Beautiful firework displays are synonymous with celebrations such as ringing in the New Year. But what visitors and holidaymakers may not know is that the setting off of fireworks is prohibited in the Overberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Explosives Act, which regulates the selling of fireworks, is enforced by the police, and action will be taken against shops and street vendors purported to be selling illegal fireworks and\/or those setting it off on beaches or in any public space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The use of Chinese (sky) lanterns, crackers and flares for any purpose other than an emergency, are also prohibited by law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are various reasons for this, one being a fire risk and another serious factor the extreme distress it causes dogs and other pets, wild animals and livestock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The average dog\u2019s hearing is four times more acute than a human\u2019s, some cats are even more sensitive to loud noises. As a result, when they hear the bangs caused by thunder, fireworks and crackers, they may panic and show signs of distress such as shaking and trembling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some flee when startled by fireworks, and tragically a number of them end up being run over or lost. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To create greater awareness of this among the public, especially children, Hermanus Animal Welfare Services (HAWS) rolled out the \u201cSay no to Fireworks\u201d campaign, which involved visiting five schools within the Overstrand to create awareness about the dangers of fireworks, the effect it has on animals and why it should be banned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The main message of the campaign was \u201cWe are the warriors of the world, say no to fireworks\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Helen Potgieter, one of the HAWS volunteers involved in the project, reported that it was very well-received and that they reached 757 learners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Learners of Die Bron Primary in Stanford, Hermanus Primary, Fisherhaven Academy, Botrivier Primary School and Overstrand Learning Centre (OLC) were invited to enter a competition where they had to create posters depicting why fireworks are banned. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The competition concluded with a special exhibition of their artworks and a prize-giving ceremony at the Hermanus Country Market recently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ava Koopman of Die Bron was the winner in the 10-11 years category with Thales Mpando from Overstrand Learning Centre in second place and Roman Damon, also of Die Bron, in third place. Rendani Nematavhelani and Tryphine Mutamiri, both from OLC, shared fourth place and received small prizes for their efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the category 12-13 years, Isenathi Siqoba (Hermanus Primary) won first place, Fortune Kwachera (OLC) ended in second place, Kamua Siqala third and Kundai Muza fourth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Die Bron Primary walked away with a cash prize and a voucher after being named the top performing school in the competition while Hermanus Primary School won second prize. The four top performers in each category also won small cash prizes while the winners received larger amounts as well as vouchers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The campaign, said Potgieter, seems to have paid off with the learners sharing the information with their parents and the community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She added: \u201cThe message seems to have got through as there were very few incidents of animals being hurt or lost reported after Guy Fawkes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Overstrand and Theewaterskloof Municipalities urged both residents and visitors to be sensible and to \u201cnot even consider setting off fireworks since you cannot determine where they might land, causing a fire and resulting in losses.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The public is urged not to buy or set off fireworks (even in your backyard) as it is illegal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can report the sale or setting off of fireworks in the Overstrand to: Hermanus Police on 028 313 5300, Gansbaai Police on 028 384 0201, Stanford Police on 028 341 0601 or Kleinmond Police on 028 271 8200. Residents in the Theewaterskloof area can contact the TWK toll-free Customer Contact Centre on 080 021 4730.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In case of an emergency please contact Overstrand Fire and Rescue on 028 312 2400.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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