Ballito Rage organisers were forced to pull the plug on the popular music festival after a number of partygoers tested positive for COVID-19.
Ballito Rage festival cancelled: Here’s what we know
In a statement, the festival confirmed that out of an estimated 1 000 attendees who were tested for COVID-19, 32 returned with positive results, sparking fears of a super spreader which is the perfect hunting ground for the super transmissive Omicron variant.
“While we understand the disappointment that this causes for those who were looking forward to enjoying the festival, these are unprecedented times. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and support,” the festival noted.
Things were promising on Monday, when organisers prepared to welcome thousands of partygoers from Tuesday. A COVID-19 testing facility was placed near the venue and in an unprecedented move, Ballito Rage staff were not only required to be fully vaccinated, but the entire team, as well as ticket holders, had to take the test.
At 122 tests, no positive cases were found. However, between 14:00 and 22:00, “940 guests and staff were tested and 32 guests and four staff presented positive results.”
“The Department of Health was on site and worked together with our team to conduct contact tracing and ensure isolation of positive individuals and staff as per government protocols,” the festival added.
The decision to cancel the Ballito Rage festival came after organisers held exhaustive consultations with “local and provincial Departments of Health and other key stakeholders.”
What will happen to ticket holders?
While the announcement sent a wave of disappointment felt by thousands of partygoers who looked forward to celebrating the end of 2021, the cancellation was, in the opinion of organisers, the right thing to do “based on facts, collaboration and the resources and tools we have available.”
““We highly commend and sincerely thank our partners at the KwaZulu-Natal and Illembe Departments of Health, local municipality, SAPS, Chamber of Commerce and all others who have worked with us daily from the beginning to deliver the safest event possible in these extraordinary times,” the statement read.
Ticket holders will be contacted via email with more information on the options that exist which may be a choice to process a refund or accept a credit for use at the next Ballito Rage event.
“We strongly urge all ticket holders who choose to stay in Ballito further to continue to be extremely responsible, stay safe and play their part in fighting the spread of Covid-19,” organisers said.