City of Cape Town issues stern warning about fireworks

The City of Cape Town is warning residents against the illicit sale and use of fireworks.

In a statement posted on Saturday, 24 October 2026, the City revealed that its Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) is seeing an increase in complaints about the sale and discharge of fireworks.

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FIREWORKS COMPLAINTS SKYROCKET

According to the City, the PECC recorded 13 complaints about the illegal sale of fireworks and at least 49 complaints about the illegal discharge of fireworks during the first three weeks of October.

In comparison, the PECC received three complaints about the illegal sale of fireworks and six complaints about the discharge of fireworks during the first three weeks of September.

“Hotspot areas include Manenberg, Eastridge, Beacon Valley, Atlantis, Heideveld, Hanover Park, Belhar and Bonteheuwel,” the statement reads.

This month’s complaints arrive just two weeks before two major events. Guy Fawkes Night is on 5 November 2026 and Diwali is on 8 November 2026.

‘A SOURCE OF ABSOLUTE TERROR’

Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, called this increase “disappointing, but not entirely surprising.”

“While many people have come to understand and support efforts to snuff out the illegal use of fireworks, there are still pockets of resistance in the weeks leading up to Guy Fawkes and Diwali, and then also around New Year’s,” Smith said.

“The illegal discharge of fireworks has no place in our society. Not only is it a noise nuisance to others, but also a source of absolute terror for domestic pets and communities plagued by gun violence.”

Citing the high risk of fire and injuries, Smith is calling on Capetonians to help. Anyone with information regarding the illegal sale or use of fireworks is urged to contact the PECC on 021 480 7700 from their cellphone. Alternatively, you can contact them via the Safety and Security feature on the City App.

FIREWORKS IN CAPE TOWN

If you’re found selling, storing or discharging fireworks, you can face significant fines. Image: Pexels

In Cape Town, you are not allowed to host a public fireworks display without a valid permit. To apply, you will need to fill out an application and email it to the South African Police Service.

If approved, you must then contact the Fire and Rescue Service’s Fire Life Safety Section. A site inspection will be done to determine whether the site the display is being held is safe for fireworks.

Additionally, you are required to seek the permission of residents and businesses in the area to host a fireworks display.

Expecting a crowd larger than 200 attendees, or do you require any infrastructure to be built? Ensure that you apply for an Events permit from the City, too.

WHAT ABOUT GUY FAWKES, DIWALI?

There are no designated fireworks sites for events such as Guy Fawkes Night or Diwali in Cape Town. This has been in effect since 2019.

So, if you’re selling, storing or discharging fireworks during these events – or on other occasions – you can face hefty fines.

For example, operating a fireworks display, theatrical pyrotechnics or other fireworks without permission or a permit from the controlling authority can see you fined R1 500.

What are your thoughts about fireworks usage in Cape Town? Sound off in the comments below.

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