KNYSNA – The cancellation of the Oakhill Waterfront Chukka Festival, which was supposed to take place in early February due to the water crisis, could result in economic losses of as much as R16 million according to the Knysna Business Chamber.
The Chukka Festival is one of the countries biggest water polo festivals.
Beverly Pothier, chairman of the Greater Knysna Business Chamber, calculated the loss based on 4 000 expected visitors spending R4 000 each during the festival.
“If we were to go back to the 4 000 visitors at R4 000 each, the impact is R16 million. This is not money that can be recouped in the short term,” Pothier told Nova News.
However, Knysna Municipality’s response did not address the economic impact. Instead, Christopher Bezuidenhout, Manager of Communications for Knysna Municipality, focused on water quality standards and the festival’s future.
“Despite the recent cancellation of the Chukka Festival, regular independent water quality testing at designated recreational areas has consistently met the required safety standards. We look forward to the festival’s return in 2027,” Bezuidenhout stated.
The Business Chamber’s calculation assumes direct spending of R4 000 per visitor across accommodation, food, transport, and activities.
The town remains fully open, welcoming, and ready for visitors, with a proactive and responsible approach to water management across the tourism sector.
Pothier argued the impact extends beyond obvious sectors.
“Almost every sector is impacted by such a cancellation. When an event of this magnitude is cancelled, it impacts every business because disposable income is affected by the loss of part-time jobs, support of even the local laundry services, the butchers, the small taxi operators,” said Pothier.
According to a statement released by Oakhill School, the festival was cancelled after the school received independent laboratory results showing the Knysna Waterfront marina water was not fit for recreational use.
The school’s statement also cited “the severe water crisis and drought facing our region.”
Bezuidenhout confirmed the Akkerkloof Dam sits at 29% capacity, representing “a marked improvement from the 10-day low recorded in December.”
Pothier stated the town has 24 days of water stored in the primary dam, up from just 10 days in January.
While Oakhill School mentioned independent laboratory results deeming the marina water unsafe, the municipality maintains that testing at designated recreational areas has met safety standards.
The municipality has focused on infrastructure improvements.
Bezuidenhout announced the municipality has begun installing 1 000 conventional water metres to replace faulty and unmetered units across all areas.
“These measures are critical to reducing water losses and unbilled consumption,” Bezuidenhout stated.
“They will help ensure that water supplied to the system is not lost through leaks, illegal connections, or faulty metres, and that usage is accurately measured and billed.”
Pothier revealed the Business Chamber has engaged with potential private investors willing to invest in the town’s water infrastructure.
The municipality emphasised that despite the cancellation, “the town remains fully open, welcoming, and ready for visitors, with a proactive and responsible approach to water management across the tourism sector.”
Makhanda’s Kingswood College provided an alternative venue for water polo matches, ensuring young athletes didn’t lose game time.
