How and where to report illegal fireworks in Tshwane this New Year’s Eve

As the clock ticks down to midnight, Pretoria residents are reminded to report any illegal use of fireworks and to know the by-laws concerning use of fireworks.

While many prepare to celebrate the arrival of the new year, it is crucial to be aware of the regulations that govern discharge of fireworks in their areas to ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration.

During celebrations, residents are urged to remember that the discharge of fireworks on private premises is prohibited within the boundaries of Tshwane.

Tshwane Fire Brigade by-laws explicitly indicate that fireworks may only be discharged in designated areas and only after obtaining approval from the Chief Fire Officer, as stipulated in Section 38(3) of these by-laws.

Key regulations:

– Fireworks are forbidden in any location where animals are present, including residential homes.
– Minors are not allowed to use fireworks under any circumstances.
– Using fireworks near sensitive locations, such as schools or petrol stations, requires special council authorisation, which must be sought well in advance of the intended day.
– No person can use fireworks within 500m of any petrol depot or filling station without special council authorisation.
– No person or organisation can present a fireworks display unless authorised to do so by the council. A 14-days’ notice before the display is required by the council to consider such an application. Authorisation is also required from the Civil Aviation Authority and the chief inspector of explosives.
– A pyrotechnist and police explosives expert must be present at all times at firework displays.
– No person may deal in fireworks – sell or make available – unless they hold a fireworks license in terms of the Explosives Act, as well as the written authority of the chief fire officer.

Violating these by-laws can lead to hefty fines and enforcement actions.

Residents who observe illegal discharge of fireworks or have other complaints can reach out to local authorities.

Essential emergency numbers:

– Metro Police: To report crimes or disturbances, call 012 358 7095/6.
– For fire emergencies, contact 012 310 6300/6400. During office hours (08:00 to 16:00), call 012 310 6200.
– For enquiries related to fireworks dealer licenses, call 012 393 2754.
– For contraventions of the Explosives Act, reach out to 082 822 8217 or 079 529 3446.

Residents can also report illegal use of fireworks and other issues at their local regional offices.

Where to go:

– Residents of North-western suburbs like Soshanguve, Mabopane, Ga-Rankuwa, Winterveld can report complaints to the office of Region 1, Sector 1 – 2162 Lucas Mangope Drive, Block U, Mabopane or 012 358 3607.
– All residents of Pretoria North suburbs (including Akasia) can report at the office of Region 1, Sector 2 – Station Square, on the corner of Daan de Wet Nel Drive, Winternest, Akasia, or call 012 358 5912.
– Residents in the north-eastern suburbs, Hammanskraal, Temba, and Rens Town can report irregularities at the office of Region 2, Sector 1 – 113 Lovers Lane, Mandela Village, Hammanskraal, call 012 711 3889 or 012 358 9887/8.
– Residents of Wonderboom, Sinoville, Magalieskruin, Montana, and Doornpoort can report at the office of Region 2, Sector 2 – Sinoville Centre, 119 Brat Avenue, Sinoville, 012 543 1715/012 358 3600.
– Residents of Pretoria West, Atteridgeville, Saulsville, Hercules, and Mountain View can report irregularities at the office of Region 3, Sector 1 – Fire Building, cnr Morkel and Transoranje Street, Pretoria West, 012 358 1905.
– Residents in the CBD, Sunnyside, Arcadia, Hatfield, the Moot, Brooklyn, Waterkloof, Queenswood, and Lynnwood, can report irregularities at the office of Region 3, Sector 2 – 1 Madiba Street, Pretoria, 012 358 1906.
– Residents of all the suburbs in Centurion, which include Valhalla and Laudium, can report irregularities at the office of Region 4 – 193 Napier Road, Lyttelton, Centurion, 012 664 4445 or 012 358 3116/7.
– Residents in Rayton, Cullinan, Refilwe and surrounding areas can report irregularities at the office of Region 5 – Rayton, 012 358 6983/4 or 012 734 4120.

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