THE City of Windhoek has advised any event organisers or individuals to follow the rules and regulations by acquiring a sound broadcasting permit which will allow them to host an event.

In a recent release, the City said any person or organisation wishing to broadcast speech, music, messages, or any other sound on or from a street, public space, building, or erf must first obtain permission from the municipal council.

“As long as the event has music and noise, it would require a sound broadcasting permit, failure to do so will cause authorities to close down the event,” stated the city’s spokesperson Harold Akwenye.

Potential event organisers are expected to submit applications to the council at least two weeks before the occasion, which should include a site plan for the broadcasting location, and provide proof of advertising of the event to the public.

“Attach a sound management plan detailing how sound levels will be controlled, obtained, and a consent form if the event is in a residential area. Oversight and sound management plan provide a detailed route description,” said the municipality.

Once approved, the permit will cost N$191.15 to be paid at any municipal cash stall or through EFT. Applications can also be hand-delivered to the Municipal Council of Windhoek Customer Care Centre.

Spokesperson of the Kasi Vibe Festival Salmi Shigwedha told VIBEZ! yesterday this is a non-issue, and it is important for event organisers to abide by the rules and regulations set by the municipality.

“We have been applying for sound broadcasting permits for several editions of past festivals and they have always been approved, this is nothing new. There is no problem with the regulations, they are there to maintain order,” she stated.

Shigwedha noted that events like the Kasi Vibe Festival have found homage at places like the Sam Nujoma Stadium which doesn’t cause a lot of hindrance to the residents.

 “Namibians are always happy to be part of the festival because of the benefits and impact it has on residents. As organisers, it is important we continue with the tradition of ensuring that the impact is felt and that means it’s on us to make sure we follow rules from the authorities in place before hosting it,” said the communication specialist.

She said the 2024 14th edition of the Kasi Vibe Festival is happening from 4-6 October at the Sam Nujoma Stadium and all logistics will be in place, according to the City of Windhoek rules and regulations, as per usual.

The organiser of the Beer and Meat Festival, Veneruru Mieze welcomed the directive saying the City of Windhoek is obliged to come up with and enforce such regulations for obvious reasons.

“Maintaining order during events is paramount. It makes sense for the City to do that and we welcome it. As a nation, we should live together in peace, something that Namibia is known for. You can’t host an event making uncontrollable noise, having concert goers urinating everywhere, and fouling residents’ properties,”.

 There should be order,” he told VIBEZ!

He added that with these regulations, it is key for the City to introduce places, preferably far away from residential areas, that event hosts can target and accommodate their guests properly.

“Paaltjies is a beautiful area, but it’s far. If I am to host One Blood for example, practically speaking, how will my attendance be? The City of Windhoek should assist in introducing places for such events. I honestly don’t think it’s okay to host such events in residential areas, they should do something about it. Additionally, the available places are sometimes costly like the Khomasdal Stadium. I am expected to pay about N$30 000 at the Sam Nujoma Stadium just for the parking spot,” he fumed.

Mieze said Windhoek is the only viable area when it comes to hosting events compared to other towns.

“For example, I won’t encounter a problem at Legare Stadium in Gobabis, it’s far from people. 

The issue is people, we need more spots to host events in Windhoek, away from residential areas,” he insisted.

The festival was launched in 2022 and has become a household name in Namibia’s entertainment industry, with two editions held in Okahandja (including the maiden event), Otjiwarongo, Gobabis, Windhoek, and Opuwo.  -psiririka@nepc.com.na