News

MEDIA RELEASE

                                                                                EMBARGO: Immediate

                                                                        DATE: 27 November 2020

Resorts-, events/gatherings-, sport facilities- and halls applications or bookings

During a special virtual Council meeting held on Monday, 16 November 2020, the Cape Agulhas Municipal Council decided to cancel the Struisbaai Touchies, Arniston Fun Run, Struisbaai- and Arniston Fireworks as a mitigating measure to curb the spread of Covid-19 especially as a result of “super spreader events”.

Council further decided to impose a limit of 50% of the capacity of all municipal resorts in line with regulations stipulated by Alert Level 1 of the Disaster Management Act (57 of 2002), and no new bookings for December holidays will be accepted.

Applications for events and/or the use of sport facilities and halls will be approved on merit subject to strict adherence to the full regulations stipulated by Alert Level 1 of the Disaster Management Act.  Event managers must still apply for the relevant permits and adhere to the regulations stipulated under Alert Level 1. No event will be approved where event managers cannot guarantee a 100% adherence to the prescribed regulations.

The prescribed regulations in section 69 of the Disaster Management Act:

Alert level 1 - Gatherings

69. (1)  Every person, when attending a gathering and in order to limit exposure to COVID-19 must -

(a)        wear a face mask;

(b)        adhere to all health protocols;

(c)        maintain a distance of least one and a half metres from each other; and

(d)        adhere to any other health protocols and social distancing measures as provided for in directions issued by the relevant Cabinet member after consultation with the Cabinet member responsible for health.

(4)        Gatherings at social events are limited to 250 persons or less in case of an indoor gathering and 500 persons or less in case of an outdoor gathering. Provided that no more than 50 percent of the capacity of the venue is used, with persons observing a distance of least one and a half metres from each other.

(12)      Gatherings at the following places are allowed, subject to the limitations as set out below -

(a)        restaurants, subject to strict adherence to directions on the times of operation, the number of persons, health protocols and social distancing measures, as provided for in the directions that must be issued by the relevant Cabinet member, after consultation with the Cabinet member responsible for health;

(b)        bars, taverns, shebeens, and similar establishments subject to a restriction on the number of guests allowed in the venue to not more than 50 percent of the capacity of the venue, with guests observing a distance of least one and a half metres from each other; and

(c)        hotels, lodges, bed and breakfasts, timeshare facilities, resorts and guest houses subject to a restriction on the number of persons allowed in the hotel, lodge, bed and breakfast, timeshare facility, resort or guest house to not more than 50 percent of the capacity of the venue, with patrons observing a distance of least one and a half metres from each other.”

(14)      Sport, arts and culture activities, including both professional and non-professional matches, by recognised sporting bodies, are allowed, subject to the following:

            (a)        Directions for sports matches issued by the Cabinet member responsible for sport after consultation with the Cabinet member responsible for health;

(b)        only journalists, radio, television crew, security personnel, emergency medical services, and the necessary employees employed by the owners of the venue of the sport match, are allowed at the venue of the sport match;

(c)        only the required number of players, match officials, support staff and medical crew     required for the sport match, are allowed at the venue of the sport match;

(d)        no spectators are allowed at the venue of the sports match; and

(e)        international sport, arts and culture events involving countries with a low or medium   COVID-19 infection and transmission rate are allowed.

The municipality have received complaints about a recently held event at the Zwelitsha Sportgrounds where the full regulations stipulated by Alert Level 1 of the Disaster Management Act were not adhered to.  During the application process of this event, all protocols regarding events were explained to the applicant and we strongly condemn the behaviour by attendees and event managers. 

Cape Agulhas Municipality will no longer approve any events of this nature as the management of these events are quite difficult.

These are extraordinary circumstances and it is only by working together and adhering to the mitigation measures that we can contain this virus and ensure the safety of our communities.  It is of utmost importance that communities always take responsibility for their own health and safety by acting responsibly.  Please continue to wear a mask, sanitise regularly and maintain a social distance of 1.5 metres.

Your co-operation is appreciated.

ENDS

EO Phillips

Municipal Manager

Cape Agulhas Municipality

P O Box 51

Bredasdorp

7280