Confusion as civic centre gardens host clashing events
Ward 97's Cllr Andre Beetge is investigating how this came to be, after his initial probe indicated the church had not booked and obtained the required clearances to use the garden venue.
CONFUSION reigned at the venue of the SPCA Music by the River event on Sunday, 1 October when the marquee for an unrelated church event was erected in the same area of the Amanzimtoti Civic Centre gardens.
The SPCA event, which was organised and the venue booked with Ethekwini Municipality months ago, went ahead albeit with the church marquee providing momentary confusion for those who attended, as they made their way past it to the music by the river.
The local SPCA’s event: SPCA fundraiser a tail-wagging success
Ward 97’s Cllr Andre Beetge is investigating how this came to be, after his initial probe indicated the church had not booked and obtained the required clearances to use the garden venue.
“The crowds arrived to find a huge framed marquee set up by the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa, on the very grounds where the SPCA event was to take place,” said Beetge.
“There is little doubt that several thousand UCCSA congregants from across the world descending on Amanzimtoti during the past two weeks made a positive contribution towards the local economy. However, it appears the organisers did not dot all their i’s or cross their t’s.”
Beetge said while it must be extremely difficult to host a multi-day event at what is arguably one of the most sought-after venues within Ethekwini, there are certain rules, bylaws and policies that apply unilaterally to ensure scales of balance, equal opportunity use and safety requirements.
Nowhere was this more evident than when the framed marquee appeared on the civic centre lawns during the weekend of 30 September to 2 October. “This after the same areas were duly booked well in advance and via the prescribed processes on behalf of the SPCA as an annual fundraising drive.”
“Preliminary investigation into the matter would suggest the UCCSA organisers stood advised on procedures for compliance with regards to field booking, structural certificates, health requirements, fire regulations, public liability requirements, DSW and Metro Police,” said Cllr Beetge.
“Despite enquiries with various departments, we are unable to find any application, permit or permission to occupy or use the civic centre lawns for any event, let alone the erection of a structure which is subject to strict regulations to ensure the safety of all who use it.
While there remains questions to be answered in so far as why there was no apparent interference from officials during the erection of the marquee or delivery of external ablutions, it would appear the use of the lawns as an extension of activities that were supposed to be contained to the hall, were indeed irregular and not in terms of council’s requirements.”
When asked for comment, a UCCSA supervisor, who would not provide his name, said UCCSA cannot be held accountable and advised the Sun to contact Amanzimtoti Civic Centre and that the city should be asked for an explanation.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp, send an invite to 061 694 6047
The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
