KNYSNA NEWS - The Covid-19 pandemic has been devastating for the performing arts and live sport environments. Our artists, theatres and sporting franchises have been heavily hit as they cannot generate income from audiences at live events.
"I have been heartened to see how artists and venues have been innovative in bringing in virtual audiences and am glad to see that communities have been supporting artists and sporting events through buying virtual seats to online events," said Anroux Marais, MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport, in a recent press release.
"However, I have been listening to the cries of both industries who want to be able to open their doors to physical attendance again."
Under the current regulations, and while we are still in the midst of the third wave, there are still many restrictions that prevent us from allowing large audiences to bring in much-needed revenue.
However, she said, with summer fast approaching, there are potential events such as the rugby Sevens, the School Summer Games, and various arts and music festivals that would traditionally bring in big crowds. Science also tells us that a fourth wave of infections could perhaps strike in December.
"It is for this reason that I am appealing to the public to make use of the opportunity that is available that will allow us to manage the potential fourth wave - vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate."
Other countries are starting to open their sporting and entertainment venues to live audiences, with the provision that they produce proof of vaccination.
While we cannot yet say if this will be the case in South Africa, if all eligible people go to get their vaccination, we can take a step in the right direction to help support our arts and sport industries when the time comes.
"I appeal to all members of the public to get their vaccination as soon as they are eligible - the sooner we can reach our vaccination targets, the sooner we can start safely opening up more of the industry to allow us to slowly start returning to having live audiences. We must do this to support the live events, as well as our artists and athletes, in our province."
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