Tempers flare over New Year’s fireworks

Social media was abuzz last week as many Dolphin Coast residents voiced their anger after an exceptionally loud New Year’s Eve.

While many were ringing in the new year with a glass of champagne and ‘Auld Lang Syne’ on repeat, others were setting off hundreds of fireworks throughout the area, leaving many pet owners in a complete state.

Despite KwaDukuza Municipality having a bylaw that prohibits fireworks before January 1, the loud bangs could be heard hours before the countdown, with some even being set off days before.

Only hours into the new year, the Dolphin Coast Neighbours Facebook group was inundated with ‘missing animal’ posts, with some fur-babies still missing.

Marlene Retief posted on the ‘Speak your mind Ballito’ Facebook group saying, “Extremely disappointed and angry this morning. Salt Rock and surrounds was like an absolute war zone last night. The worst I have had since living here. My wish for 2018 is for everyone who puts as much effort into rallying around for missing dogs or dogs lying outside it’s owners gate etc, will all become anti-fireworks activists. Also disappointing was that every call made to SAPS with a specific address, were told that there is nothing they can do as Fireworks are allowed on New Years Eve. Despite medication my dogs were still frantic.”

Ward 22 Councillor Malcom Hubner said that there was no absolute ban on fireworks in KwaDukuza, but that fireworks could only be set off under very specific circumstances as defined in the bylaws.

According to the bylaws, available on KwaDukuza’s website, fireworks are allowed only on November 5 (Guy Fawkes), the week of Diwali and on January 1.

Although Hubner did not receive any direct complaints from residents, he said he has seen little action being taken by members of the Crime Prevention Unit and SAPS to ensure that residents obey the rules.

“If residents are able to report the exact location of where these fireworks are being set off, we as ward councillors can then pass this information on to the CPU and SAPS, but it is up to them to then enforce action,” said Hubner.

If you suspect someone of contravening the bylaws or setting off fireworks that endanger property or life, contact Umhlali Police at 032-947 9900 or Ballito Fire and Emergency Services at 032-437 5570 or 032-946 2711.

>>  Ready to say ‘I Do’ on the Dolphin Coast? Meet the team ready to advise, help and deliver on your big day.

>>  Visit our Education feature for a collection of all the best schools, tutoring systems, and even some colleges and training facilities on the North Coast.

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram