TWO piers in North Beach will be a sight of wonder when the eThekwini Municipality welcomes the new year in a dazzling fireworks display. An “unforgettable experience” they said.

This spectacular has drawn discontent from ratepayers and residents.

Durban Tourism has invited residents and visitors to witness the display. “Durban brings you Endless Waves of Tranquillity, live from New Year’s Eve fireworks Spectacular on December 31, with the stunning scenery.

“Join us for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration as we count down to 2026 with a spectacular fireworks display, all in true Durban style, lighting up the breathtaking beauty of the Indian Ocean.”

Also read:Tips on keeping pets safe, and what to do if they go missing during fireworks 

The eThekwini Ratepayers Protest Movement (ERPM) has come out guns blazing, condemning the City’s fireworks display planned for tonight.

“The ship is sinking and the orchestra is playing. How does eThekwini  [Municipality] possibly find the budget to host a major fireworks display on NYE when the city is plagued by ailing and broken infrastructure, non-functional streetlights, potholes and continuous electricity and water outages.

“In July 2026 we will once again be forced to pay double digit tariff increases for this wasteful extravagance to cover up the void in the budget by fruitless, wasteful and irregular expenditure. The priorities are displaced. It’s ludicrous that the city would host this event as a ‘smoke screen’ whilst we the ratepayers know that this ship has hit an iceberg. When the New Year’s Party is over and all that money gone up in smoke, what then? All that ‘entertainment’ for what?  Who’s the true beneficiary of this event?

Also read: eThekwini Municipality releases fireworks protocol

“Shame on you, the leadership and management of eThekwini. You are lost. You have no vision, no priorities. And you have no respect for our hard-earned money; the only competence you have is wasting our money. You have failed this city,” ERPM concluded.

The Grove-End Stanmore Ratepayers and Residents Association echoed the sentiments.

“eThekwini Municipality doesn’t care about its people. Wasted expenditure again. It is frustrating seeing the municipality spending big on fireworks while basic services are failing, it’s a major letdown. It’s like, what’s the priority here?

“Service delivery is suffering. Sewer issues, closed beaches, and the citizens are struggling. Fix the basics first, the municipality should rethink their budget allocation.”

Also read: SPCA proactive ahead of fireworks season

The ratepayers question if they should embark on a  protest and rally behind the hashtag #FixTheBasics.

One North Beach resident and ratepayer lamented, “The fireworks display is another wasteful expense project. While many people are homeless and jobless, and basic services remain inadequate, it’s hard to see how the display will improve anyone’s life. The funds could be put to far better use.”

The fireworks display will take place at 23:00 until midnight at the North Beach and Bay of Plenty piers.

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