30/12/2022
Spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela reminded residents that the use of fireworks on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day was only permitted between 11:45pm to 00:15am.
Mayisela said by-laws were there to govern the lighting of fireworks.
Fines will be issued if anyone is in contravention of them. According to the city by-laws, fireworks must be restricted to a person’s property and may not be lit on a public road.
“Residents could face fines up to R3 500 as an admission of guilt. The fine for discharging fireworks on the road is R1 000, and the fine for discharging fireworks in public is R2 500.
“The use of low-hazard fireworks such as fountains, lawn lights, and sparkles are permitted in private homes. Fireworks such as air bombs, supersonic bangs, sound shells, fountain whistles, and screeches are prohibited as they cause a disturbance and are a nuisance to neighbours,” said Mayisela.
The municipality said the public must note the following:
▫️By-laws also call for children under 16 years to be properly supervised by an adult when using fireworks.
▫️Fireworks should be detonated away from hospitals, clinics, old age/nursing homes, animal welfare organisations, and petrol stations. Fireworks should not be pointed towards any person as this is dangerous.
▫️No person shall ignite, discharge, or explode any fireworks on any public road, residence, or private dwelling without the knowledge and consent of the occupant or owner of the property.
▫️It is unlawful for any person to point or direct a firework at any person, animal, building, or motor vehicle where such firework is in the process of exploding or detonating.
▫️No person shall light or detonate fireworks in any place where animals are kept.
▫️No person may terrify, cause stress, or endanger the life of any animal with fireworks or by any other means.
▫️Residents are also reminded that fireworks cannot be recycled and therefore must be disposed of appropriately in black bin bags.
Mayisela added that the municipality urges residents not to dispose of fireworks in orange refuse bags because they were not recyclable.
“Residents found disregarding the by-laws governing firework usage shall face the full might of the law,” he said.
The city wishes all residents a Happy New Year.
The use of fireworks on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day was only permitted between 11:45pm to 00:15am.
