The Minority Front has called on the Ethekwini mayor, councilor Kaunda to ensure that the Hindu community is properly consulted on the new fireworks by-laws which is intended for gazetting.

This appeal is due to the annual Diwali festival which is marred by negativity where articles decry, age-old Hindu celebratory practices of lighting fireworks.

The proposed by-laws are too wide and can lead to misinterpretation e.g.: “where animals are kept”. Also, the MF has proposed for the council to investigate and provide a report on the use of “green crackers” in light of environmental protection as these are available in India. These have smaller shell size compared to normal crackers and are produced with safer raw materials. Furthermore, the MF wants the times and dates for bursting fireworks to be confirmed timeously with consumers, so as to avoid confusion and fines.

Issued by: Cllr Sunitha Maharaj
Minority Front PR Councilor
eThekwini Municipality
067 395 2054