Plett Rage cancelled amid second wave: ‘We sadly had no choice’

Plett Rage for the Class of 2020 has officially been cancelled. On Wednesday 9 December 2020, organisers announced that the decision was in the best interest to ensure the safety of students and their families. 

The decision also came on the same day Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced that the country had officially moved into the second wave of COVID-19. For the full story, click here. 

PLETT RAGE CANCELLED AMID SECOND WAVE AND DUE TO WHAT UNFOLDED AT BALLITO

Plett Rage organisers said the event scheduled to take place from 29 January to 6 February was cancelled as a result of what unfolded at Ballito Rage.

The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) said it is prioritising the contact tracing of all the students from the province who recently attended the Matric Rage 2020 event hosted in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal.

The GDoH, on Tuesday 8 December, confirmed that over 1300 students coming from the Gauteng province took part in the much-publicised super-spreader Rage event which resulted in a number of participants testing positive for COVID-19.

“Taking into consideration the advice given to us from local authorities, public pressure as well as by the request of the NICD as a result of what unfolded at Ballito Rage (28 November – 3 December 2020), we sadly have no choice but to cancel Plett Rage for the Class of 2020, which was scheduled to take place 29 January – 6 February 2021,” organisers said on Facebook. 

“It is clear to us that regardless of the measures and precautions that we had put in place to ensure the safety of our attendees, the coronavirus is uncontrollable. The risk that this poses to you, our staff, our suppliers, artists, as well as the greater community does not warrant pushing forward,” it added. 

REFUND POLICY 

Organisers said that while the cancellation of Plett Rage affects the attendee, it also impacts approximately 900 lives,  including event staff and locals that are directly linked to hosting the festival.

“We as a team have worked harder than ever before, during one of the most trying times of all our lives, to try and give you the gift of celebrating the end of your high school career safely. We can assure you that there is no team more driven than we were to host you all in Plettenberg Bay and our hearts are broken,” it said. 

The Bitou Municipality and Plett Tourism are in support of the change as it is in the best interests to ensure the safety of the students and their families. 

Bitou Municipal Spokesperson Andile Namntu said; “we are steadfast in promoting safe travels for all guests in Plettenberg Bay, and we want the students to enjoy every moment while in Plett and encourage a positive experience. We are looking forward to hosting this event in 2021.”

Organisers also said they have continued to incur significant costs.

“As much as we would love to give everyone back as much money as possible, we simply can not afford to refund more than 50% in line with our existing terms and conditions,” it said. 

If you are in a position where you do not need the money and want to help give the Plett Rage Festival a fighting chance, we would like to offer you the opportunity to hold onto your ticket until we go on sale next year. When we go on sale we will give you the first opportunity to resell your ticket at next year’s price and receive 75% of its value back,” it added.