Capetonians urged to use fireworks safely on Diwali, Guy Fawkes and New Year’s Eve
The City of Cape Town appeals to Capetonians to be cautious and sensible when watching organised fireworks displays or discharging shop-bought fireworks this Diwali and Guy Fawkes on Friday 05 November and on New Year’s Eve on Friday 31 December.
The City has identified and made available eight designated areas where members of the public may discharge shop-bought fireworks under the watchful eye of public safety authorities. 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 areas for the discharge of fireworks:
| 1. Theo Marais Park, Koeberg Road, Milnerton | Sub-Council 1 |
| 2. Bishop Lavis Sportsfield, Lavis Drive, Bishop Lavis | Sub-Council 5 |
| 3. Wesfleur Sportsfield, Reygersdal Drive, Atlantis | Sub-Council 7 |
| 4. Macassar Beach parking area, Macassar Road, Macassar | Sub-Council 8 |
| 5. Swartklip Sports Complex, corner Spine and Swartklip Roads, Mitchells Plain | Sub-Council 10 |
| 6. Maidens Cove parking area, Victoria Road, Camps Bay | Sub-Council 16 |
| 7. Athlone Stadium parking area (Eastern side), Klipfontein Road, Athlone | Sub-Council 17 |
| 8. Sunrise Beach parking area, Sunrise Circle, Muizenberg | Sub-Council 19 |
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 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 on Diwali, Guy Fawkes and New Year’s Eve. Animals are easily frightened by fireworks, and can become distressed or try to escape from their properties. Before you leave your home to celebrate Diwali, Guy Fawkes and 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 To obtain more information about the location of the designated sites, please contact the City’s Disaster Operations Centre on
Extracts from City of Cape Town Media Release.
Media enquiries: Theo Layne, Media Spokesperson: Fire and Rescue Services, City of Cape Town, Tel: or Cell:
Neil Arendse, Assistant Chief: Metals & Theft Unit, Law Enforcement, Security and Specialised Services, Tel: or Cell: