The Herald
SI

Creator

Siphokazi Mnyobe

Siphokazi Mnyobe is a journalist at The Herald, covering stories in the Garden Route, Western Cape. She holds a Diploma in journalism and media studies from Damelin College. She also holds an NQF5 multimedia journalism certificate from The Media Workshop and an NQF5 General Management Certificate from Khayisela College. She has freelanced for GroundUp, Plett Tourism, and an Isixhosa online news publication called Takasele in Gqeberha.

In the dock in the Knysna Magistrate's Court on Monday were, from left, municipal manager Boy Manqoba Ngubo, acting chief financial officer Busisiwe Lubelwana and former mayor Thando Matika
Premium

Bail hearing in Knysna graft case told of cash in shopping bag

A security contractor allegedly handed a senior Knysna municipality official R130,000 in cash in a shopping bag, according to an affidavit presented during the bail hearing of three suspects on Monday.

In the dock in the Knysna magistrate's court on Monday are, from left,  municipal manager Manqoba Ngubo, CFO Busisiwe Lubelwana and former  mayor Thando Matika. Picture: SIPHOKAZI MNYOBE
Premium

Former Knysna mayor, senior officials to remain behind bars

Former Knysna mayor Thando Matika and two senior municipal officials will remain in custody pending a bail hearing after being charged with corruption, money laundering, and extortion over alleged tender kickbacks.

A Knysna council meeting collapsed on Wednesday due to the lack of a quorum

Mayorship issue looms large as Knysna council meeting collapses

The Knysna council was unable to conclude its meeting on Wednesday after members of the ruling coalition requested a caucus and then failed to return to the council chamber.

William Mwale

Community’s effort to keep Plett Arts Festival takes centre stage

After facing potential cancellation due to funding uncertainties, the Plettenberg Bay community rallied to ensure the continuation of the Plett Arts Festival.

Empty seats dominate the Knysna council chamber after a special meeting to elect a new mayor collapsed without a quorum

Political vacuum grips Knysna after failed mayoral election

Knysna has been left without a mayor or functioning mayoral committee after councillors failed to elect a replacement for Thando Matika, creating a political vacuum over the departments responsible for running the town.

After months of concern over Knysna’s water security, the municipality has maintained water levels and moved the town away from an immediate crisis
Premium

Knysna lowers water restrictions but faces estuary pollution crisis

Knysna has lowered its water restrictions from Level 4 to Level 2 after successfully improving water security, but now faces a pollution crisis in its estuary, with E. coli levels at several recreational sites exceeding national guidelines.

A municipal early childhood development planning day was held at Knysna Hollow Country Estate
Premium

Service delivery gaps hinder Knysna early learning centres

Access to basic municipal services like water, electricity, and roads remains a major challenge for early childhood development centres in Knysna, especially those in informal settlements.

Knysna mayor Thando Matika is to stand as an SACP candidate in the local government elections

Knysna mayor faces removal after SACP candidacy

Knysna's political landscape faces uncertainty as ANC mayor Thando Matika and councillor Lukhanyiso Nohana have been confirmed as SACP candidates for the upcoming local elections, prompting the ANC to initiate their removal as councillors.

Knysna mayor Thando Matika
Premium

Knysna housing plan approved for lower income workers

After years of fighting with the municipality to provide land for the working class to build houses, the Knysna housing committee has finally won. This, after Knysna Executive Mayor Thando Matika announced approval of the Erf 3339…

A suspect made his first court appearance on Monday after an assault at a school hostel
Premium

‘STOP THE BULLYING!’ Outrage in George over graphic video

A graphic video circulating on social media, appearing to show a brutal assault at the Pacaltsdorp Senior Secondary School Hostel, is being investigated amid soaring tensions in George.

The Raphael Waldorf School will host its annual seven-arts festival on September 19

Plett school to celebrate art in all its forms

Showcasing the talent of the Plettenberg Bay arts community for a good cause, the Raphael Waldorf School will host its annual seven-arts festival on September 19.

A Bitou municipal law enforcement officer claims she was physically assaulted by a senior colleague
Premium

Bitou officer alleges assault by senior colleague

A Bitou municipal law enforcement officer has alleged that she was physically assaulted by a senior colleague while on duty, resulting in an arm injury that required medical treatment.

Slain former Knysna mayor Aubrey Tsengwa. Charges against one of three men accused of his murder have been withdrawn
Premium

Tsengwa shooting: State provisionally withdraws charges against Faleni

Charges against Lonwabo Faleni, one of three men arrested for the murder of former Knysna mayor Aubrey Tsengwa, have been provisionally withdrawn.

Knysna acting municipal manager Boy Manqoba Ngubo's court bid has been struck from the Western Cape high court roll

Ngubo’s urgent court bid struck from roll

Knysna acting municipal manager Boy Manqoba Ngubo’s urgent application challenging local government MEC Anton Bredell’s decision on his appointment has been struck from the Western Cape high court roll with costs.

The Knysna municipality has partnered with Vodacom to improve water management
Premium

Knysna turns to digital technology to manage water challenges

In an effort to address its ongoing water crisis, the Knysna Municipality has partnered with Vodacom to introduce digital water towers aimed at improving water management and reducing water losses across the municipal network.