Fireworks Laws in South Africa

December 31, 2024 Pagan Celebrations 500 Views

The below message has been republished from the JMPD, however we remind all the readers, Islam does not approve of paganism, involving such baseless activities, a waste of money and a nuisance to humans and animals. Islam’s rights to animals is far above any other man made law regarding them. A shameless woman from the past was forgiven because she gave water to a thirsty dog. Now we as humans behave worse than animals to the creation of our Creator, Allah Ta’ala. What can be said?

This especially is really of concern while the world suffers from starvation, money is squandered! Moreover, news outlets are screaming of climate change, pollution and the effects of natural cow gas but they turn a blind a eye to the hundreds of thousands of fire crackers distributed globally with China as a key game player in all this spread of noise and disturbance!

Despite this South Africa does have certain laws in place even though the law of Islam is still upright but ignored, however it is good to learn what can be done if even these man made and temporary laws are broken:

Fireworks Laws in South Africa

Please note the following:

During the festive season, fireworks may only be used on Christmas Eve (from 7pm to 10pm), Day of Goodwill (from 7pm to 10pm), New Year’s Eve (from 11pm to 1am) and New Year’s Day (from 7pm to 10pm).

  • Fireworks may not be set off in any public place. This includes in parks, on the pavement or the streets. (Shopping malls & restaurants are also off limits.)
  • It is illegal to detonate fireworks within 500 metres of any hospital, clinic, petrol station, an old-age home, nursing home, or animal welfare organisation or institution.
  • No one under the age of 16 is allowed to purchase or set off fireworks.
  • It is unlawful for any person to point or direct a firework at any other person, animal, building or motor vehicle.
  • No person or organisation is allowed to present a public fireworks display unless formally authorised to do so by the Council (at least 14 days’ notice).

Failure to comply with any of the above could result in a hefty fine or even jail time.

Should you become aware of anyone not complying with the law, please contact the JMPD via CoJ Emergency Connect on 011 375 5911 and report the exact address for them to respond. If you are able to record the display showing the actual fireworks and the address, even better as it is more evidence.

All percussive fireworks (fireworks that explode and rockets) terrify animals and disturb the peace. If you light a firework in a suburban area, there will be companion animals in that area. Effectively, it means that any percussive firework lit in a suburban area constitutes an offence, both in respect of the local by-laws and the Animals Protection Act, which is National legislation and applies to all Metros and must be reported to EMPD.

Regulation 9 of the Noise Control Regulations of Gauteng 1999, (Provincial Gazette, Extraordinary no 75 of August 1999) which defines a noise nuisance as “any sound which disturbs or impairs or may disturb or impair the convenience or peace of any person”. No person may discharge fireworks in a residential area in a manner that may cause a noise nuisance.

No person may light or ignite fireworks in any place where animals are present (R 1 000 fine). This includes domestic homes.

If you are aware of any animals who have been directly injured by fireworks, you must report to the SPCA immediately – and if you are able to assist, please take the injured animal to one of the 24 hour open vets:

Parktown +27 (11) 447-2517
207A Jan Smuts Avenue
Parktown North 
Johannesburg

Fourways Vet
0117053411
Cnr. Witkoppen Road and The Straight
Pineslopes
Fourways

Bryanston Veterinary Hospital
011 706 6023
6 Ballyclare drive
Bryanston
2191

Please can we be respectful and considerate to our fellow neighbours.

From JMPD 👆

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