City enforcement departments ready for New Year’s Eve revelry
30 December 2024
The City of Cape Town’s enforcement departments are gearing up for a busy New Year’s Eve, with more than 35 000 people expected at the Waterfront’s fireworks celebration. Motorists are advised to expect congestion on some roads, while residents and visitors are reminded that the setting off of fireworks are not allowed without a permit.
As New Year’s Eve approaches, the City’s enforcement services are gearing up for the celebrations and increase in visitors to beaches, public spaces and party spots.
While beaches will be a particular focus area, other City facilities and public amenities will also be monitored by enforcement staff.
The City urges residents to please celebrate responsibly, with due regard for their own safety and that of those around them.
‘I want to urge residents to celebrate responsibly especially if they will have children along and to take cognisance of their own safety and those around them. Our staff will be going the extra mile to ensure safety across the city and I want to thank all the departments, both within the City and our external partners, who will be working hard to make the celebrations safe for everyone. I want to encourage the public to work with enforcement staff so we can all ring in the New Year with fanfare,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
The public is reminded that they can be fined for setting off fireworks without a permit, selling fireworks to anyone under the age of 16, or allowing a person younger than 16 to handle fireworks without adult supervision.
‘Despite the trauma and stress caused to pets and neigbourhoods, there are still those who delight in setting off fireworks. Annually we receive numerous calls of fireworks disturbances and injuries caused by these mini explosions. We encourage residents to supervise children and to celebrate responsibly,’ added Alderman Smith.
You may not explode fireworks: within 200 metres of any hospital, clinic, petrol station, old-age home, nursing home, or animal welfare organisation; inside any building or on a public street; in any other public place or recreational area, unless you have valid permission to do so.
Residents are requested to report any incident, suspicious behaviour or criminal activity by phoning the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone and 107 from a landline.
The public is reminded to adhere to instructions from any enforcement staff and lifeguards.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
