The New Year’s Eve fireworks display at the V&A Waterfront has been cancelled following the City of Cape Town’s withdrawal of the noise permit for the event.
The City cited ‘a number of objections’ as the reason behind the permit withdrawal. However, the event permit for the New Year’s Eve gathering itself remains intact, covering the entertainment and noise aspects leading up to midnight, excluding the fireworks display.
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According to News24, the V&A Waterfront spokesperson, Donald Kau, confirmed the withdrawal of the Noise Exemption permit, essential for hosting the fireworks. Expressing disappointment, Kau highlighted the community’s strong desire for the annual fireworks but acknowledged the City’s decision.
The withdrawal comes amid concerns raised by animal welfare organisations regarding the fireworks’ impact on local wildlife.
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Belinda Abraham, speaking on behalf of the Cape of Goodhope SPCA, emphasised their concern about the potential harm to animals, citing peer-reviewed studies regarding the effects of fireworks on various species, including protected and threatened animals in the area.
The Cape Animal Welfare Forum (CAWF), representing numerous animal welfare organisations, had criticised the Waterfront’s decision to proceed with the fireworks display, noting its detrimental effects on surrounding wildlife.
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CAWF expressed disappointment, particularly concerning the Waterfront’s reversal of a prior commitment to abstain from fireworks displays for environmental and animal welfare reasons.
The withdrawal of the noise permit has received mixed responses from the community, with some expressing disappointment about the absence of the annual fireworks event while others have commended the decision, considering its potential impact on local wildlife.
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Picture: V&A Waterfront