As New Year's Eve approaches, emergency services in Gauteng are warning revellers to handle fireworks safely to avoid injuries and fires. Animal welfare groups highlight the distress caused to pets by the noise. Cities like Tshwane, Johannesburg, and Ekurhuleni are enforcing strict regulations on sales and use.
Fireworks light up celebrations for occasions like New Year's Eve and Diwali, but authorities in Gauteng are emphasising the need for caution to prevent accidents. Emergency services in Tshwane, Johannesburg, and Ekurhuleni have issued warnings about the dangers of misuse, with teams on high alert for incidents on New Year's Eve.
In Ekurhuleni, fireworks display is permitted only between 23:00 and 01:00. 'Safety precautions, we are saying the city may or the residents may display fireworks between 23:00 until early morning at 1 am, that is the range of two hours that is permissible,' stated Eric Maloka, Ekurhuleni EMS spokesperson.
Johannesburg plans operations targeting fire risk reduction and compliance with fireworks rules, including sales, storage, and use. If unsafe conditions arise, services may halt activities or evacuate areas to protect lives, according to spokesperson Kagiso Phasha.
Tshwane prohibits roadside fireworks sales and is partnering with the TMPD to address illegal vendors. 'We are in collaboration with the TMPD that will be out there to ensure that those that are selling illegally are dealt with in terms of the law,' said spokesperson Nana Kgiba.
Retailers enforce safety by keeping fireworks behind counters, advising buyers on proper use. Reshaad Omar, owner of Fireworks Pretoria, noted options like pet-friendly fireworks that avoid loud bangs.
The National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) urges consideration for pets, which often panic from the noise and lights, leading to injuries or them going missing. 'They often go missing, suffer injuries, or try to protect themselves from the noise,' explained NSPCA spokesperson Samantha Stelli.
At Tshwane's crossover festival in Fountains Valley, no fireworks are allowed on site.
