Despite the call from the South African Hindu Maha Sabha to not use “big bangs” on Diwali, social media was flooded with claims of excessive use of such fireworks in Ballito on November 11.
A particular hot spot was Elizabeth Drive where residents complained that for three straight hours “it sounded like a war zone”.
Townsend Road resident Melanie Stievenart said that she had never before experienced such loud rockets and explosions.
“I had my dog on tranquilizers but the noise was so bad that he was still terrified,” said Stievenart.
A large crowd of people from the surrounding houses visited the house to ask the people responsible to cease using the very loud fireworks, but to no avail. The loud explosions continued until around 10.30pm.
Dr Kevin Stevens, a veterinarian who lives in Ashley Road, said the fireworks were “totally out of control. It was one hell of a racket.”
He said with “emotions running high” the confrontation between the homeowner and his neighbours became quite heated.
“The people responsible for setting off the fireworks were extremely rude and swore at us when we asked them to stop.
“After I left I believe some people retaliated by hurling stones and attempted to let down their tyres, which was unfortunate and quite out of line.”
Many people claimed to have called the police and the Ballito Control Centre, only to be told that there was nothing they could do as fireworks were permitted during Diwali until 10.30pm.
However, KwaDukuza’s bylaws do not permit the use of the extremely loud “bomb” type fireworks.
Ballito’s Ward Six councillor Colin Marsh said the bylaws contained numerous grey areas that are too open to interpretation and council would need to revisit them in order to give more protection to animals and remove the use of fireworks from residential areas.
“Mutual respect and understanding is essential in these scenarios. Those choosing to use fireworks must do so within reason,” said Marsh.
KwaDukuza bylaws relating to the control of fireworks and explosives in a nutshell:
• The following fireworks are illegal and may not be sold to the public: no firecrackers larger than 50mm long and 12mm diameter; no match crackers or match strike; no firecracker commonly known as “Bombs”, e.g. Indian King, King India, Classic Foils etc.
• The discharge of fireworks within the municipal area is unlawful with the exception of the following days: 5 November; 1 January; and the seven (7) days of the Deepavali Festival, and any other day for public display of fireworks if the municipality permission is first obtained at least 21 days prior to the event.
• It shall be unlawful for any person to use or explode any fireworks: within 500 metres of any explosives magazine, explosives factory, petroleum depot or gas meter; or in any building or on any public thoroughfare.
