Video
KNYSNA NEWS AND VIDEO - A local funfair that was scheduled to open to the public from Friday 4 July as part of the Knysna Oyster Festival, was shut down over the weekend after the event organiser failed to meet mandatory safety requirements.
After the submission of the necessary certifications, it reopened on Tuesday 8 July. Officials confirmed that all required inspections and certifications are now in place.
The closure came after municipal authorities determined that the event organiser, Wayne Deraedt, had not applied for a required population certificate, a key document for fire safety compliance. Additionally, no safety inspection had been arranged prior to the intended opening, which rendered the funfair unauthorised to operate.
Despite holding a valid permit for the event, the organiser did not meet the essential conditions attached to it. "Permits are conditional on full compliance with safety regulations, including fire and population control measures," explained municipal communications officer Nwabisa Pondoyi.
As a result, the funfair was ordered to remain closed throughout the weekend, disappointing many residents and visitors who had planned to attend. Authorities reiterated that the responsibility for informing the public about event changes or cancellations lies with the event organiser, not the municipality.
Delaying factors
Deraedt acknowledged his responsibility for the required documentation, but stressed that several factors contributed to the delay. He noted that a key inspection could not take place over the weekend, as the fire chief was unavailable on Saturday, which he believes turned the situation into more of a postponement than a shutdown.
Deraedt expressed deep disappointment over negative comments made on a Facebook post about the funfair. "I am utterly disappointed in the comments. I would like to schedule a meeting with the DA chief regarding this," he said.
Deraedt also shared his frustration over rising costs. "Costs are too high for us. I don't think I am going to come back to Knysna. I have always made the funfair affordable to the public, and now the costs are too high. The grounds where the funfair is currently in operation play a vital role in covering those costs," he explained.
Despite the rocky start and public backlash, the funfair is now operating with all necessary safety measures in place.
Municipal officials have assured visitors that public safety remains top priority.
VIDEO - Rozano Alie:
Photo: Rozano Alie
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
