Knysna Mayor ousted from ANC after contesting under SACP banner
Deputy mayor Morton Gericke is expected to act as mayor in the interim.
Knysna Mayor Thando Matika has been stripped of his position within the African National Congress (ANC) following his decision to contest the upcoming local government elections under the South African Communist Party (SACP) banner. A council meeting aimed at addressing the situation and other pressing matters was unable to convene, as councillors representing the ruling ANC, Economic Freedom Fighters, Plaaslike Besorgde Inwoners and the Patriotic Alliance coalition were absent.
Morton Gericke, the deputy mayor, is anticipated to assume the role of mayor on an interim basis. The SACP had previously announced its intention to contest the 2026 local government elections on its own accord. James Sijama, an ANC regional spokesperson, stated that the ANC has formally communicated with the municipality to request Matika's removal as an ANC councillor, and that proper legal procedures will be initiated to vacate the position and inform the Electoral Commission.
The ANC intends to pursue this matter through the relevant municipal and electoral processes to ensure that vacant positions are managed in accordance with the relevant legislation. In a video clip, Thembisa Faukude offers her perspective on the strains between the SACP and the ANC in the lead-up to the local government elections.
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