Ballito resident Claire Butler writes:

I am writing as a concerned resident of Ballito to raise what I believe is a public safety issue regarding fire equipment servicing in our area.

I recently came across a fire extinguisher that had been labelled as “serviced” by Fest Fire Security. It was visibly rusted and cracked around the cylinder – a high-pressure vessel – raising concerns about whether it could fail under pressure or simply not work when needed in the event of a fire.

This is not an isolated case. The company has also serviced fire equipment at residential complexes in Ballito and surrounding areas, meaning the potential risk extends beyond a single extinguisher.

This is not just one person’s impression. On July 9, 2026, SAQCC Fire – which describes itself as the official regulator for the fire protection industry – issued a public notice stating that Fest Fire Security and Africa Fest Fire do not hold, and have never held, a valid SANS 1475 permit to service extinguishers, hose reels or hydrants in KwaZulu-Natal.

The notice also states that the technician whose registration number appears on the companies’ service labels has not been registered with SAQCC Fire-1475 for several years.

According to SAQCC Fire, servicing carried out under these circumstances is illegal and non-compliant with SANS 1475.

The risk extends beyond a poor service experience. SAQCC Fire states that insurers may repudiate claims involving illegally serviced equipment and that end users could face enforcement action from the Department of Employment and Labour for using an unpermitted provider.

I urge anyone who has used Fest Fire Security or Africa Fest Fire – either individually or through a body corporate or residential complex – to check their service labels, request proof of a valid SANS 1475 permit and current SAQCC Fire-1475 registration (available at saqccfire.co.za) and have their equipment reinspected if they are in any doubt.

Fire safety is not something to cut corners on.

Ed – Fest Fire Security did not respond to our request for comment.