A key strategic planning session took place on Thursday 4 September 2025, in Knysna, bringing together an influential group of stakeholders committed to unlocking the full potential of the Heidevallei development.
Convened at the Knysna Angling and Diving Club, the session included representatives from National and Provincial Government departments, Western Cape Provincial Government Department of Infrastructure, Municipal Infrastructure Support Agency (MISA), South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL), South African Local Government Association (SALGA), the Garden Route District Municipality, the GKBC, and the Knysna Municipality.
Councillor Neil Louw, the Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, said it was a strategic session to ensure the full potential of the development is unlocked to benefit the Knysna community. “The meeting was the outcome of a series of recent decisions about the region’s housing needs and infrastructure challenges. Each participant was tasked with specific mandates, supported by clear deadlines to ensure progress.”
Louw said that Knysna faces a housing backlog of nearly 10 000 households, with demand growing every year. “The Heidevallei development is one of the municipality’s most strategically located land parcels – 99,23 hectares in extent – with approximately 50 hectares suitable for urban development.”
“The area is situated adjacent to the N2, close to Knysna’s industrial area and within the gazetted restructure zone and provides a rare opportunity for integration, employment creation, commercial activity and the delivery of uncommon housing typologies. This integrated approach addresses the full spectrum of housing needs across all income groups and aligning with Spatial Planning & Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA) and sustainability principles.”
Louw stressed the importance of collaboration: “The development is vital to address Knysna’s growing housing demands in Hornlee and the surrounding areas. Today’s meeting reaffirmed the commitment of all parties to work together to bring this vision to life. Political leadership is fully committed, and we acknowledge that without strong public-private partnerships, this project will not reach its full potential.“
Jan van der Westhuizen, Chairperson of the Greater Knysna Business Chamber, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the strong backing from the local business community: “The business community in Knysna remains fully committed to the success of the Heidevallei project. Its completion will not only provide much-needed housing but also foster long-term economic growth and sustainability for the region.“
In closing, Louw reinforced the importance of collective action. “This is a complex project, but with the collective expertise and commitment from all stakeholders, we are confident that Heidevallei will become a model of sustainable development that will benefit the entire community. Through strong municipal leadership, supported by local businesses and partners, the Heidevallei project is set to become an example of responsible, inclusive urban planning for years to come.”