Ballito Rage cancelled after first day

THE annual Ballito Rage event went ahead on Tuesday, only to be cancelled after day one.

This after 32 attendees and four members of staff tested positive for Covid-19.

In a statement on its website, organisers of Ballito Rage said they take the safety of customers, staff and suppliers seriously, and it is for this reason the decision was made to cancel the remainder of the event.

‘The festival opened for the first time on Tuesday with unprecedented Covid-19 protocols in place, including mandatory vaccinations for all staff and guests, and pre-arrival Covid-19 tests for all guests.

‘A testing facility was set up near the event site, and staff testing commenced on Monday. Of the first 122 staff tested, zero presented positive.

‘On Tuesday, all remaining staff and all guests underwent Covid-19 tests at the testing facility prior to entering the event.

‘Between 2pm and 10pm, 940 guests and staff were tested. Thirty-two guests and four staff members presented positive results.
‘The Department of Health was on site and worked with our team to conduct contact tracing, and ensure the necessary isolation of positive individuals and staff as per government protocol.

‘After further exhaustive review this morning (Wednesday), consultation and guidance from the local and provincial health departments, and other key stakeholders, the decision was collectively made to cancel the event going forward based on the data now available to us.

‘It is our responsibility to act based on facts, collaboration and the resources and tools we have available.’