VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS strives to raise public awareness of the harm that fireworks inflict on people, domestic animals, wildlife and the environment; and to convince KwaZulu-Natal's Hibiscus Coast Municipality to enforce a complete ban on the import, sale and discharge of pyrotechnics in its area of jurisdiction.

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BATHO PELE - Putting people first

But the wheels of local government turn very slowly!

 

PLEASE ...

Say NO to fireworks.

PROGRESS REPORT

Hibiscus Coast Councillors have the authority to amend the Fire Bylaws.  Bring pressure to bear on your political party and your Ward Councillor!
 

28 AUGUST 2009 - HIBISCUS COAST MUNICIPALITY ADVERTISES AMENDED BYLAWS FOR PUBLIC OBJECTION AND COMMENT

A public meeting was held on 27 August 2009 at 10h00 at the Marburg Library to consider an amendment to the Fire Brigade Bylaws:

  • Fireworks on Guy Fawkes to no longer be permitted.

  • The permitted 7 days of Diwali to be reduced to 2.

The meeting accepted the amendment and was unanimous in its wish that loud and percussive fireworks not be permitted. The fire chief explained that fireworks are not classified according to 'noise' and as such it would be impossible to regulate. Furthermore, the national act controlling Explosives would need amendment.

Discussion ensued around the need for fireworks to only be released in public display and then only by qualified pyrotechnicians.

Concern was expressed that, whilst the bylaws may well be adequate, the problem lay in the municipality having inadequate resources to enforce them.

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.

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
 

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