Ballito Rage attracts 5 000 matric-leavers after two year hiatus

The Ballito Rage festival returned this year like a phoenix rising from the ashes.

The festival, held at the Sound Factory just outside the town, attracted 5 000 young adults from December 2 – 10 for the popular matric-leavers holiday, just more than half the pre-Covid numbers.

Attendance was restricted to young people between the ages of 18 and 25.

Partygoers danced the nights away to the likes of Black Coffee, Nasty C, Shimza, Uncle Waffles and many more.

Organiser Greg Walsh said the two-year Covid-19 pandemic had nearly destroyed his business.

“I had to sell everything I owned to keep the business alive. Having such a successful event this year has been an emotional experience,” said Walsh, who has been involved with the festival since it was launched 20 years ago.

“We did not make much money this year due to the loss of many of our major sponsors, but I see it as a reinvestment in our brand as we rebuild,” he said.

Walsh said they had suffered the loss of sponsorship valued at R7-millon.

“I believe many of these sponsors will return next year now that they see how successful the event is once again,” he said.

Of the 5 000 attendees, 60% were from Gauteng, 30% local and the remaining 10% came from around the country and further afield.

Salt Rock resident Zoë Matthews (18) said she was only allowed to join the festival mid-week due to her 18th birthday falling in the festival week.

“I think its great they are so strict in making sure no underage kids sneak in. Rage was a great experience, the organisers and Red Frogs were friendly and helpful and they made us feel safe while we had fun,” she said.

Zimbali resident Tina Vassilatos (18) said the festival was one of the best week’s of her life.

“I made a lot of new friends from all over. Rage has had a lot of bad rap, but it was so safe. There were security everywhere and they checked our bags at every entry point. I had a great time,” said Vassilatos.

While seen as a rite of passage by many, the partying and drinking culture many matriculants enjoy brings with it many safety concerns. If not planned properly, events such as the Rage Festival could be a magnet for disaster.

Red Frogs national coordinator, Brett France, said this year’s festival was the safest he had ever witnessed.

“More than 95% of the calls we received were pancake requests rather than serious incident reports” he said.

Every year the Red Frogs volunteer at Rage and other festivals by providing a fun, sober and positive presence amid the partying culture.

Amongst other things, they offer pancake cook-ups, games, walk-home services, and emotional support to both the attendees and the organisers.

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