CAPE TOWN – The illegal sale and setting-off of fireworks will be fervently policed within within the City of Cape Town in coming weeks.
This as residents prepare to celebrate Diwali (Monday 20 October) and Guy Fawkes (Wednesday 5 November.
OUT IN FULL FORCE
In a statement, the City said its enforcement departments are gearing up to tackle all illicit activities surrounding fireworks. JP Smith, Mayoral Committee member for Safety and Security, pointed out that fireworks may not be discharged without the appropriate municipal approvals and documentation.
“We have made it clear in recent years that fireworks are allowed only where formal applications for such displays have been approved,” he said. “The sale of fireworks is also regulated – anything else is illegal and our staff will act against anyone found breaking the law.”
Smith further called on the public’s cooperation during this time, requesting that the rights of others be considered. “Fireworks are not only very noisy, but they cause immense trauma to animals and communities that already battle with gun violence, and there is also the risk of fires and injuries, placing an unnecessary burden on emergency services,” he said.
“I want to encourage our residents to make sure children understand the danger and repercussions of setting off fireworks.”
PERMIT NEEDED
In recent years, the municipality has made away with providing designated fireworks sites for Diwali, Guy Fawkes and New Year’s Eve – and this is again the case this year.
“The City would like to remind residents that no fireworks will be allowed, unless a permit has been obtained to host a fireworks display,” the statement read.
“The sale or storage of fireworks is only allowed if the necessary permits are in place, no person under 16 is allowed to handle fireworks, and the discharge of fireworks without a permit, is prohibited. The City also does not support the sale and use of sky lanterns as these too present a fire risk.”
