Subject: Your Revive Knysna mail is here! 💌

Open to read issue #5 of Groundwork.

Revive Knysna working to inspire, empower & inform you.

👋 Hi there!


This is issue #5 of Groundwork, where we share with you 3 things you should know to make living in Knysna great in 5 minutes or less.

Aliens watch out!

Meet our local changemakers & join causes that align with you.

Saving our precious indigenous plant species from alien invasion has become a passion for Brenton-on-Sea resident Makkie Scheepers. From her clifftop home she has been directing the operations of a small land clearance team called Alien Busters since 2018.


A farm girl, originally from Pretoria, she & her husband bought a holiday home in Brenton many years ago but only moved there permanently just after the Knysna fires.


“It all started when my son & I began clearing invasive aliens on the edges close to our home”, explained Makkie. “People noticed what we were doing & wanted to become involved”.


Under the auspices of the not-for-profit company Eden Resilience, where she is enthusiastically assisted by Judy Harrison and Candace Myers, Makkie recruited a team of six responsible for clearing alien species on privately-owned land.


“The Knysna fires presented us with a great opportunity to ensure that our indigenous plant life could make a new start.


Brenton Fynbos is one of the world’s most diverse & helping save it is one way we can leave a legacy for future generations.”

Alien Busters first major project was clearing a corridor around Knysna’s Red Bridge, followed by other assignments in Buffels Bay, Knysna’s Western Head, Sedgefield, Wilderness & Plett.


Most of her ‘clients’ are private individuals who pay the team to clear aliens from their land, thus reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires & restoring natural plant habitats. SANParks & Knysna Municipality have also called on Alien Busters’ expertise from time to time.


Makkie’s greatest satisfaction from her work is when she returns to an area that her team has cleared & sees how successfully the fynbos has returned.


She urges everyone in our area to find out more about recognising alien species on their property & to ask for her help & advice on removing them. “When it comes to our environment, many people think they can’t make a difference, but they really can!”


Makkie is certainly living proof of that.


Not sure which plants are invasive? We've got you. Click here.


If you would like to support Knysna Alien Busters or find out how to restore your land to its natural beauty, take a look at their Facebook page. You can contact Makkie directly on 083 263 5414 or email her by clicking here.

We want to know about our local changemakers. Whether it's a local business, citizen, or organisation.


Nominate them by clicking here & you may see their story in an upcoming newsletter.

Who you gonna call?

Empowering you to become an active citizen.

Sometimes, unexpected things happen when we're out & about.


A fun day near the water could suddenly turn scary if a swimmer or boat gets caught in a strong current.


During a walk, we might see someone having trouble breathing & not know what to do.


Or we might hear a sad cry from an animal left alone or someone in danger in a quiet alley.


In these moments, knowing who to call can make a big difference.


But do we all have the important contact numbers we need?


The truth is simple - being a few minutes late in calling for help can change everything.


So, this month, we're sharing a list of important numbers for NSRI, medical help, animal rescue, & police.


It's a good idea to save these numbers now so we're ready if we ever need them.


If everyone in Knysna does this, we’ll be a community that’s ready to take action & help each other out when things go wrong.


Click here to access the important emergency contact info for Knysna.


💌  Hot tip:


  • If you're searching for it in the future, search for "files" or "downloads" on your device & then search: "Knysna Emergency," & it'll appear.

  • The phone numbers are clickable so that it's as easy as a tap, & it'll automatically dial for you - the perfect way to quickly save them to your phone.

  • Print it out & put it on your fridge.

An update from the team at Revive Knysna

Learn about our latest projects.

Revive Knysna continually thrives on the shared spirit of our remarkable community.


Our recent Annual Golf Day not only epitomized this spirit but also reflected a tangible glimpse into our collective endeavor to foster a progressive Knysna.


Your overwhelming support propelled this event beyond our expectations!


The essential funds raised are instrumental in advancing our initiatives, significantly marking the day with the emblem of success.


Yet, it wasn't just about the funding; the exceptional prizes donated by local businesses highlighted the strong bond & mutual support among us.


A big-hearted thank you to each entity & individual whose generosity illuminated the event.


Our heartfelt gratitude extends to the Knysna Golf Club for opening its scenic premises for our cause. Their hospitality played a pivotal role in orchestrating such a memorable & fruitful day.


Each moment of collaboration, each instance of generosity, inches us closer to our envisioned Revived Knysna.


As we reflect on the Golf Day's triumph, we are invigorated to march forward with projects that hold promise for a better town.


We invite you to remain engaged, to understand our ongoing efforts, & to celebrate the gradual yet impactful revitalization of our beloved home.


Your enduring support is not just the backbone but the heartbeat that fuels Revive Knysna's journey toward a thriving community.

That's it! We can't wait to hear what you think. What was your favourite? What do you want more or less of? Just reply to this email.


Also, if you have anything interesting to share, we would love to know about it.


Things happen really slowly in our town, and we want to make sure we provide the most value to you - so we're changing how often we send out this newsletter.


From here on out, you can look forward to getting your newsletter quarterly.


Look out for our next newsletter in December 2023.


Have a great week 🌞


The Revive Knysna Team


P.S. - Did someone forward this e-mail to you? You can subscribe to receive the next issue by clicking here.


P.P.S - Do you want to read previous newsletters sent by us? You can by clicking here.

Thank you for joining our community of empowered, inspired & informed citizens.

Whether you donate to our cause, read our informative newsletter or support us on social media. Every action helps us push the wheel forward. 💚

Learn more about us here

This newsletter is lovingly curated by volunteers of Revive Knysna, without whom this would not be possible.