The party, advertised on the internet and via SMS, started on Friday afternoon and finished on Sunday afternoon.
Braam America, spokesperson for the Craig Burne Gwaing River Action Group, which was established a year ago, said the aim of the protest was to inform the community and the authorities of this unwanted event. "We have succeeded in bringing the trance party to the attention of the police as they are now deployed to prevent an incident between us and the partygoers. This is an imposition on our heritage as Gwaing is the place that Pacaltsdorpers regard as our escape paradise."
America added that he will try and schedule a meeting with Mayor Standers as "ultimately Gwaing is the responsibility of council even if it has been leased out".
Freddy Trout, the founder and director of People Against Substance Abuse (Pasa), says that he supports the action against trance parties. "There are drugs at trance parties."
Ciska Koekemoer said she is simply renting out the campsite on behalf of Lawrence Kreeve, who is the owner of the lease, for a music festival. "We have all the necessary licences in place."
Craig Hudson, of Astral Africa, claims that he is one of the few remaining active artists who pioneered the South African Psytrance sound. "We promote alternate music that is not readably available on the commercial market." Hudson says it is big business as can be seen by the massive financial investment in sound equipment. "We will work with everyone to ensure that the event is a success. We have met with the Pacaltsdorp Police and all our licenses are in order."
Asked about allegations regarding drug abuse and religious cults, Hudson said that he is not getting into this discussion as it is simply business. "We are event organisers and musicians and have been operating since 2002."
The Pacaltsdorp Police did patrol the area and no incidents were reported.
Members of the Pacaltsdorp community picketing outside Aqua Eden Resort at Gwaing. From left: Cynthia Fillies, Suzette Parks, Angus Parks, Alice Johnson, Awie Johnson, Blanché Benjamin (chairperson), Freddy Trout (director of Pasa), Alet Alaart, Anceleen Terblanch, Henry Jones, Cecil Noble and Braam America. Photo: Myron Rabinowitz
ARTICLE: MYRON RABINOWITZ, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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