Base from simultaneous concerts spark outcry from residents
Simultaneous concerts caused a headache for nearby residents who cried foul because of 'unacceptably high noise levels which came close to shattering windows.
For a while on a recent Saturday afternoon, it was unclear which of the two concerts taking place simultaneously at Emmarentia Botanical Gardens or Mark’s Park was disturbing the peace.
Ward 88 councillor Nicolene Jonker’s Ward 88 WhatsApp group exploded with complaints by residents dismayed at the noise levels booming through the area. She quickly investigated and the Thank God Fest at the Botanical Gardens was identified as the culprit.
John Cartwright lives in the area and recorded the sound bottles on his workbench at home were making because of the bass from the music. “It is not just one concert but something we have to live with all the time. I have no problem with people enjoying the space but see no benefit for the park or the area when concerts like this are held as the funds raised are spent elsewhere.”
His neighbour told him that his windows were close to shattering.
The Emmarentia Residents Association has launched a survey for people who were negatively affected by the concert in a bid to prevent such an occurrence from happening again. These findings will be submitted to the relevant authorities. This concert it seems was louder than others held at the same space.
Jonker said although Ward 88 has some of the best locations to have events like at the botanical gardens, it is a big inconvenience to residents who live nearby. “I have noted the complaints raised and have taken it up with the city’s Joint Operations Committee (JOC), the city entity that approves such gatherings and events based on various elements, for example, sound and noise.”
Spokesperson for Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), Jenny Moodley said, “The strict protocols include all music events and events that have been categorised as high risk, to present a comprehensive disaster management plan to JOC. This includes having a sound engineer present to monitor sound levels. Unfortunately, the sound was amplified as there was also an event hosted at Marks Park at the same time. The sound engineer personally responded to noise complaints from residents and it was found that the concert [Thank God Fest] promptly finished at 17:00 and did have an exemption certificate as it was during the day on a Saturday.”
She said JCPZ recognises that noise can be ‘as diverse as all the sounds or melodies that fill our city’. “Just as the roar of a Harley-Davidson may resonate and might be music to one’s ear, the harmonies of a choral group might not always strike the right chord with another.”
“However, if the sound from events is unacceptably high, please reach out to the JMPD on 011 375 5911 or on joburgconnect@joburg.org.za who are on standby to assist.”
The Northciff Melville Times tried to contact the organisers of the concert through their Instagram page but no response was forthcoming. Alison Cartmill Canning, General Manager of Webtickets said, “We are unable to give out information about our clients but we will reach out to them with your enquiries.”
Jonker said it was unclear how the concert was approved without her letter of support. Investigations continue.
Related Article: A Sunday Morning Concert in Melville
