Durban - With thousands of school-leavers expected to attend this year’s Ballito Rage Festival in Durban, the local hospitality industry appears set to get a considerable boost.
This is according to Brett Tungay, East Coast chairperson of the Federated Hospitality Association of SA – a national trade association for the hospitality industry.
The 20th Ballito Rage Festival, hosted by G&G Productions, is set to take place between December 2 and 10 and matriculants from across the country are expected to attend the event.
Tungay said: “The event will definitely assist the turnaround in hospitality. Usually, at the end of November and in early December things are quiet, so this event will boost occupancy. With infrastructure issues, load shedding, and other challenges that have been posed against the hospitality sector, this event is welcomed.”
Meanwhile, Darren Sandras, Ballito Rage spokesperson, said the event had for many years contributed positively to tourism and was a boost to the local economy as attendees visited the area.
“This includes accommodation, restaurants, shopping and other activities that happen outside of the main festival zones. Ballito Rage receives the full support of local government and municipalities.
“It remains one of the most-anticipated and exciting end-of-school festivals in the country.
Across several days and numerous events, Ballito Rage will host an incredible line-up of artists and parties at its Sound Factory venue,” said Sandras. Due to Covid-19 posing a threat to attendees, the festival was previously cancelled. Sandras said they would be following national and local health and safety regulations.
“Covid-19 restrictions were lifted several months ago, and subsequently hundreds of events, conferences, launches and the like have been held across the country, hosting hundreds and thousands of attendees. Ballito Rage takes the safety of its attendees, staff, and community extremely seriously,” he said.
Sandras added that security at the event remained a priority. “All attendees are given an RFID (radio-frequency identification) wristband, which has all their key information on it. The wristband is scanned at all entry points to ensure the organisers can locate and assist festivalgoers should the need arise. “The bar and security staff are fully trained to be extra vigilant and aware of potentially risky situations.
Rage Festival also works with the local SAPS and private security, taxi and transport partners and numerous volunteer support organisations to maximise the safety of attendees,” said Sandras.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE