Firecrackers commonly known as “Bombs” such as Indian King, King India and Classic Foils are illegal in KwaDukuza municipality (KDM).

While smaller fireworks are allowed for a short window over New Year’s Eve, the Ballito Neighbourhood Watch (BNW) are appealing to residents and visitors to give up the tradition and make Ballito a ‘firework free zone’.

BNW chairman Morné Steffens said that next year they would ask the municipality to consider further toughening the firework by-laws.

“Ballito is very pet orientated as a town. We urge people to think of the distress and trauma that fireworks cause animals and for people to be considerate of their environment,” said Steffens.

He also asked residents to report those who break the by-laws to the KDM Control Room.

“We have previously seen flare ups that get violent when people confront those setting off fireworks. So please refer to the applicable by-laws and consider avoiding using fireworks.”

Ballito ward 6 councillor, Tammy Colley, was adamant that the town’s by-laws needed to be both enforced and respected.

“We also ask that residents share this information with visitors who may not be familiar with it,” she said.

KwaDukuza’s firework by-laws unpacked

When are fireworks allowed?

You are allowed to set off fireworks without a permit on three occasions throughout the year, all of which hold some form of religious or cultural tradition.

The first is the seven days of Deepavali, which usually fall between October and November each year.

Those observing Guy Fawkes on November 5 are also allowed to set off fireworks.

Finally, you can use fireworks on New Year’s Eve from midnight on December 31, to 2am on January 1.

Which fireworks can be used?

Fireworks shorter than 50mm long and smaller than 12mm in diameter are permitted, anything larger is not.

No match crackers or match strikes are allowed.

Firecrackers commonly known as “Bombs” such as Indian King, King India and Classic Foils are banned.

No fireworks can be sold to people under the age of 16.

Other useful fireworks by-laws to know:

Fireworks are prohibited in certain areas, including inside buildings, on agricultural holdings, at schools, old-age homes and hospitals, and within 500 metres of an explosives factory, explosives storage or petrol station.

If you are going to set off fireworks in your garden, KDM by-laws state they must be at least 20 metres from the nearest telephone, powerline, tree or overhead obstruction.

While the by-laws allow fireworks to be set off for personal use, a fireworks display for the public must have permission in writing from the municipality or from the chief fire officer in the region.

To report a contravention of the fireworks by-laws, contact the KDM control room on 060 714 3764 or 032 946 2711.

You can find the by-laws in full on the Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers association website here.

For those with pets, The Durban SPCA has some advice for keeping them safe during fireworks displays:

• Make sure pets are microchipped or wearing ID tags, so you can be reached if they go missing.
• If possible, keep dogs and cats inside during the height of the celebrations and stay home with them.
• Close the windows, curtains and blinds.
• Allow dogs and cats to hide under the bed or wherever they feel safe.
• If you can’t be at home, leave the radio or TV on to distract them with familiar sounds, or consider hiring a pet sitter to keep them company.
• Give them a chew treat or interesting toy to take their minds off the noise.
• If your pet has high levels of anxiety and fear, ask your vet to prescribe anti-anxiety medication, or try a herbal remedy such as alcohol-free Rescue.

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