Outcry over N$100 000 fireworks show in Swakopmund
Municipality says event will proceed despite protest
Nearly 800 residents have signed a petition calling on the Swakopmund municipality to cancel its planned New Year’s Eve fireworks show, estimated to take place at a cost of N$100 000, citing serious concerns over animal welfare, legal compliance and public accountability.
The protest, led by the 'Stop Fireworks Display' group created by Desireé Nel and reinforced by vocal community members, argues that the ten-minute midnight fireworks display, scheduled for 31 December at Platz Am Meer Waterfront Mall, will cause unnecessary distress to pets, wildlife, children and people with trauma-related conditions.
Pets and people with PTSD are often badly affected by fireworks because the sudden loud bangs and flashes can trigger intense fear or panic responses. For animals, these sounds are confusing and overwhelming, while for individuals with PTSD, they can evoke traumatic memories or cause severe anxiety episodes.
The petition calls for a permanent ban on traditional fireworks, urging council to consider silent alternatives in line with global trends, such as, amongst others, a drone display.
“The peace is shattered every New Year’s Eve,” the petition reads, “turning celebration into terror for animals and vulnerable individuals.”
It warns of harmful panic in pets, escape attempts, injuries and overstretched shelter resources, as well as environmental debris and unresolved risks for those with PTSD and sensory sensitivities.
In a formal letter to the municipality, the Swakopmund Residents Association (SRA) echoed the call for a suspension of the event.
Costly terror unleashed
The association cited procedural irregularities, the absence of public consultation, a lack of budget provision in the 2025/2026 financial year and possible breaches of the Local Authorities Act.
“Failure to address these irregularities may expose the Swakopmund municipality to legal challenge, audit scrutiny and reputational risk,” wrote SRA chairperson Ciske Howard.
According to the SRA, no risk assessment was conducted and no cost breakdown tabled prior to council approval.
The association also suggested alternative locations, such as the shooting range outside town, and proposed laser light displays in place of fireworks.
Going ahead
Despite the backlash, the municipality confirmed the event will proceed as planned.
At a contact session on 10 November organised by the municipality, officials noted that the fireworks will be fired seaward from the breakwater area near Platz Am Meer, with all necessary precautions in place. It was also noted the display will last only ten minutes, involve 100 m-high shells to reduce noise and be launched by a licensed pyrotechnician.
Municipal spokesperson Linda Mupupa said the event is intended to be a family-friendly day and was brought back after years of silence during which unregulated private fireworks had caused frustration.
“The event is returning now to offer a safe, controlled alternative to the illegal fireworks that have become common in recent years,” she said.
Animal control officers, security and emergency services will be on standby.
Temporary kennels and roaming teams will help recover any pets that flee during the display. No alcohol sales will be permitted, and the area is to be cleared by 01:00.
Various alternative suggestions shared at the meeting, such as relocating the event and replacing fireworks with lights, were noted but not taken further.
According to Mupupa, council has resolved to continue with the event and intends to make it an annual occurrence.
The protest, led by the 'Stop Fireworks Display' group created by Desireé Nel and reinforced by vocal community members, argues that the ten-minute midnight fireworks display, scheduled for 31 December at Platz Am Meer Waterfront Mall, will cause unnecessary distress to pets, wildlife, children and people with trauma-related conditions.
Pets and people with PTSD are often badly affected by fireworks because the sudden loud bangs and flashes can trigger intense fear or panic responses. For animals, these sounds are confusing and overwhelming, while for individuals with PTSD, they can evoke traumatic memories or cause severe anxiety episodes.
The petition calls for a permanent ban on traditional fireworks, urging council to consider silent alternatives in line with global trends, such as, amongst others, a drone display.
“The peace is shattered every New Year’s Eve,” the petition reads, “turning celebration into terror for animals and vulnerable individuals.”
It warns of harmful panic in pets, escape attempts, injuries and overstretched shelter resources, as well as environmental debris and unresolved risks for those with PTSD and sensory sensitivities.
In a formal letter to the municipality, the Swakopmund Residents Association (SRA) echoed the call for a suspension of the event.
Costly terror unleashed
The association cited procedural irregularities, the absence of public consultation, a lack of budget provision in the 2025/2026 financial year and possible breaches of the Local Authorities Act.
“Failure to address these irregularities may expose the Swakopmund municipality to legal challenge, audit scrutiny and reputational risk,” wrote SRA chairperson Ciske Howard.
According to the SRA, no risk assessment was conducted and no cost breakdown tabled prior to council approval.
The association also suggested alternative locations, such as the shooting range outside town, and proposed laser light displays in place of fireworks.
Going ahead
Despite the backlash, the municipality confirmed the event will proceed as planned.
At a contact session on 10 November organised by the municipality, officials noted that the fireworks will be fired seaward from the breakwater area near Platz Am Meer, with all necessary precautions in place. It was also noted the display will last only ten minutes, involve 100 m-high shells to reduce noise and be launched by a licensed pyrotechnician.
Municipal spokesperson Linda Mupupa said the event is intended to be a family-friendly day and was brought back after years of silence during which unregulated private fireworks had caused frustration.
“The event is returning now to offer a safe, controlled alternative to the illegal fireworks that have become common in recent years,” she said.
Animal control officers, security and emergency services will be on standby.
Temporary kennels and roaming teams will help recover any pets that flee during the display. No alcohol sales will be permitted, and the area is to be cleared by 01:00.
Various alternative suggestions shared at the meeting, such as relocating the event and replacing fireworks with lights, were noted but not taken further.
According to Mupupa, council has resolved to continue with the event and intends to make it an annual occurrence.
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