Preparing for Diwali and Guy Fawkes: Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate Ensures Public Safety

Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate is preparing to address the anticipated increase in fireworks-related complaints during the upcoming Diwali and Guy Fawkes festivities. Residents must obtain permits for fireworks displays, which can be acquired by applying under the National Explosives Act and the Community Fire Safety By-Law and coordinating with the Fire and Rescue Service’s Fire Life Safety Section. Strict compliance with regulations before and during the display is crucial to minimize any potential risk to public health and safety. Reporting illegal fireworks activity is encouraged to ensure the safety of all residents.

How can residents acquire fireworks permits for Diwali and Guy Fawkes celebrations in Cape Town?

To obtain permits for fireworks displays in Cape Town, residents must apply under the National Explosives Act and the Community Fire Safety By-Law. Interested individuals must contact the South African Police Service via email, and if the application is approved, coordinate with the Fire and Rescue Service’s Fire Life Safety Section in the area where the display is planned. A site inspection will determine if the location is safe for a fireworks display. Strict compliance with regulations before and during the display is crucial to minimize any potential risk to public health and safety.

As Cape Town readies itself for the upcoming Diwali and Guy Fawkes festivities, the Safety and Security Directorate is preparing to address the anticipated increase in fireworks-related complaints. Historically, October and November have seen a rise in such grievances, particularly around Guy Fawkes on November 5th. With designated fireworks sites no longer available, residents are reminded that permits are mandatory for all fireworks displays.

Acquiring Fireworks Permits for Diwali and Guy Fawkes Celebrations

This year, Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights, falls on November 12th. Those wishing to celebrate this event, as well as Guy Fawkes, are advised to secure the necessary permits before hosting any fireworks displays. Although there has been a recent decline in complaints to the Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC), the volume of calls from residential areas remains concerning. Indeed, the number of calls to the PECC over the last two years highlights the seriousness of the issue.

To obtain permits for fireworks displays, residents must apply under the National Explosives Act and the Community Fire Safety By-Law. Permits from the city are also required for events with 200 or more attendees or those that need infrastructure construction. To apply, interested individuals must contact the South African Police Service (SAPS) via email. If the application is approved, the next step is to coordinate with the Fire and Rescue Service’s Fire Life Safety Section in the area where the display is planned. A site inspection will determine if the location is safe for a fireworks display.

Ensuring Public Safety and Compliance with Regulations

In addition to making sure there are no fire hazards nearby, permission must also be sought from local residents and businesses. Strict compliance with conditions before and during the fireworks display is crucial to minimize any potential risk to public health and safety.

Importing and selling fireworks without the required permissions outlined in the Explosives Act is illegal, as is discharging fireworks in an area not specifically designated for that purpose. Violations of Section 30 of the Explosives Act of 1956 carry fines, such as a R200 fine for using or detonating fireworks in any building or public thoroughfare, a R300 fine for selling fireworks to a child or anyone under the age of 16, and a R300 fine for allowing a child or person under the age of 16 to handle fireworks without adult supervision.

While the authority to ban fireworks falls under the national government, the City of Cape Town is dedicated to ensuring the safety of its residents during this festive period. The city’s enforcement departments and animal welfare organizations face immense pressure, leading to a plea for the public to follow the rules and refrain from using fireworks without proper approval.

Reporting Illegal Fireworks Activity and Prioritizing Safety

City Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith stresses the importance of sticking to regulations, stating, “It’s simply not worth the risk of injury or fire.” Individuals with knowledge of the illegal sale or use of fireworks are encouraged to report it to the PECC on 107 from a landline, 021 480 7700 from a cellphone, or to the South African Police Service on 10111.

As the excitement for Diwali and Guy Fawkes celebrations builds, Cape Town’s residents are urged to prioritize safety and follow the rules and regulations related to fireworks displays. The city’s Safety and Security Directorate remains on high alert, working diligently to ensure the wellbeing and security of all residents during this festive season.

1. What is Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate preparing for?

Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate is preparing to address the anticipated increase in fireworks-related complaints during the upcoming Diwali and Guy Fawkes festivities.

2. How can residents acquire fireworks permits for Diwali and Guy Fawkes celebrations in Cape Town?

Residents must apply for permits for fireworks displays in Cape Town under the National Explosives Act and the Community Fire Safety By-Law. Interested individuals must contact the South African Police Service via email, and if the application is approved, coordinate with the Fire and Rescue Service’s Fire Life Safety Section in the area where the display is planned.

3. Are permits mandatory for all fireworks displays?

Yes, permits are mandatory for all fireworks displays.

4. What is required for events with 200 or more attendees or those that need infrastructure construction?

Permits from the city are also required for events with 200 or more attendees or those that need infrastructure construction.

5. What is the fine for selling fireworks to a child or anyone under the age of 16?

The fine for selling fireworks to a child or anyone under the age of 16 is R300.

6. Who should individuals report illegal fireworks activity to?

Individuals with knowledge of the illegal sale or use of fireworks are encouraged to report it to the PECC on 107 from a landline, 021 480 7700 from a cellphone, or to the South African Police Service on 10111.

7. What is the importance of sticking to regulations?

Sticking to regulations is important to minimize any potential risk to public health and safety.

8. What is the city of Cape Town dedicated to during the festive period?

While the authority to ban fireworks falls under the national government, the City of Cape Town is dedicated to ensuring the safety of its residents during this festive period.