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.




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.




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.





