Staff Reporter
Fireworks in Durban may only be set off for 30 minutes around midnight on New Year’s Eve under eThekwini Municipality by-laws, a ward councillor said this week, as authorities urged residents to celebrate safely and avoid distressing animals.
Councillor Fran Kristopher said fireworks may only be discharged from 23:45 to 00:15 on New Year’s Eve, warning that breaching city by-laws could lead to prosecution and fines of up to R2,500.
Kristopher said the city’s rules ban certain high-noise fireworks, including air bombs, supersonic bangs, sound shells, fountain whistles and screeches, while allowing lower-risk items such as fountains, sparklers and lawn lights.
Children under 16 should only use fireworks under adult supervision, and fireworks must not be discharged near hospitals, clinics, old-age homes, petrol stations, or in areas where animals are kept.
Kristopher said residents should never point fireworks at people, animals, buildings or vehicles, and should obtain the owner or occupier’s consent before using fireworks on private property or on public roads.
She urged residents to consider animal welfare, warning against using fireworks in ways that terrify or endanger pets and other animals, and advising owners to ensure pets have identification tags with contact details.
Kristopher said violations should be reported to eThekwini Metro Police on 031 361 0000.
Fireworks in South Africa are regulated nationally under the Explosives Act and related controls, alongside municipal by-laws, requiring businesses to comply with licencing, storage, and sales rules, and prohibiting sales to children under 16.
Kristopher warned businesses against illegal advertising and roadside sales, including selling fireworks at intersections or on pavements, saying offenders could be prosecuted for doing so.
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