TZANEEN – The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Greater Tzaneen Municipality is calling on the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and the police to suspend all events near Jetty 3 at Tzaneen Dam until regulatory approvals and safety standards are met.

Jetty 3, located within the DWS-owned Tzaneen Dam area, is leased to a private individual for recreational and event purposes.

However, DA Cllr Chrisma Bredenkamp says the site has become a growing source of noise disturbances, unauthorised events, and by-law violations, especially affecting residents in Aqua Park.

“What was meant to be a peaceful recreational area has become a hotspot for complaints,” said Bredenkamp. “We’ve received repeated reports of excessive noise, illegal liquor sales, and poor sanitation at events. We’ve asked DWS to enforce proper procedures before allowing any further gatherings.”

Following the DA’s intervention, a music festival planned for September 20 was cancelled.

DWS has since clarified that all event applications must be submitted at least six weeks in advance and no event may proceed without written approval. Municipal and SAPS authorisation can only be granted once DWS approval is in place.

The DA has also called for DWS to consolidate all relevant regulations into a single, accessible document to promote consistency and accountability for both organisers and residents.

“We will continue monitoring the situation to ensure rules are followed and the community is protected from disruptive activities,” Bredenkamp said.

Responding to the issue, Greater Tzaneen Municipality spokesperson Vutivi Makhubele said the dam remains a public facility open for both recreation and events, as long as organisers comply with municipal by-laws and respect the rights of others.

Event organiser and Jetty 3 lessee Thabo Ramopai acknowledged the complaints but denied that his events were to blame.

“We always inform DA ward councillors about upcoming events and the music that will be played,” he said. “We comply with by-laws and coordinate with the police, private security, and the council to ensure order.”

Ramopai added that sound systems during events are directed toward the dam to minimise disturbance and that sound levels are tested by driving through Aqua Park during setup.

“At our last event, we ended the music at 18.00, as agreed. We never exceed approved times,” he said.

He also noted that some complaints may stem from other events held elsewhere on the dam grounds, which are managed by the municipality.

“I’ve personally reported noise from unrelated events. We want residents to enjoy quiet, and when procedures are followed, we’ve had no major issues.”

Municipal by-laws state that any public or private event must not cause nuisance or annoyance to others. Officials have the authority to stop or restrict events that violate these rules.