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By Sihle Mavuso 
9h ago
Durban – In a move likely to further cripple the tourism industry and the events already limping, one of the money spinners for the KZN economy, the provincial government says there will be no major events this holiday season.
The government cited the raging Covid-19 pandemic as the reason for the decision announced on Wednesday, shortly after its last cabinet meeting this year.
He said he considered various requests from event organizers in relation to holding major events associated with the holiday season, but chose not to agree to them.
“The executive council evaluated the requests taking into account the situation of Covid-19 in the province and the country. The executive council, with the advice of doctors and scientists, resolved not to encourage the celebration of large events in the province due to the threat and the risks posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Executive Council also noted that the country is still under lockdown and the state of disaster remains in place. People are encouraged to visit and enjoy the KwaZulu province- Natal. They can carry out small family activities without compromising disaster management regulations. There is evidence of the second wave that has become real in other provinces. KZN is approaching the cliff of the second wave Covid-19, according to the latest figures. ” said the cabinet.
Among the events to be temporarily canned is the Inkasi Music Concert held at KwaMashu on December 16, Durban Jazz Festival at Hazelmere Dam on December 26, Durban Braai Day at People’s Park on December 26. December, Fact Durban Rocks on New Years Eve at People’s Park and the Inanda Dam Picnic on January 1.
The cabinet emphasized that while it understood the social and economic impact of not hosting important events in popular places in the province during the festive season, the lives of citizens mattered and needed to be protected.
“The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has a duty to protect the lives of citizens and does not want to make decisions that may be regretted later. The Provincial Major Events Subcommittee of the Provincial Executive Council will communicate with all interested and important event organizers In this decision, “he said.
Other decisions made at the meeting were to rebuild the burial sites of two ANC stalwarts, Moses Mabhida, who was reburied in Pietermaritzburg, and Johnny Makhathini, who was interred in Pietermaritzburg after his body was exhumed in Lusaka, Zambia.
“The current area where the headstones are located is experiencing environmental challenges, hence the relocation and rebuilding of the headstones. Once complete, this rebuilding process will give due honor and dignity to these freedom fighters, who did an invaluable sacrifice and contribution in dismantling apartheid, and ushering in a democratic South Africa. “
Political Bureau
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