Harlequins' fireworks display

Letter sent to various authorities on October 21, 2011

The Bluff Community Police Forum has received various complaints regarding the annual fireworks display at the Harlequins Sports Club on the Bluff in Durban. Despite promises by the club to reduce environmental effects and, despite years of public objections, the event continues with little regard to residents, pets and wildlife on the Bluff, especially those in close proximity to the club.

The event, which takes place in uncomfortably close proximity to a petrol station in Tara Road, may generate funds for the club but causes immense trauma to the tax and ratepayers of the Bluff. Councillor Duncan du Bois, representing eThekwini Ward 66 has written to numerous people in authority stating his objections but these protests have been ignored. He has also submitted a petition signed by many residents.

The event depletes the resources of our already limited SAPS and Metro personnel who have been requested to attend this event – overtime has to be paid to all employees which again is taken from the tax- and ratepayers – the very people who object to this event.

Harlequins is located in a nature valley flanked by the Bluff National Park Golf course and The Eco Park, which is the only venue in Durban that accommodates people in a natural environment and is home to over 120 species of birds (see http://www.bluffecopark.co.za). Being situated in a valley, the noise reverberates thus intensifying the explosions. Residents on either side of the valley have reported that the vibrations at their homes caused by “percussion bomb” fireworks resemble mini earthquakes. Obviously, this causes enormous distress for wild animals and pets, often resulting in death. The day after the 2010 event, several dead and injured Egyptian Geese, which reside on the golf course, were found some kilometres away in Fynnland, Bushlands and Wentworth. Harlequins have placed notices in the press advising residents to tranquilise their domestic animals, but there is no protection for the wildlife.

The Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act of 2010, together with a covering letter from the Minister of Sport, sets out to ensure the safety of people attending events, as well as their property, and is largely in response to incidents that have taken place in which spectators were injured or killed.

The Act requires that all events be categorised according to the perceived risk. All three risk categories provide for joint and several responsibilities by the controlling body, the event organiser and the venue owner. The Act also dictates that the designation and categorisation of events should take place annually, that application forms will be required depending on the categorisation of safety and security at events, that safety certification and grading of stadiums and venues must be undertaken by local authorities, and that every event must be covered by compulsory public liability insurance. It clearly states that no event may be organised unless a risk categorisation assessment has been made and that public liability insurance is in place for the event.

Historical data regarding the event should also be reviewed by SAPS before allowing the event to proceed. Incidents that have been affected on the night of the event in previous years include: 

1. A fire caused by a firework that landed near the municipal dump – The Fire Department was called out to attend to the fire.
2. Cases of drunken driving.
3. A motor accident in Garcin Place resulting in the death of the driver.
4. Sale of drugs.
5. Increases in housebreaking.
6. Numerous gang fights.
7. A stabbing incident during the event.
8. Consumption of alcohol outside demarcated licensed premises.

It is important to note that the Act referred to above does not work in isolation - local authorities play a pivotal role in this process and general safety certificates for venues must be obtained where applicable. In this regard, we request copies of all relevant certificates which have been obtained, including the following: 

1. Structural certificate for any structures, including the accompanying fun-fair.
2. Catering/liquor licenses for any vendors appointed for this event by Harlequins.
3. Certificate of approval from the Municipality’s Health Department.
4. Wireman’s certificate.
5. Fire and safety certificate.
6. Public liability insurance.
7. Waste disposal certificate if they have any portable toilets.
8. Evacuation plan.
9. Safety and security plan.
10. Waste management plan.
11. Traffic management plan.
12. Emergency lighting tested, witnessed and certified.

Further, we request contact details for the club’s public insurers. As the event takes place in a residential area, we also need information on whether people who are not actually at the event can claim compensation for damages and injuries that may result to themselves and/or their pets and property because of the noise and any collateral incidents, as well as the costs of any pre-event precautions that may have to be taken, such as the sedation of pets.

If Harlequins have indeed received all the necessary permits to hold this event, then, given our concerns as stated above, we hereby request urgent reconsideration of the permits for this and future events.