FACT continues fight against fireworks

Toti residents were left fuming after locals and visitors ignored the warning that Toti has been declared a fireworks free zone over the festive season.
There were reports of non-stop fireworks for 20 minutes at Toti main beach and in Beach Road over Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Fireworks continued to be let off in the Toti area even as late as Monday night, 12 January.
“Now that the clouds of cordite have finally cleared, we find ourselves shell-shocked, yet alive, unlike many furry and feathered friends who have had to pay the ultimate price for selfish human ‘pleasure’,” said a disgusted Lee Lewis of Fireworks Action Campaign Toti (FACT).
“We knew we were in for the long haul over five years ago. Has it put a stop to fireworks? The answer is no, however it has brought about a huge wave of awareness and support from reasonable, law-abiding citizens.
In South Africa, there is a law that governs the use of fireworks. Why then is it not being enforced by law enforcement agencies?
If big bang fireworks are banned, why are retailers permitted to sell them? Repeat offender retailers should be fined, their stock confiscated and their permits permanently withdrawn. We know who they are.
Year upon year, a small percentage hold our neighbourhoods to ransom by literally burning money on what can only be described as ‘urban warfare’.
Enough is enough. We, the majority, must begin to apply pressure on fireworks importers and retailers,” said Lee.
A public meeting will take place on Thursday, 29 January at 4pm at the Mills Bomb Shellhole Club on Ellcock Road in Warner Beach. “We invite the fire department and various other law enforcement agencies to address the meeting and answer questions from interested parties,” said Lee.

Email totifireworks.campaign@gmail.com to confirm your attendance.
Sign a petition to ban fireworks in SA here: https://chn.ge/1EzEWmU