Please find attached soundbites in English by Johan Pieterse
Please find attached soundbites in Afrikaans by Johan Pieterse
- The DA demands answers from Madibeng Local Municipality over the approval, operating hours and public safety arrangements surrounding the Brits Finale Fiesta,
- No fireworks permit was issued, despite fireworks being discharged at approximately 22:45,
- The DA calls for an investigation into the alleged discharge of fireworks without the required permit.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has demanded answers from Madibeng Local Municipality following serious concerns about the approval, operating hours and public safety arrangements surrounding the Brits Finale Fiesta held at the Brits Sports Ground.
The event was advertised as running from 11:00 on Sunday, 9 August until 06:00 on Monday morning. Residents subsequently raised concerns regarding excessive noise, littering, alcohol management, traffic and the impact of the event on surrounding residential areas.
Of particular concern is the discharge of fireworks at approximately 22:45.
Following an enquiry by the DA, Madibeng Public Safety advised that it could find no record of a fireworks permit having been issued, nor of an application for such a permit having been received.
The DA has therefore written to the Municipal Manager seeking clarity on:
- Who approved the event and its operating hours until 06:00;
- Under what delegated authority the approval was granted;
- What conditions were attached to the approval;
- What measures were put in place for noise, traffic, security, alcohol management and public safety; and
- Whether all required permits and approvals were obtained and complied with.
The DA will further request that the circumstances surrounding the alleged discharge of fireworks without the required permit be investigated and that appropriate action be taken should any contravention be confirmed.
It is also concerning that the ward councillor received no prior notification of the event, its operating hours or the conditions attached to its approval. While community and cultural events should be supported, they cannot come at the expense of residents’ safety, reasonable peace and proper municipal oversight.
Madibeng residents deserve to know who approved this event, what safeguards were required, and whether those safeguards were actually enforced.
The DA will continue pursuing the matter until the municipality provides clear answers and establishes whether the event was properly authorised and managed.