With Diwali celebrations at the end of October and Guy Fawkes a week later, the City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate has reminded residents that fireworks will not be allowed without the necessary permission and permit.
While there has been a slight decline in incidents and complaints recently, complaints about fireworks remain an issue.
In 2019, the City was dispensed with designated fireworks sites for Diwali, Guy Fawkes and New Year’s Eve. This year will be no different.
“anyone wishing to put on a fireworks display needs to apply for a permit from the South African Police Service, in terms of the National Explosives Act.”
If the application to display such festivities is approved by the police, the applicant has to contact the Fire and Rescue Service’s Fire Life Safety Section in the area where they plan to hold the display. This is to allow a site inspection to be conducted to determine whether the site is safe for a fireworks display.
Apart from ensuring that there are no fire hazards in the immediate surroundings, strict conditions have to be adhered to before, and during the fireworks display to mitigate any potential risk to public health and safety.
“If more than 200 attendees are expected, or the event requires any infrastructure build, the applicant also requires an events permit from the City.”
Between October and November, complaints about fireworks typically increase, particularly in residential areas.
READ MORE: Apply for a permit to display fireworks
The City has reminded the public that they can be fined without a permit, selling fireworks to anyone under the age of 16, or allowing a person younger than 16 to handle fireworks without adult supervision.
“Although the popularity of fireworks has decreased in recent years, there remain those who find joy in setting off fireworks and terrorising their neighbourhoods and pets. The trauma and stress, particularly in communities wracked by gun violence, is something that we all can do without,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith
Smith added that it is also a difficult offence to enforce, since the exact locations can’t often be pinpointed, or the perpetrators disappear before staff are able to get to the scene.
“Ultimately, a national ban on fireworks is the best solution, but until then, we ask that residents report those selling fireworks illegally so we can try and reduce the supply on the streets,”
Residents are requested to report any incident, suspicious behaviour or criminal activity by phoning the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone and 107 from a landline.
