Botswana Music Promoters Association (BEPA) has lauded promoters for holding festivals that are Covid-19 compliant thus far.
BEPA President Gilbert PP Seagile said the Association has been monitoring the conduct of festivals with the bulk currently being held in urban areas across the country.
He stated that at the top of ensuring that festivals are compliant, music promoters continue to place automated sanitizers, distribution of free masks and availability of emergency ambulances encouraging social distancing.
Seagile noted that although music promoters had a difficulty of 18 months without any revenue generation, the association has warned against disregarding Covid-19 protocols.
“I want to applaud my member associates for complying with Covid-19 protocols and doing so with full knowledge that the fight against the virus is far from over,”
“We have also warned our members that they should ensure that festival venues are not filled to the capacity so that there is social distancing with air circulation,” said Seagile.
He said music promoters will not let their guard down stating that should that happen it could reverse their gains and have the sector shut down once again.
“You will remember that we pleaded with government for a very long time to perform once again. The last thing we want is to have the sector going back to where it was 18 months ago,”
“Government was lenient enough to allow us to conduct events in a safe manner. They promised that they will conduct close monitoring so that there is compliance since we all understand that there is a lot that still needs to be done,” added Seagile.
He further said they have advised some of their members to alert them whenever some festivals are found to be in compromising positions.
He said the association has key members across the country who continue to advice and monitor festivals.
“We should not be policing anyone at this rate given that all of us know what is at stake. We continue to see the rise in Covid-19 cases across the globe yet government on the other hand also wants the economy to be up and running,” he said.
“We shall continue to work closely with government to ensure that our festivals are safe and also to sell ourselves to those who are still skeptical to attend events that we are capable of conducting safe and sound events,” said Seagile.
He also said with the festive season approaching they remain ready to work with other relevant stakeholders to ensure that Covid-19 protocols are enforced.
