- After a three-year hiatus, the New Year’s Eve fireworks display will resume at the V&A Waterfront on the evening of Sunday 31 December.
- The Cape Animal Welfare Forum representing 59 animal welfare organisations in the Western Cape, have called on the Waterfront to reconsider its decision.
- The Waterfront says numerous requests from the public forced them to reintroduce the fireworks tradition.
After a three-year hiatus, the New Year’s Eve fireworks display will resume at the V&A Waterfront on the evening of Sunday 31 December.
However, animal welfare organisations have called on the Waterfront to reconsider its decision.
Donald Kau, the spokesperson for the V&A Waterfront, says spectators can look forward to an exciting line-up of musical entertainment which includes a five-minute fireworks display. “We feel that the midnight moment celebration is a once-a-year, shared moment by visitors and locals, in a safe and designated area in the waterfront. Something that many Capetonians have asked us to do to mark the start of the new year. We plead with people with animals to note the time for the start of the fireworks and ensure that their pets are protected for the short duration of the fireworks display.”
According to Kau, a permit has been approved by the City. “According to City regulations, individuals planning a fireworks display must apply for a permit in accordance with the National Explosives Act and the community fire safety by-law.
“Additionally, events expecting more than 200 people or requiring infrastructure assembly, must obtain an events permit from the City. We have received this permit.
“A site inspection typically also takes place to ensure that the location is safe and free from fire hazards ahead of an event conducted by the City’s fire safety officials.”
Kau said numerous requests from the public forced them to reintroduce the fireworks tradition.
“While we had suspended the use of fireworks over the past three years, we’ve received numerous requests that the Waterfront be able to host the midnight fireworks display for Capetonians to enjoy as the traditionally permitted site to do so.”
In a statement, The Cape Animal Welfare Forum (CAWF) representing 59 animal welfare organisations in the Western Cape, expressed its dismay at the “ill-considered decision”.
The organisation stated that it was regrettable that the Waterfront reversed its stance on the welfare and well-being of animals.
“In 2020, the V&A Waterfront made a commendable commitment to forgo fireworks displays, pledging to celebrate New Year’s in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. Regrettably, the V&A Waterfront has reversed its stance, callously disregarding the welfare and well-being of animals, particularly the wild species that call the V&A Waterfront home.”
The CAWF listed seabird species and the protected Cape Fur seals among the wildlife that would be affected.
“Despite the V&A Waterfront’s claim of concern for pets, their actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the environment and the wildlife residing in the area. Fireworks pose significant threats to the environment including air pollution, noise pollution, waste and litter. We call on the V&A Waterfront to reconsider its decision and cancel the fireworks display.”
Commenting on the permit allocation, the City described it as an events permit.
“Any person wanting to host fireworks displays can apply for a permit with the South African Police Service, in terms of the National Explosives Act.
“If the application is approved by SAPS, they then have to make contact with the Fire and Rescue Service’s Fire Life Safety Section in the area where they plan to hold the display so that a site inspection can be carried out to determine whether the site is safe for a fireworks display.
“The City granted an events permit to the V&A Waterfront for their New Year’s Eve event, as all requirements were met in terms of policies and procedures.”
Cape of Good Hope SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham labelled the decision as deeply disappointing. “Their decision disregards the welfare of animals in the area, especially the vulnerable seabird species, other naturally occurring avian species and the protected Cape Fur seals.
“By hosting a firework display as part of their New Year’s celebration, the V&A Waterfront has reneged on their 2020 commitment to humane celebrations, they’re choosing commerce over compassion and that’s just sad.”
The effects of fireworks on animals and the environment are devastating, she added.
“An animal’s natural response is to flee from the noise of fireworks often with tragic consequences.
“Wild birds and other animals will flee, become disorientated, run onto highways, fly into buildings or hide in other obstacles like pipes or drains and even abandon their nests, leaving off-spring to suffer. Birds could even die of shock or fly out too far to sea.”
Abraham warned that the effects of noise on animals can be long-lasting, resulting in nervous, aggressive and damage-causing behaviour. “The absolute terror animals experience from loud bangs is a very real threat for them. It is extremely cruel and incredibly selfish.
“The impact of this firework display will be felt for far longer than the five-minute duration.”
