New Year goodwill has fast evaporated on Browning Street (corner of Oldacre/Bromhead Streets) where residents said a large tent has been put up this morning for a 21st birthday part that they had no idea would take place.

After several calls to the municipality – where officials first said they had no idea of any planned function or permission to hold such a gathering –  resident, Bobby Abrahamse, said Mr. Makhoba (acting Municipal Manager) confirmed at 07:30 this morning that no permission has been granted for this function.

“After following up several times with Mr. Makhoba, I was told that his officers are helping the people holding the function to be compliant. In other words, permission has been granted. We as residents were not consulted and regardless of our concerns.”

The municipality has been asked for comment but so far nothing official has come through. Another resident who called said ‘with properties worth over R1-million it is unfair that we can have no say as to what happens in our area… this event will surely be accompanied by noise and litter.”

It is understood 300 people will attend the party. It is also not clear if the property is owned by the Department of Public Works or the Municipality.