A new gazette has been published by Cooperative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) minister, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. The gazette updates SA’s lockdown level 1 restrictions to allow sports venues to be open to spectators.
Spectators allowed at professional and non-professional venues
According to the gazette, professional and non-professional sports venus can now open for spectators to attend. However, the venues will still be limited to the current Covid-19 gathering restrictions:
- Indoor sports venues can have a maximum of 750 people in attendance;
- Outdoor sports venues can have a maximum of 2,000 people in attendance;
- If a venue is too small to accommodate these maximum limits, the limit is at 50% of that venue’s capacity.
Liability falls on venue owner or event organiser
The gazette puts the responsibility on either the venue owner or event organiser to ensure these limits are adhered to. And in failing to do so, they could be fined or could face a six-month sentence in prison. These new regulations are effective immediately.
“The decrease in the number of infections, as well as consultations with relevant stakeholders, has prepared the path for recognised sporting bodies to host sporting events, including both professional and non-professional competitions, subject to strict adherence to the guidelines,” said Dlamini Zuma.
“As we go out to sporting events to support our teams, let us do so recognising that Covid-19 is still with us. Let us unite in observing Covid-19 protocols by wearing masks, washing hands, and adhering to social distancing measures,” she said.
Prohibited activity list has been amended
Since the adjusted lockdown level 1 restrictions were introduced on 30 September, professional and non-professional sports events were allowed to take place. However, none of these activities was open to spectators. Only journalists, production crew, and sports staff were allowed at the venues.
With the latest amendments, the list of activities that are strictly prohibited has been shortened to the following:
- Night vigils;
- After-funeral gatherings;
- Nightclubs;
- Specified land borders remain closed;
- Any specified exclusions from the public transport and education sector, as mentioned by the respective ministers.