Fireworks campaign enjoys measure of ‘success’
The greater majority stuck to the designated times and steered clear of big bang fireworks.
Fireworks Action Campaign Toti (FACT) appeals to the Amanzimtoti public to report all sales of fireworks after New Year’s Day.
“In a media release dated 2 January 2017, eThekwini Mayor, Cllr Zandile Gumede said that the New Year long-weekend in Durban had been a major success and thanked all patrons for their continued co-operation with law enforcement officers,” said FACT’s Lee Lewis.
“While it is encouraging to note that each year more people abide by the law when it comes to the use of fireworks, those who are still hell-bent on selfishly breaking the bylaws, which are in place with good reason, can now be easily identified.
Sadly the attitude of lawlessness is perpetuated by stores and hawkers that greedily try to make a quick buck by illegally selling fireworks to the uninformed.
When comparing Amanzimtoti with many other towns reported on social media, FACT has enjoyed a modicum of success.
Although, in our area I suppose one could use the idiom of ‘different strokes for different folks’ – a few areas were worse, but by and large the greater majority stuck to the designated times and steered clear of big bang fireworks.
They say good (positive) news travels slowly, so there is still a lot of work to be done, especially within the hospitality industry and the rural areas. That is why we appeal to the community (schools, media, grass roots people and even businesses) to come on board.
Not just for funding, but also to report illegal sales, put fresh ideas on the table in order to give this initiative the necessary impetus to reach out to those who are uninformed. ”
Report all sales of fireworks after New Year’s Day via email to totifireworks.campaign@gmail.com
“We also invite the community to assist us in spreading fireworks awareness throughout the year. People have the right to knowledge, after all,” said Lewis.
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