Mass fields and fans return to Joburg sports events

Spectators and mass fields have been given the green light to attend some of Gauteng’s most popular sports events in three different codes.

The City of Joburg announced on Tuesday it had partnered with various events in an effort to promote the return of sport, both for spectators and participants.

This followed the national government’s decision to release level one lockdown restrictions at the end of last month, with 2 000 people allowed to attend outdoor gatherings.

The 947 Ride Joburg would not be allowed to host the 30 000 participants it would usually attract, but organisers had been cleared to host 10 000 riders at the popular road cycling race on 21 November.

While other mass participation events had already resumed – with the Cape Town Marathon hosting 10 000 runners last week after all participants returned positive Covid antigen tests and a rolling start was used to follow social distancing rules – this would be the first to be held in Joburg since the country went into lockdown in March last year.

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Meanwhile, fans had been cleared to return to the Joburg Open, an event co-sanctioned by the Sunshine Tour and the European Tour, to be held at Randpark Golf Club between 25-28 November, as well as the Joburg Ladies Open being held at Soweto Country Club between 3-5 March next year.

Motorsport spectators would also be allowed to attend the Kyalami 9 Hour endurance race in Midrand between 3-4 December.

“These are events that contribute to not only our economic and infrastructure development, but also towards community development and the elevation of the Joburg brand both locally and internationally as an ideal major events host city,” said Johannesburg mayor Mpho Moerane.

“The City of Johannesburg is delighted that these prestigious key strategic sporting events are finally on course to take place.

“We look forward to hosting them in partnership with our respective stakeholders.”