South Africa, 17 March 2020 – In response to the 15 March statement by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announcing measures to combat the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, which include the prohibition of gatherings of more than 100 people, the following events planned for the next few months have been cancelled/postponed.
This post will be updated periodically as more event cancellations are announced. Here, then, is a list of events that have been cancelled/postponed to date:
Africa Travel Week
Reed Exhibitions Africa has confirmed that Africa Travel Week, which is comprised of World Travel Market Africa (WTM Africa) and International Luxury Travel Market Africa (ILTMA), due to take place in April this year, has been postponed to 2021. Read more on this story here.
Africa’s Travel Indaba
South Africa’s Tourism Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, has confirmed the industry will play its part in stemming the spread by postponing the INDABA, which was scheduled to take place from 12 to 14 May, indefinitely. South African Tourism, through its National Convention Bureau (NCB), will be contacting participating exhibitors about the postponement. Further, the organisation will consult with the broader industry on workable future dates for INDABA. Read more on this announcement here.
Cape Town International Jazz Festival
espAfrika, a member of Sekunjalo Group, announced on 13 March that this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival will be postponed for the foreseeable future, as a public health precautionary measure. The Festival was scheduled to take place on 27 and 28 March 2020 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
For queries on ticket refunds, consult the Frequently Asked Questions section at www.capetownjazzfest.com. For refunds on Hospitality Packages, contact the espAfrika hotline on 021 671 0506 or email [email protected] to be assisted by the team.
Harvest Music and Wine Celebration
Black Elephant Vintners has made the difficult decision to cancel their planned Harvest Music and Wine Celebration which was to have taken place at the Franschhoek wine farm on Saturday, March 28. “We apologise for any inconvenience caused but obviously the health and safety of all South African citizens comes first! We want everyone to stay safe and healthy,” said Kevin Swart. Those who have already purchased tickets will be contacted by Quicket for a refund.
Johannesburg Cap Classique & Champagne Festival
The Johannesburg Cap Classique & Champagne Festival 2020 has been postponed and will no longer take place on Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5 at the Inanda Country Club. The organisers have, however, announced new dates for the event, which will now take place on September 5 & 6 at the Inanda Country Club. All tickets already purchased will be honoured for the new dates. Further details to be announced soon on their Facebook page at https://web.facebook.com/bubblesfestival/.
Juliet Cullinan Standard Bank Wine Festival
This year’s Juliet Cullinan Standard Bank Wine Festival was due to have taken place from 5-6 May at Summer Place. The new dates will be announced soon. For more information visit http://julietcullinan.co.za.
Pink Loerie Mardi Gras & Arts Festival
The 2020 Pink Loerie Festival has been postponed indefinitely, as has the Mr Gay World competition. The organisers of the event will confirm the new date for 2020 on their website and this will be based on the trajectory of the coronavirus and how it affects the world and South Africa. For more information visit pinkloerie.co.za.
Old Mutual Music at the Lake Concert
The upcoming Old Mutual Music at the Lake concert, featuring Sho Madjozi, Shekinah and Nipho Hurd set for Sunday 29 March, has been postponed. Event organisers Impi Concept Events have asked fans to demonstrate patience in this trying time, as they work out new potential dates to bring these great acts to the Durban Botanic Gardens. Once a new date is announced, fans will be able to use their pre-bought tickets or apply for a refund. For further information contact the Durban Botanic Gardens on 031 322 4021.
Oppiwater Arts Festival
RSG, Lefra Productions and MSC Cruises announced that the Oppiwater Arts Festival that would have taken place from 5 – 10 April 2020 on board the MSC Orchestra has been postponed to 25-30 January 2021 and will now be presented on the MSC Musica. Bookings for the Oppiwater Festival will automatically be transferred to the new dates. MSC announced that all Oppiwater Passengers will receive a $50 voucher to spend onboard the MSC Musica. For more information visit www.oppiwater.co.za.
Smokie Music Concert
The Smokie concerts that were due to be held at the end of March 2020 at Carnival City on the East Rand, GrandWest in Cape Town, and Time Square in Pretoria, have been postponed. Frans Swart, Managing Director of Lefra Productions said that the SMOKIE tour is only postponed and definitely not cancelled. Lefra is currently in discussion with Smokie’s management and the venues to find suitable dates later this year for the concerts to continue. The new dates will be announced shortly. Tickets holders may transfer their tickets to the new dates without having to get a refund and rebook their tickets. Patrons that already booked tickets are requested to hold on to their tickets until the new dates are announced, whereafter tickets can just be transferred to the new date(s). For more information visit www.smokie.co.za.
Splashy Fen Music Festival
Due to haven taken place on 09 April 2020, Splashy Fen 2020 is being postponed to 23 -27 September, with early camping available on Tuesday 22nd September. This new date will be during the school holidays, with Thursday (24th September) being a public holiday (Heritage Day). All tickets bought for Splashy Fen 2020 (Easter dates) will be valid for the new September dates. Should fans be unable to attend the new date, Splashy will offer a 75% refund accordingly, in line with their refund policy. For more information visit http://splashyfen.co.za.
Vegan & Plant-Powered Show
The Vegan & Plant-Powered Show (VPPS) – South Africa’s first dedicated vegan and plant-based exhibition presented by Live Events – has been postponed to 5 and 6 September 2020. t was originally scheduled to take place at the end of May. The venue remains the same – the CTICC in Cape Town. For more information visit www.veganandplantpoweredshow.co.za.
