VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS

A campaign to stop the anti-social practice of

fireworks traumatizing people and animals

of the Hibiscus Coast, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Hazel Voice, community activist against fireworks, started Voice for the Voiceless on 1 January 2006 when she could no longer tolerate the suffering caused by the anti-social use of fireworks.

Having relocated from the bustling, noisy city of Johannesburg to the tranquil, calm of Ramsgate, the violation of personal rights and space caused by fireworks became more evident than ever before.

"By night, I was comforting terrified pets.  By day, I was reading about traumatised pets, domestic animals and wildlife, and babies, disabled and elderly people.  Virtually every kind of inhabitant of our glorious Hibiscus Coast was being adversely affected and something had to be done about it," said Hazel Voice.  It was time to get off her chair and get off her chair she did!

Hazel ran the campaign virtually single-handedly for the first year of its existence: gathering signatures, creating awareness, e-mailing news groups, ensuring press coverage, impressing on the Municipality ... endless hours of dedicated effort.  Today, she has an effective network of active supporters determined to bring about real change.

Whilst still very frustrated that she hasn't been able to change the world ... yet ..., Hazel has had the satisfaction of seeing some change in the area:

• Loerie Awards 2006 did not stage its customary fireworks display

• Wozani Africa used laser lights at the organised New Year's Eve beach parties at Margate and Southbroom

• Umdoni Municipality (Hibberdeen to Umkomaas?) has promulgated Municipal Bylaws which make the release of fireworks illegal in its area of jurisdiction

"I congratulate the Loeries, Wozani and Umdoni and thank them profusely for their caring efforts.  I also thank the hundreds of ratepayers and residents that have come forward to add their voice to the campaign. 

I also thank the SPCA and Crag's View Wild Care Centre for their tireless efforts to rescue, save and comfort animals that have been traumatized by the worst animal of all: man, and I thank (in advance!) the Voice for the Voiceless Representatives that have made themselves available to champion the anti-fireworks campaign in their areas.  You are indeed champions.  Thank you for your caring efforts."

When Hibiscus Coast Municipality follows Umdoni's lead; when holiday makers no longer violate our Bylaws; when local residents no longer support those stores selling fireworks; and when we can get through a "time of celebration" without a fireworks burden being placed on our Police, Protection Services, Fire Department, Hospital Services and SPCA; then, and only then, will I consider the campaign a success.

CONTACT US

Click to e-mail

and please,

SAY NO

TO FIREWORKS

SAY NO TO FIREWORKS

SAY YES TO LASER

SAY YES TO LIGHTS

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