Kimberley’s beloved Diamonds and Dorings Festival will go ahead this year, but not in its usual setting at Langleg Resort.
Image: Supplied
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.
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.”
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.”
Due to rising water levels caused by increased outflow from the Vaal and Bloemhof dams, organisers have selected the Kimberley Diamond Oval as the new venue for the Diamonds and Dorings Festival.
Image: Danie van der Lith
Clean-Up Operations Ready
With residents also concerned about litter, Mothibi assured the DFA that organisers have committed to a full clean-up of the area. “Skips will be placed throughout the festival grounds. Clean-up crews will be working during and after the event. We’ve also requested photographic proof of cleanliness before and after,” he said. “No glass bottles will be allowed due to safety concerns.”
Resident Communication Channels
To bridge the gap between organisers and residents, a liaison process is also in the works. “The organisers will work with the local community to appoint a liaison who will serve as a direct point of contact during the event,” said Mothibi. “We’ve also recommended that flyers with emergency contact information be distributed in advance.”
Security and Public Safety
Security will be a top priority. “A professional security consultant has been appointed, and a visible presence will be maintained throughout the event,” Mothibi confirmed. “We will have a zero-tolerance approach to criminal activity. Residents and festivalgoers are encouraged to report any incidents to our security personnel.”
He added a word of advice to attendees: “Please do not leave valuables in your vehicles, and be aware of your surroundings. We want this to be a celebration, not a day remembered for the wrong reasons.”
While the logistical changes have raised some eyebrows, the municipality believes the event still holds immense value for Kimberley.
“This is a one-day, annual event that brings economic benefits to the city - from SMMEs and food vendors to job creation in hospitality,” said Mothibi. “We’re calling on everyone - residents and festivalgoers alike - to work together to make this event a success.”
With national and even international artists confirmed to perform, the 2025 edition of Diamonds and Dorings is shaping up to be as spectacular as ever - just in a new setting. As the festival approaches, Kimberley finds itself once again on the cultural map, this time under new lights at a familiar sporting ground.
INFO BOX: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
For complaints or issues during the event, residents will be provided with contact details via flyers.