Fires and alcohol confiscations lead December statistics

08 January 2026

The Fire and Rescue Service experienced an overall increase in incidents responded to, while alcohol confiscations too showed a marked increase.

More than 100 000 Capetonians unite to celebrate Festive Lights Switch-On

01 December 2025

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis says Capetonians showed amazing unity and Christmas spirit, with more than 100 000 festival-goers attending the Festive Lights Switch-on across the Grand Parade

Festive Lights 2025: City ready to host 80 000+ crowd for free open-air concert

23 November 2025

The City of Cape Town’s flagship event, the Festive Lights Switch-On, is taking place a week from today on Sunday, 30 November 2025 on the Grand Parade.

Let’s keep Guy Fawkes on mute

23 October 2025

The City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre has recorded decreases in complaints related to the illegal sale of fireworks

Zero tolerance for the illegal sale and setting off of fireworks

13 October 2025

Diwali takes place on Monday, 20 October, while Guy Fawkes falls on Wednesday, 5 November.

Motor vehicle accidents flagged in December

06 January 2025

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

It’s lights on for the Festive Season

26 November 2024

The event theme this year is ‘People of Hope’, and offers something for everyone

Enforcement and emergency services primed for Guy Fawkes

01 November 2024

The Safety and Security Directorate will refocus its operational deployment in the lead up to, and on Guy Fawkes

Zero tolerance for illegal fireworks

09 October 2024

The City of Cape Town dispensed with designated fireworks sites in 2019, for Diwali, Guy Fawkes and New Year’s Eve.

December statistics reveal a mixed bag for enforcement and emergency services

17 January 2024

The City’s enforcement agencies made 1 977 arrests, recovered 23 firearms and nearly 6 000 units of narcotics, and recorded 376 889 traffic and by-law transgressions.

Leap-ing into the New year

02 January 2024

Four firearms in 18 hours on New Year's Day.

City ready to welcome thousands for Festive Lights Switch-On event

21 November 2023

The Festive Lights Switch-On is a family-friendly event that has been a staple of Cape Town's events calendar for the last 20 years.

Guy Fawkes-related fireworks complaints down year-on-year

06 November 2023

Report on Guy Fawkes and enforcement patrols during the weekend

City hopes Guy Fawkes continues to fizzle out

31 October 2023

City reminds residents about risks associated with fire works and request to abide by the rules

City flags fireworks do’s and don’ts

25 October 2023

Traditionally, October and November see an increase in complaints related to fireworks, particularly in relation to Guy Fawkes on 5 November.

Safety and Security festive season roundup

05 January 2023

It has been an incredibly busy festive season, and our staff have stood up to the challenges as well as our resources have allowed

Safety a priority at Festive Lights Switch-On event

22 November 2022

Festive Lights Switch-On is anticipating upwards of 80 000 attendees on the Grand Parade and Adderley Street for the first event since 2019.

Fireworks and domestic violence calls lead weekend enforcement

07 November 2022

Guy Fawkes weekend is always busy for our enforcement staff

Blow the whistle on Guy Fawkes ‘revelry’

28 October 2022

​The City’s enforcement agencies will increase patrols in areas that have proven problematic on 5 November

No fireworks without a permit

02 October 2022

In the run up to Diwali and Guy Fawkes, residents are reminded that permits are required for fireworks displays.

City services at the ready as the New Year looms

30 December 2021

Enforcement and emergency services will be focusing on public spaces and party hotspots in the lead up to New Year’s celebrations.

City agencies gear up for Guy Fawkes

03 November 2021

The City of Cape Town appeals to residents to refrain from the destructive behaviour that has become synonymous with Guy Fawkes.

City pleads for a departure from destructive Guy Fawkes ‘tradition’

28 October 2021

As we approach 5 November, I call on communities to stand up to the very destructive behaviour that is synonymous with Guy Fawkes.

No permit, no fireworks

15 October 2021

​Persons wishing to host fireworks displays can apply for a permit to do so

City warns against Guy Fawkes criminality

04 November 2020

The City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate is steeling for another Guy Fawkes Day

Public will need to apply for permits for firework displays in 2020

23 September 2020

As was the case in 2019, fireworks displays will only be allowed where a permit has been applied for in terms of the relevant legislation.

City invests massive effort into public safety for New Year’s celebrations

02 January 2020

Our staff deserve a huge thank you for the role they play on the front line