Covid-19: All matric Rage Festival events postponed until further notice

The organisers of Rage Festivals say all events planned for 2020 and 2021 have been postponed until further notice after a Covid-19 superspreading event in Ballito in KwaZulu-Natal.

“All further Rage Festival events have been postponed until further notice as we consult with relevant officials and stakeholders,” said the event organisers' spokesperson Darren Sandras.

“We are devastated that despite all efforts before and during the festival and at all Rage-controlled venues, some attendees still contracted Covid-19.

“We are complying fully with all authorities and stakeholders and will continue to do so.”

Sandras said amended refund policies would be communicated soon.

“Every event at the festival was deemed compliant and the full go-ahead was given by the local health department and the Durban events department.”

The Joburg Rage was scheduled for December 12 and 13, Plett Rage for January 29 and February 6 and the event in Jeffreys Bay from December 15 to December 22.

However, on its Facebook page, the Plett Rage on Sunday stopped short of postponing the event, saying it was halting ticket sales while taking advice.

"We are aware of the concerning reports of increased Covid-19 cases from people who travelled to Durban last week to celebrate the end of matric exams. Many of these pupils attended one or more Ballito Rage event in Umhlanga, Ballito and Durban," the post read.

"We cannot be sure at this time what impact this will have on Plett Rage. We can, however, say we are in constant communication with the officials in Plettenberg Bay and will only act in the interest of Rager and staff safety.

"At this stage, the outcome of the event is unknown, and we will be making further announcements in the coming days.

"We will immediately stop all Plett Rage sales until further notice. Thanks for your support thus far and for your understanding during this time while we assess the situation and take guidance from officials."

On Sunday, health minister Zweli Mkhize urged all those who had attended matric rage parties already to immediately go into a 10-day quarantine.

This is after a number of people who attended the parties tested positive for Covid-19.

“While government makes an effort to contain this virus, we plead with all parents to also exercise their parental prerogative and set boundaries on activities in which their children [specifically the youth] can participate,” he said.

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