Issued by: Gauteng Legislature
Three Standing Committees at the Gauteng Legislature have made an appeal to the residents of the province for caution and safety when using fireworks during the new year celebrations.
These are committees on Public Safety and Security, Petitions and Public Participation, as well as Agriculture, Conservation and Environment.
Public Safety and Security Committee Chairperson, Mr Obed Bapela, today said that "in conformity with present regulations, parents must ensure that children under the age of 14 should not handle or use fireworks, and that every precaution be taken to avoid deaths."
The Committees also urged that fireworks be used away from animals, particularly cats and dogs, and that special care be taken to protect and preserve the environment.
Following a public submission to the Legislature for tighter controls in the use of fireworks, the three Committees will be examining existing regulatory systems and conducting public hearings, in order to create better and more effective legislation and control measures.
"People must remember that although fireworks are exciting and thrilling, they can also cause injuries and death, and therefore caution, safety and sense of responsibility must prevail at all times" added Mr Bapela.
MOEMISE MOTSEPE (Media Liaison Officer)
Issued by the Communication Department of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.