothole repairs, fixing broken water infrastructure, and addressing sewage issues alongside approved municipal contractors. A key priority is water security and maintaining a healthy Knysna Estuary, which is vital for both the environment and tourism.

One of our standout achievements came in September 2024, when we partnered with Regional Wastewater (RWW) to restore operations at the Knysna Wastewater Treatment Plant. We funded a project with ten engineering resources, recommissioning the plant. Since then we have employed a full-time on-site engineer (costing R55 000.00/month) to oversee the plant on a daily basis. The KIG and RWW supplied chemicals at our own expense after municipal requests went unanswered. This effort highlights our hands-on approach and commitment to stepping in where immediate action is needed.

We operate as a transparent, community-funded, registered NPO. Recently, we appealed to the Knysna community for ongoing support to stabilize funding, particularly to retain the engineer and continue critical wastewater treatment work in Knysna and Sedgefield.

Our broader goals include fostering collaboration with the community through outreach programs, encouraging resident involvement, and promoting unit yand a positive community. We position ourselves as an A-political, practical, problem-solving team—not superheroes in capes, but everyday people making a tangible difference.

MISSION

-   To work towards a BETTER KNYSNA through a cohesive collaboration with ALL RELEVENT role players, across the GREATER KNYSNA AREA.
-   To ensure SERVICE DELIVERY and the development of a PREFERED DESTINATION for LOCAL and INTERNATIONAL visitors, to the benefit of the PEOPLE in the GREATER KNYSNA AREA.
-   To work towards a GROWING ECONOMY and JOB CREATION.
-   To improve the QUALITY OF LIFE and PROSEPERITY for all its RESIDENTS.

VALUES

-   Act in the Interest of the GREATER KNYSNA AREA as a whole and not for individual personal gains.
-   Work in a POSITIVE, COLLABERATIVE environment with all relevant role players.
-   Work A-politically, and not in the interest of any political party, but in the interest of the PEOPLE of Knysna.
-   Allow for open discussion, respect all people’s opinions and dignity.
-   Leverage the skills, knowledge and resources within the community.
-   ACTION rather than sitting on the side line and complaining.

TRANSPARENCY

At the Knysna Infrastructure Group (KIG), we believe transparency is fundamental to building trust with our community. As a community-funded initiative, we understand the importance of being accountable for every contribution we receive. We operate as a registered NPO. This means that all funds are managed through a separate, audited bank account, ensuring that your donations are handled responsibly and with the utmost integrity. This external oversight is a cornerstone of our commitment to financial transparency.

We are dedicated to keeping you informed about our projects and progress. We openly communicate our needs and activities, as evidenced by our appeals to the Knysna community for ongoing support. We share details about our projects, including associated costs and partnerships, demonstrating our willingness to provide comprehensive information.

We strive to maintain open lines of communication.

We are not just about talk; we are about action. We believe that by being open and transparent, we can foster a stronger, more united community, working together to improve Knysna's infrastructure for everyone.