New activities to be unveiled when Freedom Park opens
“Freedom Park is managing despite Covid-19 pandemic.”
Freedom Park is not yet operational, however, it is looking at bringing in new activities.
Head of Department of Public Participation at Freedom Park, Modjadji Makoela, said the whole park was being decontaminated.
She said this would be followed by approval to open the park by the minister.
Makoela said a health protocol was developed and approved by a Freedom Park council which employees, visitors and contractors had to follow as it would guide the access procedures.
“A risk-adjusted guest relations was developed to amend how tours will be conducted at Freedom Park. A tour guide will take a group of no more than 10 visitors, self-guided tours are encouraged. Tour hours will be extended by two hours to end at 19:00 as opposed to the current 17:00.
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“There is a virtual tour on the website, which will be updated to detail tours for those who prefer virtual tours.
“The protocol responds to all government Covid-19 related regulations.”
She said during the lockdown, Freedom Park had been engaged in virtual events.
“Most staff were working from home, however, tour guides could not work from home as their work required contact with visitors.”
She said luckily the park had not endured any job losses in relation to Covid-19, as there was revenue during the lockdown.
Makoela said prior and during the lockdown, Freedom Park had engaged in few partnerships expected to bring new activities which will be unveiled when the Park was officially reopened.
This comes as the Voortrekker Monument opened its doors to visitors on Tuesday and is also looking at expanding its activities.
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Voortrekker Monument managing director Cecilia Kruger said, “We are focusing on expanding our activities such as adventures onsite to address the needs of our local people.”
Kruger said more details on activities offered would be announced soon.
“We had enormous challenges in the sense that the restaurants closed down and all event facilities used for weddings, matric farewells and other functions were not in use.”
She said this had led to approximately 90% of the Voortrekker Monument’s income being lost.
“We cannot rectify the losses overnight, because 50% of the 90% was generated through overseas tourists and we do not see them returning before next year probably.”
She said the facility would be open for visitors from Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 and 15:00 every day and the entrance fees would be half price until the end of February 2021.
The Botanical Gardens also reopened under strict Covid-19 health protocols.
“Members of the public are once again able to access the gardens to exercise with effect from 3 August 2020,” said Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries spokesperson Albi Modise.
“The gardens have been closed to the public for four months. Reopening it will allow those who frequent for exercise to again enjoy the privilege. Any access and use is subject to strict Covid-19 health protocols,” said Minister Barbara Creecy.
The country’s 11 Botanical Gardens in eight provinces are managed by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).
No social gathering, picnics or public events will be allowed. Commercial facilities in the gardens, such as restaurants, have been allowed to open under alert level 3 subject to prescribed regulations for the respective areas of business.
“Business conferences and meetings limited to 50 people, excluding those who participate via electronic platforms, may be allowed under controlled conditions outlined in government regulations that promote health protocols for such gatherings,” said Creecy.
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Daily access to the gardens will be monitored, and limited once the safe carrying capacity for the area has been reached. All visitors will be required to wear cloth face masks, be temperature screened, and complete a tracing register. Gate opening and closing hours will be strictly adhered to.
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