WATCH: Calls for tolerance, responsible behaviour during Diwali celebrations

THE colourful yet controversial time of the year is once again upon us.

While residents are urged to have cultural tolerance as Hindus are set to celebrate the auspicious Diwali festival on October 24, the SPCA is calling for fireworks to be banned.

Tanya Fleischer, the marketing manager at Durban & Coast SPCA, said they were highly concerned about the use of fireworks during both Diwali and Guy Fawkes Day.

“The entire inspectorate team will be on call to deal with incidents as they arise. We have had horrific cases, including a dog that was injured after it caught a firework in its mouth, as well as an inhumane case where fireworks were placed up a dog’s rectum. These are some of the cases which we have dealt with, which leads us to believe that fireworks need to be banned.”

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Ashwin Trikamjee, the president of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha (Sahms), said fireworks are an integral part of the Diwali celebrations and are part of the cultural heritage of all those that celebrate Diwali in South Africa and globally.

“The Sahms supports the responsible use of fireworks. However, the Sahms are opposed to the big bang fireworks and acknowledges that the Hindu community must comply with local municipal by-laws, in the conduct of their festivities. We encourage the Hindu community to be mindful of fellow residents and their animals,” he said.

Trikamjee, said in terms of Constitutional principles, Hindus have the right to celebrate, with fireworks.

“To the Hindu community, Diwali signifies the triumph of righteousness over evil, the return of Hindu deities, Lord Ram, Mother Sita, and Lakshman from 14 years of exile. Diwali is a time of great joy, peace, and blessings. Diwali also represents a reaffirmation of divinity, hope, and goodwill, as well as signifies love, tolerance, generosity, and goodness, inherent in all human beings,” he said.

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Msawakhe Mayisela, the eThekwini Municipality spokesperson, said even though fireworks are beautiful and exciting to watch, they can also be potentially dangerous.

“Fireworks can cause damage to your property, as well as harm your family or pets, therefore when you buy fireworks to use this Diwali make sure that you only buy fireworks from authorised dealers and shops displaying the relevant permits from the SAPS.

“It must also be remembered that no person may allow or permit any child under the age of 16 years to handle or use fireworks, except under the supervision of an adult. We also encourage residents to keep an eye on their pets and to keep them safely indoors where possible. Animals are easily frightened by fireworks and can become distressed or try to escape and run away,” he said.

Mayisela said fireworks cannot be used other than on the approved days. These include Diwali and Guy Fawkes day, between sunset and midnight, as well as December 31, from 23:45 until 00:15 the next day.

Desi Govender, who has been living on the Bluff for the past two decades said her fur babies, 10-month-old Jake and five-year-old Chloe, are afraid of thunder on a stormy night, as well as other loud bangs.

“We will celebrate with fireworks that do not give off loud bangs or noises and request our fellow Hindus to please adhere to prescribed times if they feel the need to use the loud fireworks. In this way, pet owners
can ensure the safety of their pets during the specified times and residents in the Bluff community can practice religious tolerance during those times.”

WATCH HERE :

To report a fire, call 031 361 0000, or the illegal sale or use of fireworks, call metro police on 031 361 0000 or SAPS on 10111. To report animal cruelty, contact the Durban & Coast SPCA on 031 579 6501.

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