New Year’s in Hillbrow an Unconventional Celebration. 
 
The fireworks marking the arrival of a new year in Hillbrow is a mix of celebration and caution, capturing its special spirit. As the community gets ready to welcome 2025, this night was full of both hope and challenges.


In the past, New Year's celebrations in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, have been marked by community members discarding old furniture, such as beds, heaters, and refrigerators, by throwing them out of their windows. This act symbolizes a desire for renewal and a fresh start. At times, these items are thrown outside when residents see the police approaching. 


Hillbrow, long considered a "red zone" due to its high crime rate and incidents of violence, and New Year's Eve in this area is no exception and the area remains a focal point for law enforcement and emergency services during the festive season. The South African Police Service (SAPS) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are on high alert every New Year's Eve, working to ensure the safety of residents amid the celebrations. The EMS setup a field hospital aroud the area equipped with emergency beds, medical technology, including a defibrillator, ICU equipment, oxygen, and many other medical supplies.

info
((December 31, 2024, at 7:00 PM)) As the community gets ready to welcome the new calendar year, 2025, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrives in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, where a field hospital (triage center) had been set up to provide swift and effective response for individuals in need of emergency care in the surrounding areas. ((December 31, 2024, at 7:00 PM)) As the community gets ready to welcome the new calendar year, 2025, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrives in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, where a field hospital (triage center) had been set up to provide swift and effective response for individuals in need of emergency care in the surrounding areas. ×
((December 31, 2024, at 7:00 PM)) As the community gets ready to welcome the new calendar year, 2025, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrives in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, where a field hospital (triage center) had been set up to provide swift and effective response for individuals in need of emergency care in the surrounding areas. ((December 31, 2024, at 7:00 PM)) As the community gets ready to welcome the new calendar year, 2025, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrives in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, where a field hospital (triage center) had been set up to provide swift and effective response for individuals in need of emergency care in the surrounding areas. ×
info
((December 31, 2024, at 7:30 PM)) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has set up a field hospital in Hillbrow, Johannesburg. In the past, EMS has responded to trauma cases due to violence as the community ushers in the new year. The field hospital is equipped with emergency beds, medical technology, including a defibrillator, ICU equipment, oxygen, and many other medical supplies to respond to individuals' emergency care in the surrounding areas. ((December 31, 2024, at 7:30 PM)) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has set up a field hospital in Hillbrow, Johannesburg. In the past, EMS has responded to trauma cases due to violence as the community ushers in the new year. The field hospital is equipped with emergency beds, medical technology, including a defibrillator, ICU equipment, oxygen, and many other medical supplies to respond to individuals' emergency care in the surrounding areas. ×
((December 31, 2024, at 7:30 PM)) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has set up a field hospital in Hillbrow, Johannesburg. In the past, EMS has responded to trauma cases due to violence as the community ushers in the new year. The field hospital is equipped with emergency beds, medical technology, including a defibrillator, ICU equipment, oxygen, and many other medical supplies to respond to individuals' emergency care in the surrounding areas. ((December 31, 2024, at 7:30 PM)) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has set up a field hospital in Hillbrow, Johannesburg. In the past, EMS has responded to trauma cases due to violence as the community ushers in the new year. The field hospital is equipped with emergency beds, medical technology, including a defibrillator, ICU equipment, oxygen, and many other medical supplies to respond to individuals' emergency care in the surrounding areas. ×
info
((December 31, 2024, at 23:13 PM))Hillbrow, Johannesburg, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the first trauma case around the corner of field hospital involving a female patient with stabbing injuries. ((December 31, 2024, at 23:13 PM))Hillbrow, Johannesburg, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the first trauma case around the corner of field hospital involving a female patient with stabbing injuries. ×
((December 31, 2024, at 23:13 PM))Hillbrow, Johannesburg, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the first trauma case around the corner of field hospital involving a female patient with stabbing injuries. ((December 31, 2024, at 23:13 PM))Hillbrow, Johannesburg, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the first trauma case around the corner of field hospital involving a female patient with stabbing injuries. ×
info
((December 31, 2024, at 23:13 PM))Hillbrow, Johannesburg, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the first trauma case around the corner of field hospital involving a female patient with stabbing injuries. ((December 31, 2024, at 23:13 PM))Hillbrow, Johannesburg, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the first trauma case around the corner of field hospital involving a female patient with stabbing injuries. ×
((December 31, 2024, at 23:13 PM))Hillbrow, Johannesburg, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the first trauma case around the corner of field hospital involving a female patient with stabbing injuries. ((December 31, 2024, at 23:13 PM))Hillbrow, Johannesburg, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the first trauma case around the corner of field hospital involving a female patient with stabbing injuries. ×

Despite heightened security measures, the night was not without incident. The EMS field hospital set up in the area treated eight patients, including six individuals with stab wounds. A child was also brought in after being injured by a falling object.


