The City of Cape Town has identified and made available eight sites across the city where members of the public may discharge shop-bought fireworks between 21:00 and 24:00 under the watchful eye of public safety authorities on New Year’s Eve, Saturday 31 December 2011.
The City appeals to all Capetonians to be cautious and sensible when watching organised fireworks displays or discharging shop-bought fireworks.
It is illegal to discharge fireworks other than at designated sites and law enforcement authorities will have a ‘zero-tolerance’ approach to those who discharge fireworks illegally.
The City has designated the following sites for the discharging of fireworks:
- Theo Marais Park, Koeberg Road, Milnerton
- Bishop Lavis Sportsfield, Lavis Drive, Bishop Lavis
- Wesfleur Sportsfield, Reygersdal Drive, Atlantis
- Macassar Beach parking area, Macassar Road, Macassar
- Swartklip Sports Complex, corner Spine and Swartklip Roads, Mitchells Plain
- Maiden’s Cove parking area, Victoria Road, Camps Bay
- Athlone Stadium parking area (Eastern side), Klipfontein Road, Athlone
- Sunrise Beach parking area, Sunrise Circle, Muizenberg
The City’s Fire Safety Inspectors and Law Enforcement officials together with the Explosives Unit of the South African Police Services (SAPS), will conduct inspections at fireworks display sites to ensure that all safety requirements are met.
All approved, organised fireworks displays in Cape Town are presented by licensed fireworks contractors who operate under the Explosives Act, Number 26 of 1956; the Explosives Regulations; and the City’s Community Fire Safety By-Law.
Members of the public who wish to attend these fireworks displays must follow safety instructions given by fireworks operators (pyrotechnists), event organisers and security personnel and keep behind safety barriers.
Members of the public should only purchase fireworks from authorised dealers and shops displaying the relevant permits from the SAPS. Informal traders may try to sell fireworks without a permit, but this is not allowed in terms of the City’s Informal Trading By-law.
Fireworks are only permitted to be sold in sealed packages, as received from the suppliers. Children under the age of 16 are not allowed by law to purchase and/or discharge fireworks without adult supervision. Residents are reminded that anyone discharging shop-bought fireworks at these sites do so at their own risk. The City will not be held liable for any claims for injury or damage that may occur from the use of fireworks.
Residents are encouraged to keep their pets safe. Animals are easily frightened by fireworks, and can become distressed or try to escape from their properties. Before you leave your home to celebrate New Year’s Eve, please ensure that your pets are safely secured on your property, in familiar surroundings and out of harm’s way.
The City’s Chief of Law Enforcement has confirmed that all residential areas will be patrolled vigorously to ensure compliance with the law.
Members of the public with information relating to the illegal sale or use of fireworks can report the information to the Metro Police Call Centre on 0860-POLICE (765423) or to the SAPS on 10111.
To obtain more information about the location of the designated sites, please contact the City’s Disaster Operations Centre on 080-911-HELP (4357).
Safety tips when fireworks are discharged
- Only discharge fireworks that are bought at an accredited shop
- Children must be supervised at all times when around fireworks
- Do not discharge fireworks indoors
- Only discharge fireworks at the designated sites
- Make sure that you discharge the fireworks out of range of spectators and any other structures or vehicles
- Do not try to re-ignite a ‘dud’ as it could explode near your hands or face
- Only light one at a time
- Do not make your own fireworks
- Only use fireworks as directed by the instructions printed on the package
- Do not light fireworks inside any type of container
- Never discharge fireworks whilst under the influence of intoxicating substances
