VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS
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A campaign to stop the anti-social practice of

fireworks traumatizing people and animals

of the Hibiscus Coast, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

PROGRESS REPORT

Regular news on the "Say NO to Fireworks" campaign.

Hibiscus Coast Councillors have the authority to amend the Fire Bylaws.  Bring pressure to bear on your Councillors!

1 NOV 2007 - WE THANK OUR SPONSORS

After almost 2 years of lobbying the HCM to revise their current bylaws, we are unfortunately no further forward than when I started this campaign on the 1st January 2006.

I would like to thank the Hibiscus Coast Residents for all their support and encouragement and for helping to educate people regarding the bylaws and the dangers of fireworks.

A huge thank you goes to Impact Printers for sponsoring 400 x A3 posters  "for all the right reasons"; Donna Sayles Graphic Designer for designing the flyers and bumperstickers; Froggy Pond Nursery, Beachcomber Bay Guest House, Coles Kitchens and Gill Spittal Physiotherapy for sponsoring the printing of 5,000 x A5 flyers and 100 x bumper stickers.

Anyone wanting to assist with the distribution of the above and/or sponsoring more printing please to contact me.

30 JAN 2007 - LETTER OF THANKS FROM HAZEL VOICE

Hello Everyone

Well, it’s now in the hands of Council.

Today, the Voice for the Voiceless Anti Fireworks campaign handed to Her Worship the Mayor Cllr NF Shusha, Hibiscus Coast Municipality, a petition containing 7,404 signatures together with letters from 15 organisations calling for an amendment to our Fireworks By Laws.

I would like to take this opportunity of thanking each and every one for your assistance in reaching this number.  Thank you also for giving Voice for the Voiceless your support which has enabled us to stand before Council with more than one “Voice”.

Take care
Kindest regards
Hazel

30 JAN 2007 - PETITION HANDED TO MAYOR SHUSHA

The "Say NO to Fireworks" petition was handed to the Mayor of the Hibiscus Coast Municipality on 30 January 2007.

In total, 7404 signatures were collected as well as letters of support from 15 community based organisations.

The petition calls for the amendment of the municipal bylaws to effect more stringent control over the sale and discharge of fireworks:

  • Total ban of “Explosive Fireworks”

  •  “Fireworks” only to be discharged by licensed pyrotechnicians in public display

  • General public to be prohibited from discharging fireworks

  • Authorised venues for public displays to be seriously scrutinized

  • Guy Fawkes fireworks to be prohibited

  • Diwali fireworks to be restricted to 1 day

  • Fines for non-compliance to be harsh:  R5,000 or 6 months in prison

DEFINITIONS: “Explosive Fireworks” and “Fireworks” - those that are accompanied by an explosion or bang, and those that do not produce an explosion when lit or fired.

MAYOR NF SHUSHA ADVISES WAY FORWARD

Hibiscus Coast Municipal Mayor NF Shusha has thanked Voice for the Voiceless for raising its concerns and has requested that the issue be discussed at a management meeting scheduled to be held in two weeks time.

After management have discussed the issue, an item will be tabled at the Executive Committee meeting.

She further advised that developments at other local authorities have been noted and that when Council is discussing the issue, these will be borne in mind.

12 JAN 2007 - COUNCIL TO CONSIDER TOTAL BAN ON FIREWORKS

Hibiscus Coast Municipality spokesperson, Brian Dube, told the Fever this week that council is aware of pressure from the community and other stakeholders.

“The issue and a request for a total ban of fireworks will be discussed in detail during the next council meeting” he said

13 JAN 2007 - PETITION SIGNING AT SHOPPING CENTRES

Voice for the Voiceless supporters collected over 1,000 signatures at  Shelly Centre (Shelly Beach) and Hibiscus Mall (Margate) shopping centres on 13 January 2007.

"Our petition is certainly representative of all the peoples of the Hibiscus Coast," said Hazel Voice, "All ages and all population groups came forward in support of the campaign and to tell us about their sad and horrific experiences over the festive season."

VISION 2002

To be a thriving, well managed, tourist friendly provincial leader, providing quality services to all its inhabitants in a safe and healthy environment

BATHO PELE -

Putting People

 First

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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