CAPE TOWN –
The Restaurant Association of South Africa (Rasa) has planned a peaceful protest on Wednesday from 12 till 2 pm and is encouraging restaurants across the country to join the nationwide protest.
Meanwhile, another group of representatives from the hospitality industry, tourism, food and entertainment are holding a peaceful protest in Cape Town on Friday from 10 am to 12 pm in response to the restrictions on their respective industries.
“Due to the continued disregard for the restaurant industry, my client [Rasa], its members, and various other restaurants, takeaway shops and coffee shops will be embarking on a nationwide peaceful demonstration,” read the letter sent to Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi from Ashton Naidoo of Mooney Ford Attorneys.
“Each restaurant owner will move tables and chairs from their empty restaurants into the street in front of their establishment in protest of the current regulations and highlight the plight of the industry.
“We have advised the restaurants that such groups must not exceed 15 people per restaurant and all social distancing protocols will be observed.”
Brent Perremore, spokesperson for the #ServeUsPlease protest in Cape Town said they are urging the government to consider the impact the lockdown has had on the hospitality and extended industries.
“Starting at the corners of Buitenkant Street in the CBD, protesters will create two linked lines down both sides of Roeland Street towards Parliament.
“The lines will continue down Plein Street, turn onto Spin Street then go up Wale Street,” read a statement from the protest organisers.
“#ServeUsPlease calls on anyone affected by these regulations to join in the peaceful protest, provided they adhere to the safety protocols.
“The organisers understand that the impact of the regulations goes far beyond just bars and restaurants; it has and will continue to have an impact on thousands of businesses across all industries that support the broader hospitality industry, including the tourism, entertainment and media industries.”
For LIVE updates on the Coronavirus pandemic, follow us on Twitter : @sacoronamonitor