Johannesburg - A high-level investigation by City Parks, the Joburg metro police department and the SAPS is to be held into the illegal staging of a New Year’s Eve bash in a residential area in Northcliff.
The event, called Big Mamma 4 Wet n Wild, upset numerous residents in the area, the police and the owners of the adjacent vacant land, City Parks, because no permission was ever given, despite organisers Roksta ENT claiming they had permission from the police.
And once the council establishes who is responsible, they will be faced with a bill of R50 000 for “deep cleaning”, according to City Parks,.
Roksta spokesman Prince, who will not reveal his surname, is adamant that house owners Bongani and Portia Mkhatshane had permission to use their own house and vacant land next door for the party, which he said belongs to them.
“It is private property and they can invite who they want,” said Prince.
The Mkhatshanes have not responded to requests for comment.
On Thursday, City Parks sent out inspection teams, which ascertained that the vacant property next to 6 Vancouver Place belongs to the council.
“Neither the organisers nor the owners had permission to use our land for such a party. They left the place in a mess. We have to do a ‘deep clean’ because there is broken glass, and the organisers and owners will have to pay,” said City Parks spokeswoman Jenny Moodley.
The City of Joburg permits required for events of more than 500 people are onerous. Organisers have to obtain permission from various city departments, which work together in considering the application under a joint organising committee.
Ward councillor Steve Kotze said he would be demanding answers if, in fact, permission was granted for the party without obtaining the necessary permits.
“Residents are telling me stories of a car being trashed, people having sex publicly and glass being left strewn down their pavements and streets.”
Despite Prince being adamant he had permission from the SAPS to host the event, he failed to produce the written permission when requested to do so by The Star.
According to requirements, organisers of events have to submit a number of documents – SAPS approval is just one, and won’t be granted in isolation.
“If he did, I would like to know who authorised this. It is strange that the Sophiatown police knew nothing about this and were not prepared. Had permission been given, they would have had standby teams,” said Kotze.
Among the permits required are:
* Floor, site plans and gas plans;
* Road maps;
* Certificates of approval for temporary structures;
* Security, parking and medical plans;
* Disaster management and evacuation plans;
* Fire safety arrangements;
* Environmental health planning for the caterers and noise control;
* Traffic management plans and indemnity forms;
* Venue permission letters;
* Waste management plans;
* Johannesburg Roads Agency permission for road closures;
* Passenger liability for buses;
* Public liability insurance;
* SAPS and ward councillor confirmation letters;
* Proof of good standing as a taxpayer from the SA Revenue Service; and
* Proof of payment to relevant departments.
The Star