The City of Cape Town denied it had banned fireworks, saying only national government has the power to do so.
On Friday, the City announced that it would not have designated sites this year for Diwali, Guy Fawkes and New Year’s Eve.
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says: “We further indicated that while there have for years been calls to ban fireworks outright, the City does not have the power to do so.
“That this translated into a ‘ban’ on fireworks is disappointing, but not surprising.”
While many have welcomed the decision to not have the designated sites, individuals within the Hindu community have expressed their dissatisfaction about the impact this will have on Diwali later this month.
However, the City said organised fireworks displays can still be applied for because the City has not imposed a ban on fireworks.
“We have simply decided not to have designated City sites this year. However, in the spirit of respecting this Hindu cultural tradition, the City has, in consultation with interested parties, decided to make available the parking lot at Athlone Stadium on Sunday, 27 October, for Diwali celebrations,” Smith said.
He said the City is not obligated to provide designated fireworks sites, but had a problem with the illegal sale and lighting of klappertjies in public without a permit.
In terms of Section 30 of the Explosives Act of 1956, those transgressing the law could be fined up to R300.