Law enforcement officers were busy throughout the night, making several arrests. Among those detained was a young man caught driving under the influence of alcohol. He was found to have an expired passport, adding to the list of charges against him. These incidents highlight the ongoing efforts by authorities to maintain order in an area often characterized by its unpredictability.

info
((December 31, 2024, at 11:48 PM)), as the clock approached midnight in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) positioned themselves at the street corner, prepared to respond to any emergencies that might arise. The EMS team collaborated with other law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety and to facilitate rapid responses to incidents. ((December 31, 2024, at 11:48 PM)), as the clock approached midnight in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) positioned themselves at the street corner, prepared to respond to any emergencies that might arise. The EMS team collaborated with other law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety and to facilitate rapid responses to incidents. ×
((December 31, 2024, at 11:48 PM)), as the clock approached midnight in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) positioned themselves at the street corner, prepared to respond to any emergencies that might arise. The EMS team collaborated with other law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety and to facilitate rapid responses to incidents. ((December 31, 2024, at 11:48 PM)), as the clock approached midnight in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) positioned themselves at the street corner, prepared to respond to any emergencies that might arise. The EMS team collaborated with other law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety and to facilitate rapid responses to incidents. ×
info
((December 31, 2024, at 11:44 PM)) Just moments before the countdown to midnight in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, as the community gets ready to welcome a new calander year, 2025, a man twirls and spins energetically in the middle of the street. ((December 31, 2024, at 11:44 PM)) Just moments before the countdown to midnight in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, as the community gets ready to welcome a new calander year, 2025, a man twirls and spins energetically in the middle of the street. ×
((December 31, 2024, at 11:44 PM)) Just moments before the countdown to midnight in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, as the community gets ready to welcome a new calander year, 2025, a man twirls and spins energetically in the middle of the street. ((December 31, 2024, at 11:44 PM)) Just moments before the countdown to midnight in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, as the community gets ready to welcome a new calander year, 2025, a man twirls and spins energetically in the middle of the street. ×
info
((December 31, 2024, at 11:44 PM)) Just moments before the countdown to midnight in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, as the community gets ready to welcome a new calander year, 2025, a man twirls and spins energetically in the middle of the street. ((December 31, 2024, at 11:44 PM)) Just moments before the countdown to midnight in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, as the community gets ready to welcome a new calander year, 2025, a man twirls and spins energetically in the middle of the street. ×
((December 31, 2024, at 11:44 PM)) Just moments before the countdown to midnight in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, as the community gets ready to welcome a new calander year, 2025, a man twirls and spins energetically in the middle of the street. ((December 31, 2024, at 11:44 PM)) Just moments before the countdown to midnight in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, as the community gets ready to welcome a new calander year, 2025, a man twirls and spins energetically in the middle of the street. ×
info
((December 31, 2024, at 11:44 PM)) Just moments before the countdown to midnight in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, as the community gets ready to welcome a new calander year, 2025, a man twirls and spins energetically in the middle of the street. ((December 31, 2024, at 11:44 PM)) Just moments before the countdown to midnight in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, as the community gets ready to welcome a new calander year, 2025, a man twirls and spins energetically in the middle of the street. ×
((December 31, 2024, at 11:44 PM)) Just moments before the countdown to midnight in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, as the community gets ready to welcome a new calander year, 2025, a man twirls and spins energetically in the middle of the street. ((December 31, 2024, at 11:44 PM)) Just moments before the countdown to midnight in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, as the community gets ready to welcome a new calander year, 2025, a man twirls and spins energetically in the middle of the street. ×


As Hillbrow steps into 2025, the challenges remain, but so does the indomitable spirit of its people. With police and EMS standing by to ensure safety, the community continues to find ways to celebrate life, even in the face of adversity.

