The Knysna Collective was founded to unite organisations within the town so they can do greater good for the community and work together towards change.
Knysna, South Africa (27 July 2022) – Many communities in South Africa are uniting through active citizenship to forge a way forward through adversity and disappointment faced when waiting for officials to take action. Knysna is yet another community that is doing so. They have founded the Knysna Collective, which is made up of several organisations all working to better the community.
Knysna faced incredible adversity when they experienced a devastating fire five years ago. The fires united the community and plans to keep that going were implemented. Today, the community works hard to keep their town happy.
After seeing the devastation from the KZN riots, their goal became to avoid dipping into despair. It was this thought that inspired the collective. Take a look at the ideas of 13 organisations that have since united for change below.
Knysna is choosing hope over despair!
“This month, we remember the KZN riots in July 2021 and there can be no doubt that the subsequent year has been a challenge for all South Africans. Consequently, real effort is required to avoid a hopeless mind space and despair. It is obvious, now more than ever, that the fate of our country has become the collective responsibility of its citizens.
Many in the Knysna community have already chosen to shoulder the responsibility needed to carry us forward.
The Knysna Collective which comprises our town’s NGOs, community and business leaders, schools and businesses, focuses on working together for the common good. Each participant of the Knysna Collective works with a spirit of good neighbourliness, hope and kindness in order to serve a common cause. The more we align our goals and objectives, the greater impact and influence we will have on the district.
The mission of the Knysna Collective is to:
- share ideas, resources and to encourage one another
- continue serving those in need
- maximise collaboration, particularly in circumstances when an individual organization is unable to meet a need, or one group has resources but is unable to deliver.
Ordinary people with a vision and determination can make a difference wherever they find themselves. When we choose a positive response to a need that is placed before us, this generosity and kindness has a huge multiplier effect. While the actions themselves might seem inconsequential from a national standpoint, they can have a profound effect on the people who benefit.
It is no small thing when a community works together. The message becomes clear – those who live and work in Knysna will continue to serve with enthusiasm & energy. Together we choose growth over destruction, hope over despair, constructive ideas over negativity and presence over retreat.
We are all ‘fighting’ for a better future! Let’s all choose hope over despair to make Knysna a better place for all.”
The statement was issued by 13 groups, but the sentiment is being shared by hundreds of people. They are sharing this declaration in the hope of inspiring other communities that are hoping to unite.
by 