Finance and Economic Opportunities
The Western Cape has a rich history of vibrant festivals that provide important income streams for entrepreneurs, small businesses and the provincial economy at large. In the light of the current lockdown regulations:
- When will festivals in the Western Cape be permitted to resume;
- whether there will be a whale season festival; if so, (a) in what form and (b) what will the health and safety measures be;
- how is Wesgro assisting festivals in resuming safe operations?
1.1 When will festivals in the Western Cape be permitted to resume;
On 19 September 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that South Africa would move to Alert Level 1 from Monday 21 September 2020. The Alert Level 1 regulations were release on 18 September 2020 and confirm that gatherings will be limited to 50 percent of capacity or the venue with a maximum of 250 people at an indoor venue and a maximum of 500 people at an outfoor venue. This should allow festivals to resume, subject to the new Alert Level 1 restrictions including strict health and safety measures.
1.2 Will there be a whale season festival; if so, (a) in what form and (b) what will the health and safety measures be;
- The festival was originally scheduled to take place from 24 – 27 September 2020. On the 14 May 2020, the Hermanus Whale Festival Committee sent out communication that the festival was postponed until September 2021, due to COVID-19.
- N/A
1.3 How is Wesgro assisting festivals in resuming safe operations?
Following the COVID-19 global pandemic, Wesgro assisted and promoted event organisers to take their events and festivals onto virtual platforms.
As the country moves to Alert Level 1 from 21 September 2020, Wesgro will assist event organisers to ensure that they are aware of the relevant regulations and health and safety requirements.
