As South Africans welcomed the measures announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa to curb the spread of the coronavirus in South Africa, the entertainment industry is taking a hard knock.
Following the presidents announced measures which included travel bans and a ban on the gathering of more than 100 people, several entertainment bodies announced the cancellation of a number of big events.
South African Film & Television Awards
In the statement the National Film and Video Foundation said, "In light of the announcement made by President Ramaphosa and the Government’s strict actions in response to the Covid-19, the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) would like to inform you that the 14th Annual South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs14) will no longer take place at the Sandton Convention Centre on 27 – 28 March 2020. Further details will be communicated in due course."
Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts
In light of the recent declaration of Covid-19 as a national disaster, Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts in association with Old Mutual, are postponing the remaining three shows this season.
• Pumeza Matshikiza and Cape Town Opera postponed from 22 March 2020 to Summer 2021 (Date TBC)
• Jeremy Loops postponed from 29 March 2020 to 29 November 2020
• Andrew Young and Don Vino postponed from 05 April 2020 to Summer 2021 (Date TBC)
Ticket-holders will receive communication via Webtickets regarding the new dates as well as their refund options. Kirstenbosch will also continue to monitor the Covid-19 outbreak and act in accordance with best practice recommendations to ensure the safety and well-being of our guests, staff and stakeholders.
Corona Sunsets Festival
Corona Sunsets Festival organisers have postponed the March 2020 Cape Town event to protect the wellbeing of the festival attendees.
The Corona Sunsets Cape Town festival, scheduled for Saturday 28th March, will be moved out to a later date in 2020, and all tickets will be valid for that festival.
There will be a refund system for ticket holders, with more information on that policy to be shared once it has been confirmed.
Due to the calendars of the artists, the line-up may be different to what was planned for March, but it will still be of the quality you have come to expect and love.
Corona would like to express our continued commitment to provide South Africans with the ultimate sunset entertainment, in the safest manner possible at this trying time.
Bushfire 2020
In a statement on their website, the festival said: "With the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) increasing in Southern Africa and across the globe, MTN Bushfire, together with government stakeholders, its partners and sponsors, have made the joint decision to postpone the 14th Edition of the MTN Bushfire festival to 28-30 May 2021.
As a socially conscious and conscientious festival, MTN Bushfire prioritises the health, safety and security of the Eswatini community, the festival staff and guests. MTN Bushfire believes that this is the responsible decision to make in recognition of these extraordinary circumstances.
MTN Bushfire will #KeepTheFireBurning! Therefore, festival tickets and camping passes that have already been purchased will still be valid in 2021. The festival has also entered into negotiations with all other travel and accommodation partners to ensure that guests can defer their bookings to 2021 festival dates.
Festivalgoers are encouraged to contact the relevant travel and accommodation providers to make these arrangements.
To those who can’t make it to the 14th Edition of the festival in 2021, information on refunds for festival tickets will be made available on 27 March 2020. The process, terms and conditions will be announced then."
Lighthouse Family Tour
Big Concerts confirmed that the Lighthouse Family tour is postponed.
The statement reads: "Your safety is always our top priority. The South African government has now declared a national state of disaster, and banned travellers from high risk countries from entering the country as well as public gatherings of more than 100 people. Regrettably under the circumstances the Lighthouse Family tour is postponed.
"We are working to reschedule the tour and all tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled dates. Further information will be sent directly to ticket holders as soon as it becomes available.
"We wish everyone the best health and safety during this difficult time, and we look forward to connecting fans with all their favourite artists and events soon."
VIVOnation Festival
Volkswagen South Africa has taken the decision to postpone the third instalment of VIVOnation (4 - 5 April 2020), due to health concerns around the Coronavirus (COVID-19). “With thousands of people expected to attend the two-day festival, the safety and health of VIVOnation attendees, artists and everyone working on the festival, is of the highest concern for Volkswagen South Africa.
"This cautious decision is in line with guidelines from the World Health Organisation and relevant public health recommendations,” said Martina Biene, Head of Volkswagen Brand in South Africa.
VIVOnation 2020 is now scheduled to take place later in the year, with specific dates to be communicated in due course.
BC One South Africa
In light of the current concerns from the South African government and health authorities, the Red Bull BC One Cypher South Africa planned for 22 March has been postponed.
We trust that this decision will be understood and respected by everyone. Please stay tuned for more announcements, and we look forward to seeing everyone back on the Red Bull BC One stage. For information on refunds, please refer to Webtickets.
Amstel Radler Chillas Cape Town
Amstel has taken the decision to postpone the upcoming Amstel Radler Chillas event in Cape Town on 28 March 2020, in light of health concerns around the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and in keeping with the South African government’s recent mandate that all large public gatherings are prohibited.
Amstel takes the health and safety of eventgoers very seriously. The event will be rescheduled for a later date once the government and health services advise that large public gatherings may resume. Any tickets that have already been issued will remain valid.
Internationally, festivals like Coachella, SXSW, Tomorrowland Winter 2020, Ultra Music Festival have all be postponed.
OFFICIAL NOTICE: pic.twitter.com/oIQwKXTiIw
— Ultra Music Festival (@ultra) March 6, 2020
Musicians like Avril Lavigne, Madonna, Mariah Carey and Green Day have also cancelled their concerts.