WC submits two requests to CoGTA for provincial disaster declaration

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde says they’ve submitted two requests to the National Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister for a provincial disaster declaration.

This is to respond to the water and wildfires crises.

Winde says the water situation remains a serious concern in Knysna, Langeberg and Bitou.

He told the media in Cape Town that a declaration would enable the province to redirect funds and resources to manage the situation.

“We have a number of towns that are definitely in the disaster space where they themselves are also calling for a local disaster. Now we will be calling for a provincial disaster primary because of Knysna where they are getting down to days without water. You can see other towns in the region are under huge pressure in the Garden Route, in the Karoo.”

🚰Watch as Premier Alan Winde explains how the DA-led Western Cape Government is stepping in to address Knysna’s water crisis, working to stabilise supply, assess whether a disaster should be declared, and build long-term resilience so residents have reliable, clean water access. pic.twitter.com/rDWqP3kApg

— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) January 21, 2026