info
As the clock struck midnight on January 1, 2025, a man embraced the spirit of the new year by taking center stage in the street of Hillbrow and perform indlamvu, a traditional Zulu dance. As the clock struck midnight on January 1, 2025, a man embraced the spirit of the new year by taking center stage in the street of Hillbrow and perform indlamvu, a traditional Zulu dance. ×
As the clock struck midnight on January 1, 2025, a man embraced the spirit of the new year by taking center stage in the street of Hillbrow and perform indlamvu, a traditional Zulu dance. As the clock struck midnight on January 1, 2025, a man embraced the spirit of the new year by taking center stage in the street of Hillbrow and perform indlamvu, a traditional Zulu dance. ×
info
January 1, 2025, the communnity of Hillbrow, Johannesburg, embraced the spirit of the new year. January 1, 2025, the communnity of Hillbrow, Johannesburg, embraced the spirit of the new year. ×
January 1, 2025, the communnity of Hillbrow, Johannesburg, embraced the spirit of the new year. January 1, 2025, the communnity of Hillbrow, Johannesburg, embraced the spirit of the new year. ×
info
On January 1, 2025, at 01:18 am, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to a trauma case involving a stab wound, allegedly inflicted by the victim's brother, near KwaMai-Mai Traditional Market in Johannesburg, South Africa. On January 1, 2025, at 01:18 am, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to a trauma case involving a stab wound, allegedly inflicted by the victim's brother, near KwaMai-Mai Traditional Market in Johannesburg, South Africa. ×
On January 1, 2025, at 01:18 am, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to a trauma case involving a stab wound, allegedly inflicted by the victim's brother, near KwaMai-Mai Traditional Market in Johannesburg, South Africa. On January 1, 2025, at 01:18 am, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to a trauma case involving a stab wound, allegedly inflicted by the victim's brother, near KwaMai-Mai Traditional Market in Johannesburg, South Africa. ×
info
On January 1, 2025, at 01:18 am, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to a trauma case involving a stab wound, allegedly inflicted by the victim's brother, near KwaMai-Mai Traditional Market in Johannesburg, South Africa. On January 1, 2025, at 01:18 am, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to a trauma case involving a stab wound, allegedly inflicted by the victim's brother, near KwaMai-Mai Traditional Market in Johannesburg, South Africa. ×
On January 1, 2025, at 01:18 am, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to a trauma case involving a stab wound, allegedly inflicted by the victim's brother, near KwaMai-Mai Traditional Market in Johannesburg, South Africa. On January 1, 2025, at 01:18 am, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to a trauma case involving a stab wound, allegedly inflicted by the victim's brother, near KwaMai-Mai Traditional Market in Johannesburg, South Africa. ×
info
On January 1, 2025, at 02:22 am, On the way to respond to another traums case Albert Monana Shift Leader sits inside the Mfezi an armoured ambulance used to respond to trauma cases in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, for the festive celebration. On January 1, 2025, at 02:22 am, On the way to respond to another traums case Albert Monana Shift Leader sits inside the Mfezi an armoured ambulance used to respond to trauma cases in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, for the festive celebration. ×
On January 1, 2025, at 02:22 am, On the way to respond to another traums case Albert Monana Shift Leader sits inside the Mfezi an armoured ambulance used to respond to trauma cases in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, for the festive celebration. On January 1, 2025, at 02:22 am, On the way to respond to another traums case Albert Monana Shift Leader sits inside the Mfezi an armoured ambulance used to respond to trauma cases in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, for the festive celebration. ×
info
On January 1, 2025, at 2:46 AM, as the community celebrated the New Year, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived at George Goch Station in Johannesburg. They reported the death of a male officer who was shot by a colleague while on duty. The officer suffered fatal gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. On January 1, 2025, at 2:46 AM, as the community celebrated the New Year, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived at George Goch Station in Johannesburg. They reported the death of a male officer who was shot by a colleague while on duty. The officer suffered fatal gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. ×
On January 1, 2025, at 2:46 AM, as the community celebrated the New Year, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived at George Goch Station in Johannesburg. They reported the death of a male officer who was shot by a colleague while on duty. The officer suffered fatal gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. On January 1, 2025, at 2:46 AM, as the community celebrated the New Year, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived at George Goch Station in Johannesburg. They reported the death of a male officer who was shot by a colleague while on duty. The officer suffered fatal gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. ×

© All rights reserved

Using Format