Kempton Park SPCA has obtained an interdict in the Johannesburg High Court on Thursday morning against Ekurhuleni, forbidding the discharge of fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
The branch’s chairperson, Kira Sparrow, said they had managed to get an interdict from the judge regarding the discharging of fireworks at the new year’s eve party due to take place this weekend at Dries Niemandt. “The judge was in our favour and granted us the order,” she told Kempton Express.
She was accompanied by ward councillor Simon Lapping. “I thank Simon a million times over as he has handled this with absolute passion and commitment,” Sparrow added.
Subsequent to this the metro released a statement on its Facebook page to advise they never intended to release fireworks anyway.
“But we believe this is an after thought, as they contacted me this morning and so were well aware of our intentions,” according to Sparrow.
In its statement the City of Ekurhuleni said they rejected a request for a fireworks display by the event organisers on December 21. Instead, they were granted permission for a pyrotechnics display.
The rejection for a fireworks licence was based on the proximity to the residential area and flights passing to and from OR Tambo International Airport.
“By the time the decision came through, Ekurhuleni had pre-programmed social media messages for the holiday period, which included an announcement that there would be a fireworks display. The City withdraws this part of the statement and apologises for the confusion,” the statement continued.
“Pyrotechnics is classified as staging theatrical effects such as stage fountains, mines, comets and stadium pyro. The joint organising committee includes members of the metro police and emergency services and approves all event logistics before they are staged.
“The decibel (DB) rating of pyrotechnics is below 90 DB which isn’t louder than the normal PA systems at events. The product height range is between 9m and 45m. Fireworks on the other hand start from 120 DB and can reach heights up to 180-200 metres.”
According to the metro The City has partnered with township entrepreneurs who, separately, organised events for the end of year. Ekurhuleni has facilitated the combination of these events into a three-day New Year’s celebration – the first of its kind in South Africa.
“The City has a responsibility to grow and support economic activity, grow talent as well as retain and invite new visitors to Ekurhuleni. The celebrations provide a platform for youth and people in the creative arts to showcase their skills and talent. Platforms are provided for craft and jewellery manufacturers as well as different vendors to display and sell their products. Upcoming artists will also have an opportunity to perform on stage and give them exposure.
“To start the three-day performance is a comedy session at Birchwood on December 30 where guests will be treated to dinner with comedians Skhumba, Mashabela Galane, Tol Ass Mo, Isaac Gampulihle, Lindzy Siyanda Maphumulo and many more.
The New Year’s Eve extravaganza with top local DJs and performances by the likes of Khuli Chana, Kwesta, Bucie, Black Motion and Brickz at Dries Niemandt will continue
Tickets are available from Computicket.
