KIMBERLEY’S beloved Diamonds and Dorings Festival will go ahead this year, but not in its usual setting at Langleg Resort. Due to rising water levels caused by increased outflow from the Vaal and Bloemhof dams, the Langleg area has become waterlogged and unsuitable for hosting a large-scale event. Organisers, in collaboration with the Sol Plaatje Municipality, acted swiftly and selected the Kimberley Diamond Oval as the new venue.

While the move has ensured the festival's survival for 2025, it hasn’t come without its share of controversy. Local residents living near the Oval in Cassandra have voiced concerns about the potential disruptions the festival may bring right to their doorsteps.

Residents Voice Their Concerns

When the DFA visited the area this week, it became clear that while some residents are willing to tolerate the event, others are bracing themselves for what they fear could be a night of chaos.

“Every time there’s a big event at the Oval, we suffer,” one frustrated resident told the DFA. “People just park in front of our driveways. Imagine we have an emergency and need to leave quickly - what then?”

Another resident raised issues around the volume and duration of the music. “We have elderly people and babies here. The music goes on past the allowed time. It affects everyone. There needs to be respect for the people who live here,” she said.

However, not all residents are upset. “It’s just one day,” said one woman with a more relaxed outlook. “As long as they clean up after themselves and don’t damage property, let them enjoy. We can’t stop people from having fun.”

Sol Plaatje Municipality Responds

To address these concerns, the DFA contacted the Sol Plaatje Municipality, which provided detailed responses through Thabo Mothibi, manager of the Communications Unit for Corporate Services.

Parking Plans in Place

Mothibi confirmed that organisers have prepared extensively to avoid parking issues. “In addition to the usual parking areas, the B-field and old CRC parking space will be used as overflow parking for up to 2,000 vehicles,” he said. “There will also be park-and-ride services, and security will be stationed around the perimeter to monitor and manage parking. We understand residents’ concerns and want to assure them that no driveways or pavements should be blocked.”

Noise Control and Respect for Residents

Concerns about loud music continuing into the early hours have also been taken seriously. “A cut-off time has been established, and organisers have been instructed to adhere to tolerable noise levels,” said Mothibi. “Festivalgoers will be assisted in vacating the area after the event. We plead for empathy and decency from all attendees. No disturbing behaviour will be tolerated.”

Traffic and Emergency Services

A comprehensive traffic plan has also been developed. “Our Venue Operations Centre (VOC) has met with all stakeholders, including law enforcement and emergency services. We have ensured that emergency vehicles will have access at all times,” Mothibi noted. “Sunday’s site briefing acted as a dry run for the event, and further assessments are ongoing.”

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Residents voice concerns as Diamonds and Dorings Festival moves closer to home

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