Wellington residents left frustrated as school apologises over days of event noise

Following complaints from neighbours, Huguenot High School says it will tighten its rules on noise levels, sound equipment and event hours to prevent a repeat of the disruption.

A top Western Cape school has said sorry after an event on its grounds kept neighbours awake with blaring music at all hours of the night.

Huguenot High School principal NFP Burger apologised on Thursday, and said he had felt the disruption first-hand because he also lives on the school grounds.

Burger said the school had underestimated the impact of the event, particularly the volume and type of music being played.

The school said the event was the first of its particular format and scale to be hosted on its grounds.

“While the necessary administrative and logistical arrangements were in place, we did not anticipate the extent of the sound amplification, the style of music, or the volume required for an event of this nature. We should have done so.”

Burger said the disruption was particularly difficult for people living close to the school, with noise continuing from early in the morning until late in the day and over the weekend.

The principal said he also experienced the disruption personally as someone who lives on the school grounds.

After receiving complaints from residents, the school's administrative team met with the event organisers several times to try to reduce the disruption.

The school said immediate reductions in volume and other operational changes were implemented, although it acknowledged these measures did not completely resolve the problem.

“While these measures did provide some relief, we acknowledge that the disruption remained greater than what is reasonable or acceptable in a residential area.”

The school said events held on its grounds provide important financial support and also contribute to the local economy by benefiting guest houses, restaurants and other businesses in Wellington.

However, Burger acknowledged that financial benefits could not come at the expense of residents' quality of life.

Following the complaints, Huguenot High School said it would review its venue rental policies and introduce stricter requirements for future events.

These will include clearer rules around noise levels, sound equipment, event hours and communication with the surrounding community.

“We value our relationship with our neighbours and with the broader Wellington community. Thank you to those who brought their concerns to our attention and gave us the opportunity to address them.”

Burger said the school was committed to learning from what happened and ensuring future events were managed with greater consideration for nearby residents.