Protect our night sky

Dark Sky International (Ida), an association that is the recognised authority on light pollution, has developed a model lighting ordinance (MLO) that can be used by government authorities as a guide when creating by-laws regarding lighting.

- Alida de Beer

In South Africa, this is largely ignored.

According to Dr Arne Witt, an international environmental expert from Wilderness, a group of concerned local residents have suggested to the George Municipality (GM) in the past that a lighting by-law be introduced. “We even offered to pay an expert to develop one and said to the GM they could adapt it as required. This was rejected. Apparently the issue was raised at a broader national meeting and the participants from ministries said they would be interested in developing a national lighting law, or something along those lines. This obviously never happened."