Frequently Asked Questions

Participants at AFRIKA BURNS must bring all necessities to the event | food, shelter, water, fuel, and basic first aid supplies. As you read these guidelines for responsible behaviour, please keep in mind that you are responsible for yourself at all times, in every regard, as you approach, once you enter, and as you leave the venue.

Above and beyond the provision for individual survival, everyone is requested to help ensure our collective survival by following very basic rules relating to public safety and community well-being. Everyone is expected to abide by these standards. Community membership is a privilege. Violation of these requirements could result in ejection from the community. Read the forthcoming survival guide for more info.

1. Afrika Burns is a no dog event.
   Do not show up with your dog at the gate and expect to be admitted to the event. This restriction is for the well-being and safety of participants AND their four-legged friends!
   
   
2. No cruising!
   Afrika Burns is designed for pedestrians. No cars, motorcycles, ATVs, golf carts or go-carts are allowed to drive in our village or anywhere around it - once you park your car it should remain parked until the end of the event. When entering and leaving the venue, please observe the posted speed limit [10 km = no dust] within the property. Pedestrians and bicycles have the "right of way" over motor vehicles. Remember | the event ends Monday, and there is still no driving allowed on Sunday night. These simple rules will be strictly enforced.
   
   
3. Respect public boundaries!
   The venue is a large privately owned farm in the Karoo. The event is being staged within but not throughout the entire property. Place markers will clearly indicate land that is accessible to Afrika Burns participants. Parking and camping are only allowed in demarcated areas.
   
   
4. You can not buy or sell anything!
   Afrika Burns is a place of sharing and free exchange within a gift economy.
   
   
5. No rubbish bins are provided!
   Please take everything you bring to the event back home with you. Contribute to our long-term survival | Pack it In, pack it out. You are responsible for the condition of your campsite and Afrika Burns public areas. Clean up as you go! Do not deposit rubbish in neighbouring towns, unless they have a recycling depot or organic waste dump.
   
   
6. Burn barrels!
   These are located at the NW, NE, SW and SE locations of the village. All structures must be 20 metres from any burn barrel. Do not burn anything but wood and paper in these barrels; burning plastic and rubbish releases toxic fumes. Aerial flares, rockets, explosives, and fireworks are prohibited at Afrika Burns and could result in a fine. Straw or hay bales are not allowed. Respect artworks. If artwork is to be burned, ONLY the artist who created it may ignite it. No fires of any kind are allowed on the unprotected surface.
   
   
7. Large-scale Sound Art zones!
   Large scale Sound systems are located at the Northern point of the village. The maximum power amplification is 300 watts. Be considerate towards your neighbours.
   
   
8. Toilets!
   If it wasn't made by your body, don't put it in the toilet! Portable toilets will be provided. Use these facilities only for their intended purpose - not for dumping rubbish or your personal toilet waste bags [if you have brought your own toilet]. Putting anything but human waste and one-ply toilet paper into the portable toilets makes pumping nearly impossible and threatens the survival of the event. This includes tampons, rubbish and handy wipes. Put the lid down when you're done - it helps keep odours under control. Do not dump grey water in the toilets - doing so will fill them up much faster than normal and result in unpleasantness for all.
   
   
9. NO firearms!
   NO firearms! The possession of firearms or ammunition on the venue property is prohibited. Neither our event nor the greater village is suitable for recreational shooting.
   
   
10. Drugs and Alcohol!
    Afrika Burns does not promote or condone the use of illegal drugs. The use of such drugs in a physically challenging and hazardous environment can create a serious health risk. Under-age consumption of alcohol is also prohibited. Sex acts are prohibited in the civic space of Afrika Burns and in unrestricted public environments. Afrika Burns also supports your right to privacy as a resident of our community.

Violation of these rules, violent or anti-social behaviour can result in revocation of your ticket and ejection from the event without refund.

No one under 18 will be admitted without a parent or guardian. Our admission gate will be open at 8:00 am on Thursday 16 September 2008.

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BURNING

Property Protection and Public Pyres

Burn Scars
Aa burn scar is a discoloration of the surface soil caused by chemical changes in the minerals due to contact with intense heat from fire. Burn scars can last for many years in the veld. Obviously, the most effective way to eliminate burn scars is to not start fires directly on the surface. A fireplace, burn barrel or barbeque [in permitted areas such as kitchen camps] can be effective for small fires. Don't burn other people's artwork. If they want their art burned, they'll do it themselves and you can watch.

Community Pyres
These are the only places where open fires may occur. The burning of any toxic materials such as stuffed furniture, rugs, PVC, garbage bags, etc. is prohibited by law. This includes anything containing synthetic or plastic materials that will release toxic dioxins, formaldehyde and other nasty fumes into the air. Burn only clean untreated wood or paper and nothing oversized that will spill ash or burning debris. Don't overload the Community Pyres. Have tools on hand to break down and cut up larger pieces or take them home to recycle them for your structure next year!

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