First published in November 2000

Deputy Minister praises Thesen Islands - Very Best SA Research
On Monday a party was held on Thesen Islands to celebrate the start of construction of the re-development of Thesen Island into a marina with 19 islands. The Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Minister Ms. R.T.Mabudahfhasi opened the event after welcoming addresses by Chris Nissen, Community leader and Arcus Gibb director and Knysna Mayor, Alan Kock.

Graham Power, on behalf of the Development Company, gave a brief history of the planning of the project, which was begun in 1990, and thanked all those who had been supportive, particularly the Knysna Town Council.

In her well received, passionate address, Deputy Minister Mabudahfhasi " We stand today on the threshold of a new era in the history of Knysna. An era that will be characterised by development that is sustainable, that takes into account, very seriously, environmental concerns and the need for the future generations to also sustain themselves."

The wide waterways of Thesen Islands give a feeling of openness and space. The natural stone sides are planted with indigenous ground cover and intertidal plants. This photo was taken from Plantation Island looking North up the waterway, with Jubilee Island on the right.

She expressed her appreciation to Thesen & Co for the "for the most responsible manner in which they conducted, supported and financed the environmental research, which probably represents the most comprehensive, professional and detailed Environmental Impact Assessment ever undertaken in South Africa, (including St Lucia and Saldanha Steel). The cooperation between Thesen & Co. and the Thesen Islands Development Company with all the authorities was evident."

She ended by saying that Thesen Island has "evolved into a symbol of sound public participation, the successful management of environmental concerns, and a fresh and meaningful thrust for the socio-economic sustainability of Knysna and the South Cape Coast."

Mayor Alan Kock said that the Council had looked at all aspects of the planned redevelopment. Recognizing the need for environmental sensitivity, the Council had ensured that strict controls were imposed to ensure that the environment would be safe guarded before deciding to approve and support the project.

The Knysna Choral Choir, who the Thesen Islands Development Company have sponsored for some time, performed a number of foot tapping traditional songs to the enthusiastic response of the audience. Led by Graham Power, a number of the professional team as well as owners pledged donations totaling more than R20 000 to the choir.

With the construction of the first phase of the R800 million project having been underway since June, the guests enjoyed "Island Safaris" to view the progress achieved. Guests were dropped off at "lookouts" where construction and environmental experts were on hand to talk about the project. Already 3.4 kilometres of waterway frontage have been constructed. Guests expressed amazement at the size and scale of the waterways and at how much had already been done. Graham Power announced that construction was 2 to 3 weeks ahead of schedule.

The first phase of the development, which consists of 150 single residential stands, is scheduled for completion in July 2001. Virtually all the stands in the first phase have water frontage. With over 120 stands sold, sections of the second phase have now been released. Included is "North Beach", a select group of North facing stands all with a private jetty and beach, smaller "Tidewater" stands set next to the wetlands and "Edgewater" stands on the banks of the Waterway. The prices of these stands start at R385,000.