SA government in discussions with live events industry
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Campaign leaders encouraged stakeholders in the live events industry to remain positive, as discussions are being held with the South African government to ensure the survival of the entertainment industry and to present guidelines for reopening the sector.
Sharif Baker, chair of the TPSA and spokesperson of the #LightSAred movement, along with representatives of SACIA and the SA Events Council, are in discussions with representatives from the Department of Sports Arts and Culture, including Charles Mabaso, chief director for cultural development and Topsy Musi, chief of staff.
“It is imperative that we develop the guidelines needed to kickstart our industry, with regards to adhering to the protocols prescribed in the gathering act,” said Baker. “We are pleased to report that the government is working with us and not against us. Discussions are underway to determine how social distancing will be achieved at live events. We are particularly interested in creating a situation where permissible capacities will be based on volume capacity rather than a hard and fast number,” Baker points out. “We are making serious progress! So much so that a meeting with the legal department of DSAC is on the cards for this week to establish this in actuality.”
With a priority on safety, a practice the live events industry has implemented for decades, the TSPA, SACIA and the Events Council are coming up with solutions to implement a safe environment for those attending events and are presenting this information to government.
The entertainment and live events industry have been under lockdown since 27 March 2020, and until a week ago, the industry has received no acknowledgement or targeted financial assistance from the government. As financial institutions, in turn, are lifting their original financial holiday assistance as initially given during the Covid-19 lockdown period, the live production and entertainment sector has seen many companies close their doors, unsure of the future and unable to pay their employees.
“Although there are operational discussions with government in progress, my call for discussions with the Minister on a humanitarian and corporate business level are still being ignored and unless we engage soonest the damage to life will be insurmountable,” says Baker.
On 5 August the industry lit up 505 building sites across South Africa in an effort to gain attention from government and the general public.
