To the Mossel Bay Municipality and concerned authorities,

In the best interests of ALL Mossel Bay residents, we strongly urge a total ban on all fireworks displays within our community, including the annual New Year's display at Hartenbos Seafront. Fireworks are not only hazardous to animals but pose serious risks to elderly residents and individuals suffering from PTSD, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and similar conditions. Mossel Bay is renowned as a haven for pensioners and senior citizens, and protecting the well-being of these individuals should be a top priority.

It is fundamentally unfair for the municipality to allow fireworks in one location while prohibiting them elsewhere. The Mossel Bay Municipality’s bylaw on public nuisance under Section 4 (c) (f) (i), as well as the Western Cape Provincial Government Gazette No. 6678 of 20 November 2009, Chapter 10, outlines regulations against activities that disturb public peace and safety. Fireworks, with their loud noises and bright lights, clearly fall into this category and should be universally restricted.

Let us remember that what is good for one should be good for all. We call on the municipality to fairly enforce its laws and protect the tranquility, safety, and welfare of all its inhabitants—human and animal alike.

Please sign this petition to stand up for a peaceful, fair, and compassionate Mossel Bay.