Mossel Bay is fast becoming
the preferred location for hosting events to the point of being dubbed the
emerging events capital of the Western Cape. The Mossel Bay Municipality has a
multi-functional event committee that reviews event applications and grant
approval. If you are planning an event for 2024, make sure you start with your
arrangement, like your event application to the municipality well in
advance.
Why
must and event application be done and for what type of events?
Event applications ensure that
all events comply with the necessary requirements required to minimise risk to
the public as well as double bookings. There are 2 types of event applications.
A major event, which caters
for ±2000 spectators and small to medium events, estimated at +/-100-1500
participants.
A major event, for example the
IRONMAN 70.3 or a big music concert, will also entail more logistical
arrangements. This includes a noise exemption application and engineer’s
certificate, which is required should any type of structure or tent be part of
the set up.
The applicant also must apply
with the South African Police Service for a risk categorisation in order to
establish the safety of the event. Further to this, the event organiser has to
provide proof of a public liability and a population certificate in order to
proceed with an event.
Event applications MUST be
done in time – 3 months prior to a small event and 6 months prior to a major
event. Event applications that are made on short notice will not be approved
due to time constraints.
Where
must people apply and what is the procedure?
The
Mossel Bay Municipality has various application forms, including an event
application form, noise exemption application as well as a beach application.
These forms can be obtained from the
Mossel Bay Municipality’s website (https://www.mosselbay.gov.za/)
or via the Community Services Office situated at 55 Marsh Street, Plaza
Aqauda Building, Floor 6, Room 102.
Further to this, these event application
forms must be submitted and registered on the Western Cape Collaborator Events
Portal. Assistance with registration on the portal will be given at office of
Community Services. * SEE THE ATTACHED PDF – AN EASY TO USE “HOW TO GUIDE”
What
basic information must be included?
The
application form clearly sets out the basic information required e.g. name of
the applicant, the name of the event, the time, the venue, the number of
spectators/participants and the services required from the municipality.
How
long does an application take?
An
applicant/event organiser needs to apply 3-4 months in advance of their event.
The earlier you apply, the sooner the process can be completed. Also bear
in mind, for major events there may be provincial departments that need to give
input and approval.
Who
decides on the approval of an event?
An
event application with all the necessary information and requirements are
circulated to all the relevant directorates within the municipality for
comment.
Council has established a Section 79
Events Committee, who assist with the approval of the events together with the
Director Community Services. All relevant municipal departments however have a
chance to give input regarding an application. This input acts as conditions
for approval.
You do not need to complete an
event application if you are hosting a party at home. However, if you plan to
put up a marquees tent and plan to have live entertainment that may cause a
noise, you will have to apply for approval through the municipality. If you are
unsure whether to apply or not, rather contact Chanthal Baron from the
Directorate Community Services on 044 606 5007 for information.
Where can application forms and other
information be accessed?
Application forms can be
accessed online at the municipal website – www.mosselbay.gov.za
– scroll down to HOW CAN WE HELP? Then HOW DO I? and event
applications are the third process listed.
Beach events are very popular all year round.
What is needed to host a beach event?
It is important to remember
that all beach events – even school trips must be brought to the attention of
the Mossel Bay Municipality. To use the beach for any event – school trips,
weddings, sports events – an event application must be made. Use of the beach
is free of charge of course, but the only away to ensure that events do not
clash is through an event application done with the municipality.
