F.A.C.T. (Fireworks Action Campaign Team)

01/01/2025

30/12/2024

Durban Metro Police spokesperson, Colonel Boysie Zungu has issued a stern warning to the public against the use of fireworks before 11:45PM and after 00:15AM, as per city bylaws. He says those in breach of this may face prosecution and a fine of R2500.

Durban Metro Police spokesperson, Colonel Boysie Zungu has issued a stern warning to the public against the use of fireworks before 11:45PM and after 00:15AM...

29/12/2024

THE EXPLOSIVES ACT No 26 OF 1956
This law applies nationwide with no exceptions. It is unlawful to discharge any firework in any building, on any public thoroughfare or in any public place or resort without prior written permission of the local authority. (Section 10.34)

Section 10.35 relates to public displays of fireworks and states that no person may do so on any premises without the written permission of the Chief Inspector of Explosives (commonly known as “having a permit”). This written permission will stipulate conditions and any non-compliance with them is a criminal offence.

In terms of the Explosives Act, no person shall allow or permit any children under the age of 16 to handle or use fireworks except under the supervision of an adult person.

This Act is enforced by the South African Police Service (SAPS) not by the SPCA. Please report any offences to your nearest SAPS, giving as many details as you possibly can and quoting the Act name and number plus the relevant section as given above.

IGNORANCE OF THE LAW IS NO EXCUSE – PENALTIES ARE SEVERE
DO NOT BE AFRAID TO REPORT OFFENDERS

28/12/2023

*FIREWORKS OVER DIWALI & NEW YEAR'S EVE*
FIREWORKS can be set off on Diwali on
*Sunday 12 November 2023* from *19:00 until 22:00,*
New Years Eve on
*Sunday 31 December 2023* from *23:45* to *00:15*
and those who violate the by-laws will be liable to a *R2 500* fine.
According to the eThekwini Municipality’s by-laws:
❇️ Low-hazard fireworks such as fountains, lawn lights and sparklers can be lit in private homes.
❇️ *Fireworks such as air bombs, supersonic bangs, sound shells, fountain whistles and screeches are prohibited.*
❇️ Children under 16 years of age *must be supervised by an adult* when letting off fireworks.
❇️ Fireworks should *not be detonated* near hospitals, clinics, old age/nursing homes and petrol stations.
❇️ No person *shall* ignite fireworks on *any public road, at any residence or private dwelling* without the knowledge and consent of the occupant or owner of the property.
❇️ It it unlawful to point or direct fireworks at a person, animal, building or motor vehicle.
❇️ No person shall light or detonate fireworks in any place where animals are kept, or cause stress or endanger the life of any animal.

Senior Superintendent Parboo Sewpersad, a Durban metro police spokesperson, said pet owners must ensure the animals were fitted with collars that had an identification tag with a home address and telephone number.
*We urge residents to report any nuisances and to ensure they obtain reference numbers*”
*Call 031 361 0000* to report any incidents.

11/11/2023

*FIREWORKS OVER DIWALI & NEW YEAR'S EVE*
Fireworks can be setoff on Diwali
*Sunday 12 November 2023* from *19:00 until 22:00,*
New Years Eve on
*Sunday 31 December 2023* from *23:45* to *00:15*
and those who violate the by-laws will be liable to a *R2 500* fine.
According to the eThekwini Municipality’s by-laws:
❇️ Low-hazard fireworks such as fountains, lawn lights and sparklers can be lit in private homes.
❇️ *Fireworks such as air bombs, supersonic bangs, sound shells, fountain whistles and screeches are prohibited.*
❇️ Children under 16 years of age *must be supervised by an adult* when letting off fireworks.
❇️ Fireworks should *not be detonated* near hospitals, clinics, old age/nursing homes and petrol stations.
❇️ No person *shall* ignite fireworks on *any public road, at any residence or private dwelling* without the knowledge and consent of the occupant or owner of the property.
❇️ It it unlawful to point or direct fireworks at a person, animal, building or motor vehicle.
❇️ No person shall light or detonate fireworks in any place where animals are kept, or cause stress or endanger the life of any animal.

Senior Superintendent Parboo Sewpersad, a Durban metro police spokesperson, said pet owners must ensure the animals were fitted with collars that had an identification tag with a home address and telephone number.
*We urge residents to report any nuisances and to ensure they obtain reference numbers*”
*Call 031 361 0000* to report any incidents.

07/11/2023

Remember that while fireworks can be enjoyable for many people, they can be distressing and potentially dangerous for others, including the elderly and animals. By taking precautions and being considerate of your neighbours and the environment, you can help ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone during fireworks displays.

29/12/2021

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

29 DECEMBER 2021

RESIDENTS URGED TO ADHERE TO CITY'S FIREWORKS BY-LAWS

EThekwini Municipality appeals to residents to use fireworks responsibly on New Year's Eve and to be mindful of the impact fireworks have on animals.

Residents are reminded that the use of fireworks on New Year's Eve is only permitted between 23:45pm and 00:15am.

By-laws are in place 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 of 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.

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 appropriately in black bin bags.

The Municipality urges residents not to dispose fireworks in orange refuse bags because they are not recyclable.

Residents found disregarding the by-laws governing firework usage shall face the full might of the law.

The City wishes all residents a Happy New Year. For emergencies, kindly contact 031 361 0000.

ENDS

Issued by the eThekwini Municipality’s Communications Unit. For media enquiries contact the Municipality’s Spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela on 060 966 4220 or Metro Police Spokesperson Senior Superintendent Parboo Sewpersad on 083 387 1919.