Festive Season
1Min
South Africa
Dec 17, 2025
As the festive season draws near, residents of Johannesburg are advised to enjoy the celebrations responsibly and within the bounds of the law, as local authorities crack down on unapproved street parties in a bid to enhance public safety.
The City of Johannesburg's Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Safety, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, has declared a city-wide ban on street bashes for the upcoming festive season. This decisive measure comes on the heels of a tragic shooting at an unauthorised street party in Diepkloof, Soweto, which left a 19-year-old man dead and three others seriously injured.
On Thursday, a 19-year-old man was shot dead during the Shaun 101 street bash in Soweto, with many of the witnesses of the incident attributing this to increase in criminality among young boys in the township.
It is reported that this teen was one of four men stripped naked and assaulted during an alleged mob justice attack in Diepkloof Zone 5 in Soweto in the early hours of Thursday.
On Tuesday, Dr Tshwaku moved swiftly with an announcement against street bashes.
His announcement serves as a stern warning not only to party-goers but also to event organisers, reiterating that the violent incident is a stark reminder of the risks associated with unregulated gatherings. The MMC highlighted that the tragic event, occurring in the early hours of Thursday morning, lacked the necessary approval from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), and alarmingly, there was no police presence at the scene during or after the gathering.
“No event can be held without the approval of JMPD and the City of Johannesburg,” Dr Tshwaku stated emphatically during a press conference. He conveyed the city’s zero-tolerance approach towards unauthorised mass gatherings, promising that organisers would face strict legal repercussions for violations, including potential arrests and criminal charges.
In an effort to promote safety, the city has implemented a comprehensive checklist and approval protocol for all events, particularly those involving municipal infrastructure or requiring safety and security provisions. Dr Tshwaku emphasised that ensuring the safety of citizens during the festive season is a top priority, particularly in light of increased festivities that typically elevate the risk of events spiralling out of control.
This clampdown on street bashes is part of a broader festive season safety initiative taking place across Gauteng, in which law enforcement agencies will boost their visibility and patrols to prevent crime and ensure that residents can celebrate safely. Authorities are urging citizens to cooperate and report any unauthorised events to prevent further tragedies as the holiday season approaches.
