Cape Town Readies for Fireworks Clampdown during Diwali and Guy Fawkes

The advent of several celebrations around the corner has the City of Cape Town's Safety and Security Directorate preparing for an uptick in fireworks-related complaints. As Diwali and Guy Fawkes draw near, officials are iterating to citizens that there exist no designated locations for letting off fireworks, and permits are essential for arranging such displays.

The months of October and November typically experience a surge in fireworks complaints, notably due to the observance of Guy Fawkes on November 5th. The inaction towards designating fireworks sites, a move made several years earlier, is an issue that residents celebrating both Diwali and Guy Fawkes must contend with - no fireworks display will be sanctioned without a legitimate permit.

Despite a downward trend in the number of complaints submitted to the Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) in recent years, calls concerning fireworks, particularly from residential zones, persistintly remain a concern.

Permit applications for organizing fireworks displays can be submitted in line with the National Explosives Act and the Community Fire Safety By-Law. Any large-scale events expecting 200 or more attendees or those that necessitate infrastructure set-up must also secure an event permit from the City.

The permit application process for fireworks exhibitions involves applying to the South African Police Service via email. If approved, the organizers must then liaise with the Fire and Rescue Service’s Fire Life Safety Section to arrange a site assessment to ascertain the area's suitability for a fireworks exhibition.

Improper importation and sale of fireworks violate the stipulations in the Explosives Act and is considered illegal. Likewise, discharging fireworks within unauthorized areas is an offence.

Non-compliance with the Sections of the Explosives Act of 1956 can result in fines ranging from R200 for detonation of fireworks in a public thoroughfare or building, to a fine of R300 for selling fireworks to a child or someone under the age 16. If a child or person under the age of 16 is caught handling fireworks without adult supervision, it also attracts a R300 fine.

The City's Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, appealed to the public to abide by the rules and restrain from using fireworks unless the required approvals are secured. The report concluded by encouraging anyone who encounters illegal sale or use of fireworks to report it to the PECC or the South African Police Service.