The President promises more entertainment
Spira Tlhankane | Friday June 1, 2018 13:04
To that end, he promised to work hand in hand with the entertainment and arts sector as well as the alcohol trade industry to seek to review the current policies. “We will continue to engage electorates before we decide. The consultation process has already began because we are trying to build a consensus,” he said.
Masisi was quick to highlight that there has to be empirical objective evidence before they can review the trading hours. He however ensured that they would alter the closing and opening hours at bars and other liquor trading centres. “We want to grow and promote the arts and creative sector.” Masisi said in addition to building more facilities, they would allow easier acquisition, ownership and development of entertainment arenas.
He said they have observed that there is hunger for this, but they will not do it out of malice. “We will not be reckless. We should expose that the good side come out of this.” Masisi added that when they embark on the consultative process, they will look at the management, health, security forces and many other issues involving this sector. He said the whole process will be open and transparent and they will live up to what the democratic society yearns for. Masisi said the consultation has a timeframe because the process engages stakeholders to gather all the views.
In addition, Minister of Health & Wellness Dr Alfred Madigele confirmed that the review of the alcohol levy is ongoing and the results will come out in three months. For his part, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development Thapelo Olopeng said they will continue to allow bookings at stadiums for music festivals, but guidelines and restrictions still apply. He emphasised that bottles are still not allowed in these areas because they can be used as weapons.