HARTENBOS NEWS - There was mixed reaction to the fireworks held at Hartenbos Seefront to celebrate the New Year.
Some residents and holidaymakers viewed them as a spectacular show, while others commented that fireworks had a negative effect on animals and those with mental illnesses.
Leading up to New Year's Eve, Mossel Bay animal behaviourist and dog trainer, Steven Montgomery, led a campaign to stop the fireworks show, but to no avail.
The Hartenbos Seefront has provided a fireworks display since 2016. Management said it had always taken place without any incidents, for which they are thankful.
Special permits need to be obtained for a show like this to take place, and this was the case for the Seefront. At some stage there was a rumour the show would not be taking place anymore, but management said this came from a previous employee of Hartenbos Seefront (Pty) Ltd's marketing department, who had not consulted management.
Mossel Bay Municipality explained the process as follows:
"The municipality has a stringent by-law in place pertaining to setting off fireworks. No fireworks are allowed to be set off in public places, or 500 metres away from a public place without the necessary permission granted. These permissions are granted by the South African Police Services' Bomb Disposal Unit. Mossel Bay Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management Services are responsible for fire safety inspection at events which are already approved by police.
"The South African Police is the mandated authority regarding the keeping and sale of fireworks. Only four retailers in Mossel Bay have been approved by the police within the legislative framework to sell fireworks."
It said the Seefront pyrotechnical display on 31 December 2024 was the only approved display of its kind in the Mossel Bay municipal area.
"The police are the mandated authority to approve the application in terms of the legislative framework."
It said leading up to and during the festive season, municipal officials together with other role players would do continuous inspections at shops in all areas. Confiscation notices and fines would be issued to non-compliant shops.
"During the December holiday season, municipal law enforcement officials are vigilant during patrols to monitor the sale of prohibited fireworks as well as the possession and discharge of fireworks in public places.
"Such items will be confiscated and handed to the mandated authority, the police, for disposal. Please note that the municipal law enforcement mandate in this regard pertains to public spaces only. Fines of R1 500 to R2 000 are applicable for the unlawful discharge of fireworks."
An affidavit by witnesses can be made at a police station to report the unlawful discharge of fireworks which may then lead to further investigation and prosecution by the police.
Questions have been sent to both the municipality and the police about fines and confiscations made during New Year celebrations. Comment will be added when received.
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