DURBAN - THERE have been mixed reactions from religious organisations and the hospitality industry to the latest proposed Covid-19 amendments.
The amendments, published on March 29, are out for public comment until 5pm today.
According to the proposed regulations, 50% of the capacity of the venue is allowed for all gatherings, including faith-based or religious, social, political and cultural, gatherings at restaurants, bars, shebeens and taverns; gatherings at conferencing, exhibitions, dining, gyms, fitness centres, casinos and entertainment facilities; gatherings at venues hosting auctions, including agricultural auctions, on condition that people are:
Fully vaccinated and in possession of a valid vaccination certificate. Or unvaccinated but in possession of a valid certificate of a negative Covid-19 test obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of the gathering. Alternatively, gatherings are permitted for the unvaccinated and those without tests but are limited to 1 000 persons or fewer for indoor venues and 2 000 or fewer for outdoor venues.
Jethro Nkosi, president of the Association of Independent Ministers and Churches, said the new regulations would negatively affect people going to church. “We don’t want people to lose faith and not attend church. Having to produce a vaccine certificate or a negative Covid result is going to affect people who are going to church.”
Moulana Syed Aftab Haider from the Ahlul Bait Foundation of South Africa said: “We have been in full support of all Covid-19 protocols in the past but did not agree to these proposed regulations. We have always encouraged our members to vaccinate and follow all Covid-19 protocols.
“We have also ourselves provided facilities for people to come and be vaccinated against Covid-19. However we have never forced people attending mosques to vaccinate.”
He said they have not agreed to this condition: “These new regulations are not something we agree to. It will be difficult for every person to produce a fully vaccinated certificate or a negative Covid-19 result.”
Ashwin Trikamjee, president of the Hindu Maha Sabha, said the organisation was quite happy with the proposed regulations on gatherings.
“Our temples have been absolutely responsible in following every Covid19 protocol since people were allowed to enter religious gatherings again. We don’t have a problem with the new regulations as our temples have been effectively managing to screen temperatures and record the names of people coming to temple, so I can’t see why any of our temples would have a problem checking for negative Covid-19 results or a fully vaccinated certificate.”
Trikamjee added that the organisation also did not see a problem with the number of people limited to 1 000 or fewer for indoor venues and 2 000 for outdoors for people who don’t produce a fully vaccinated certificate or a negative Covid-19 result. “It is for the protection of people.”
Rosemary Anderson, Fedhasa national chairperson, said mass unemployment was one of the biggest problems facing South Africa and the hospitality sector holds the key to economic growth and job creation.
“For us to realise our potential and be the catalyst our economy needs, decisive decisions based on science and global best practice are required sooner, rather than later.”
To view the regulations, go to http://www.ndmc.gov.za/Pages/Notices.aspx
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