Locals say ‘No’ to fireworks in Ballito

An increasing number of Dolphin Coast residents are joining forces to fight against big bangs during the festive season.

Local resident Warren du Plessis was so fed up with the loud bangs that he met with the KwaDukuza police to discuss the issue and started the Facebook group Illegal Dolphin Coast Fireworks.

“Fireworks are not allowed in the KwaDukuza municipality and we as a community with special needs children, sensitive pets and elderly folk would appreciate all of the tourists and locals to respect this,” said du Plessis.

He said a hefty fine of up to R10,000 could be imposed on any offenders by local police.

New Year will not go by without fireworks completely though, as fireworks may legally be detonated from 11.45pm on December 31 of each year until 12.15am of the new year, according to the Fireworks Policy Guidelines.

“I agree that it is not fair to ban fireworks completely, therefore the limited time period allocated for fireworks is a fair compromise,” said Isabel Austin, founder of the Meet My Neighbour Ballito Facebook page and anti-fireworks activist.

The group are making signs advertising the legislation to be put up around the Dolphin Coast. They are urging other residents to put up the signs on their fences and gates. The signs can be ordered from local Salt Rock business, Sign Scene at a cost of R30 each.

Furthermore, flyers will be distributed to raise awareness.

“We are currently printing a simple flyer to inform people about the effects of fireworks on pets and to encourage people to report offenders,” said Cheryl Herda from Furever Pet Rescue.

If you witness any misuse of fireworks, report it to either the Ballito Control Room on 032-9462711 or Traffic and Crime on 032-9468000.

We asked our Courier Facebook fans whether they think fireworks should be banned around the festive season. . . 71 comments later, it was clear that this is a hot topic.
Bridgette Allan: Ban them! Apart from the injuries to animals, there are always human casualties! Unfortunately as with most things in life, there will always be those that cannot abide by the rules so allowing fireworks in designated areas is not an option.

Thomas Groenewald: Banned altogether as far as private sales and use is concerned. Only permitted through strict application and control process, that would include proper consideration of suitable space and notification.
Dorz Fomison: Yes. All our animals are terrified by them!
Joe Morais: Let them be – if we deny ourselves of this and that we will ultimately have nothing to celebrate. Compromise is not a difficult word to spell.
Marie Parkes: I have had to nurse a small child who was burned over most of his body. An elderly friend died of a heart attack when children threw a big bang at him. All my animals suffer terribly during every fireworks display here.

The wild birds on our island leave their babies and fly round and round for hours on end until the noise is over. Private use and noisy fireworks should be banned.

Should only be used by experts in safe areas.

Fiona Reid: Ban them please. So not cool.

Graeme Duane: Willing to give a new year window, but otherwise banned.
Penny Smith: The big bombers must be banned for sure. Light displays are fine.
Reghard Roets: I say ban them, or at least limit it to open areas for a set time. The devastation of lost pets and many getting run over on these “celebrations” is sickening…