More circuspection needed over visit
Circus visit leaves animal lovers hot under the collar
PLETTENBERG BAY - The Bitou Municipality has vowed to review its event approval procedure after there was public outcry about its decision to allow the McLaren Circus to perform in Plettenberg Bay during the weekend.
Not only did the decision to allow the circus, which uses animals in performances, leave animal activists hot under the collar and speaking out on social media platforms, it also led to peaceful protest action on Friday and Saturday, 18 and 19 February, to voice their concerns over this practice. "There has been much public comment and communication regarding the approval of the McLaren Circus to perform in Bitou since it was approved last week," municipal spokesman Andile Namntu said. He explained that the municipality's events committee considers all applications for events on municipal land. "This committee consists of representatives of various municipal departments, tourism, police
(if applicable) etc. The manager of local economic development is the chair of the committee."
According to Namntu, the committee chair confirmed that although the nature of the event was indeed discussed, no actual objection was raised during the meeting. "The committee was also satisfied that the circus will indeed comply with all prescribed legislation."
The mayor, Dave Swart, and the director of economic development and planning had only been made aware of the event after the decision to approve it, had already been made.
"In hindsight, the members of the committee acknowledge that it was an error in judgment to take a decision without referring the matter to (or at least discussing it with) a 'higher authority' like the director of economic development and planning, the acting municipal manager, the mayor or even Council.
“This oversight will be addressed to ensure that we prevent a similar occurrence in future. It is clear that there are aspects that should have been debated before the decision was taken," Namntu said.
In the meantime animal lovers lined the entrance road to the Bitou Rugby Club, where the circus was hosted on Friday and Saturday, ahead of its three performances, holding up signs highlighting their concerns. Plett Tourism chief executive Patty Butterworth said the tourism body adopts the sentiments regarding animal interaction events and activities that are in line with the South African Department of Tourism's policy, which states the tourism sector does not promote or endorse any interaction with wild animals.
She said they also support the government's decision to promote the "wildness of predators" and to "endorse responsible and authentic tourism destinations and give support to the legitimate conservation community".
She said the Plett Tourism Association recognises the ever-changing demands of the tourism industry and adopts an attitude of progress.