Fireworks are strictly controlled, but are not entirely illegal
There are designated areas all over South Africa where you are allowed to discharge fireworks at certain times.
Many people like to celebrate special occasions by letting off fireworks, but they are dangerous, and forbidden in many places. However, even though there are many strict by-laws controlling the use of fireworks, they are not illegal to use on some occasions.
If you would like to discharge fireworks in any location in South Africa, find out what laws and fines apply. For example, unless special council authorisation has been applied for and granted, fireworks may not be discharged in certain areas.
Fireworks may not be let off within 500m of any petrol depot or petrol station, animal shelter, explosives factory, or explosives storage facility, or near any old age facilities (old age homes, retirement villages etc). Discharging fireworks near animals or where animals are present will result in a R1 000 fine, and setting them off outside the permitted times and places can result in fines ranging from R1 500 to R10 000.
In terms of the Community Fire Safety By-law, areas where fireworks are to be discharged must also be at least 100m from buildings, roads and railway lines, and at least 20m from telephone and power lines, trees or other overhead obstructions.
In Johannesburg and surrounds, fireworks may be discharged on New Year’s Eve, provided that members of the public stay within the law. Fireworks may only be let off between 11pm (before midnight) and 1am (after midnight). Discharging fireworks outside these times will result in a R1 500 fine. Fireworks are also allowed, per the City’s by-laws, on New Year’s Day from 7pm to 10pm.
Children under the age of 16 are not allowed to buy or let off fireworks under any circumstances.
Many cities have specially designated parks, beach fronts and other areas where fireworks are allowed to be discharged. It is best to consult the by-laws of the city you’re in before letting of any fireworks.
You can find these by-laws on most municipal websites, using the search facilities provided, for example at https://joburg.org.za/; https://www.capetown.gov.za/; and https://www.durban.gov.za.
Remember to keep your emergency services contact numbers on hand, so that if anything goes seriously wrong while you’re letting off your fireworks, you can call for assistance quickly. Keep a first aid kit close by too, so that you can deal with any minor injuries yourself.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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