Municipality ‘mum’ on doughnuts event

OPENNESS and transparency does not apply in AbaQulusi Municipality. Nine out of ten enquiries from the Vryheid Herald go unanswered, most often they are not even acknowledged.

One of the latest was sent to the mayor, the municipal manager, the media office and the head of Community Services. It was an enquiry into the granting of permission for someone to use the Vryheid airport parking area on December 6. It is understood that the applicant wishes to hold a doughnut spinning exhibition, or some such similar event involving motor sport.

The Vryheid Herald asked the municipal authorities named above, whether in approving this application it had been established that the event would comply with the Safety at Sports and Recreation Events Act 2010, which, among other things specifies safety procedures that have to be complied with prior to the event.

We asked too, “As the event is on municipal property, is the municipality not obliged to ensure that the safety of the public is paramount, and that safety measures have been

complied with, prior to the granting of permission?”

The Act’s purpose is largely in response to incidents that have taken place in which spectators have been killed or injured. It specifies that “no event can be organised unless a risk categorisation has been made and public liability insurance is in place for the event.”

MotorSport South Africa points out that local authorities play a “pivotal role” in the process, and that general safety certificates for existing stadiums and venues, safety certificates and grading certificates must be obtained where applicable.

Whether AbaQulusi Municipality has vetted the applicant’s procedures and plans for this event is not known, but no mention of it is made in the letter of approval signed by AB Mnikathi, the Director of Community Services, dated October 23. We doubt it.

And nor will they tell us.