Ten days of self-isolation for Ragers as Covid-19 cases emerge at Ballito

Health minister Dr Zwelini Mkhize is calling on parents to step up and enforce their parental duties after end of year Rage celebrations were identified as super-spreaders of the Covid-19 virus.

According to the minister, a number of confirmed coronavirus cases have been identified from the Rage events at Ballito, and further afield at Plettenberg Bay, Johannesburg and Jeffery’s Bay.

Citing health department guidelines, the minister urged that all those who attended Rage events immediately go into isolation for 10 days, and undergo testing for the virus.

Parents of Rage attendees have also been advised to get tested.

“We warn South Africans that this is a clear illustration of how large gatherings which involve alcohol are a major risk, and continue to undermine our efforts to contain the spread of the virus,” said Dr Mkhize.

Dr Mkhize said that events such as Rage left attendees unable to maintain consciousness of good behaviour.

“Our youth is not only exposing themselves to the risk of Covid-19, but also put the lives of their parents, and loved ones living with co-morbidities at risk.”

Dr Mkhize claims receiving reports of full intensive care units at a number of private hospitals in Durban.

He did not stipulate how many, if any, of the Rage attendees had needed to go to hospital. 

Organisers of the Rage events said strict measures had been put in place to prevent the spread of the virus.

Following the reported infection of four Rage staff members at Ballito on Sunday, organisers of the Plett-based Rage festival have put ticket sales on hold.

In a social media post, organisers said: “We are aware of the concerning reports of increased Covid-19 related cases from people that travelled to Durban last week to celebrate the end of matric exams.

“Many of these students attended one or more of the Ballito Rage events that took place in Umhlanga, Ballito and Durban.”

• Joburg Rage: 12 to 13 December.
• Jbay Rage: 15 to 22 December.
• Plett Rage: 29 January to 6 February, 2021.

Gavin Higgins, owner of Ballito nightclub Shakers – an unofficial Rage destination – said that a lot of negativity and blame had unfairly been placed on the organisers of the Rage events.

“It may be a very sensitive topic,” he said, “but we are all in a difficult position and we all as business owners and event organisers have kids to feed.”

“Just as the organisers of Rage, we too have implemented strict procedures and continue to do our best to prevent the spread of the virus. This being said, parents – and their children – have a duty to ensure their children stay home should they be displaying symptoms.”

Higgins said that people have free will, explaining that they choose to act irresponsibly and then shift blame.

“Right now I am looking outside (of his business) and I can see people hugging, greeting each other and some are not wearing face masks.”

“The organisers of Rage have tried their best to ensure that effective safety precautions were in place, just like any golf club or other business would.”