Band celebrations turn fiery
The Empangeni High School marching band’s celebrations end in public outcry following a brief fireworks display
CELEBRATIONS of Empangeni High School’s (EHS) victory at the annual national band competition ended in a bang on Friday night when a climatic fireworks display evoked a furore from pet owners.
The 107-member teenage band, fresh from their victory earlier this month, wowed audiences with a spectacular performance at the school grounds followed by a fireworks spectacle forming part of the grand finale.
However, the brief thunderous bangs sent pets into a frenzy with over 47 complaints to the Empangeni SPCA of terrified dogs, who had run away from residences or stormed through security fences in panic.
Senior Inspector at the Empangeni SPCA, Roland Fivas told the Zululand Observer that he had met the school governing body and principal this morning (Monday) to discuss the issue.
‘From our side, we understand that it was not a malicious move from the school but was in poor taste. We have had similar incidents at other schools in the past and we are hoping the entire community can learn from this incident.
‘Despite authorisation from the bomb squad, the school unfortunately did not obtain a permit from the municipality and bylaws must be adhered to,’ said Fivas.
The fireworks were organised by parents as a surprise for the band members and coaches with the principal of the school being unaware of the celebratory plan.
‘The Empangeni High School and the Empangeni High School Band will never break the law deliberately,’ said EHS Band coach, Rene Pretorius.
‘After following up on the complaint, the parents assured me they followed every possible step to get permission. They spent almost an entire day of phoning and mailing to find out what the correct procedures were. After being referred from one person to another, they spoke to the fire brigade, who referred them to the bomb squad, who eventually gave the go ahead. The fireworks was at the end of an excellent performance by the band and lasted 55 seconds, and not five minutes as stated in the social media,’ explained Pretorius.
She further thanked the Zululand community for their loyal support of Empangeni High School Band over the years.
‘I can assure you the band parents had no intention to cause any harm to any animals, and we at EHS sincerely apologise if it was the case.’
We stay in flamboyant road and all the dogs went nuts!! My jack russels was so traumatized °̩ had so sedate her!! Wish they would ban fireworks and give α dogs peace!!!