SAACI NEWS

A winter of discontent

The adjusted alert level four restrictions imposed on 27 June 2021 immediately resulted in a significant loss of business. Just as we were starting to see some green shoots and building off the good discussions we had during the SAACI National Congress in mid-May 2021, we were back to postponements and cancellations.

By Glenton de Kock, chief executive officer of SAACI.

Without a road map in place for events to resume in a sustainable and economical manner, this start-stop approach will not only hamper recovery, but will also hamper the retention of skills and will lead to further industry losses. In contrast we have seen destinations within the African continent, such as Kigali, get it right. With a fully vaccinated industry, the support from government, and the will to keep the business events industry open, there is a yielding of results.

Our industry has been repeatedly calling for urgent, short-term financial support, including a sector-specific UIF/TERS support scheme, business rates relief and sector specific bridging grants until restrictions are lifted, along with a government-backed indemnity insurance scheme to support confidence in the market. Industry leaders want to work with government to devise a roadmap for reopening, with a clear indication of the evidence that will be used to dictate this schedule.

As an industry we have outlined a comprehensive series of safety measures that have been put in place which go beyond mandatory protocols. The safety measures include utilising the latest technology (including touch-free registration on arrival), one-way systems and rapid testing. We have presented and demonstrated our plans to use business events for mass same-day testing trials.

The importance of live events and experiences for the South African economy, their positive impact on the nation’s wellbeing and the event industry’s expertise in organised audience logistics cannot be understated. It must not be brushed over and it will be a key economic driver.

While we may be experiencing a winter of discontent, we need to remain vigilant. We need to remain resolute as we touch millions of lives through business events, exhibitions, festivals, weddings, community, and charity events. The industry’s importance in generating employment across South Africa, creating opportunities for young people, and generating billions of rands in trade cannot remain unspoken for.

THE ASSOCIATION

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