Yesterday thousands of businesses in the hospitality industry took to the streets to protest the lockdown regulations that are destroying the industry.
South Africa (23 July 2020) – South Africans stood united yesterday in the face of incredible odds; standing up against a government that currently restricts the success of the hospitality industry and many more. The lockdown was necessary to prepare our medical system for the eventual spike in cases which has now happened but the continued economic lockdown is causing irreparable damage to businesses in South Africa.
Livelihoods and businesses that have been sustained by various collaborating industries are on the verge of shutting down for good. This is more damaging as the days tick by.
A movement was launched by people within the hospitality industry to take a stand, well in their case, to take a seat against the current lockdown regulations. Thousands of businesses, along with their staff stood on the roadsides of South Africa and protested; stating that jobs are what saves lives.
Social media has been set on fire by the voices of people in the industry as well as those wanting to support the industry.
Were you part of the protest yesterday? Share your thoughts, photos and more in the comment section. If you own a restaurant or other business affected by all this, what is your number? How many jobs are you responsible for through this?
The Restaurant Association of SA (RASA) is hoping to meet with the Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane to hand over a memorandum which asks for the consideration of the lockdown restrictions on restaurants be eased.
These industries are reaching out to the president in the hopes of being given the opportunity to discuss the current restrictions and to work with the government on ways to save the industry while also saving lives. They are awaiting feedback on meeting. The ball is now in President Ramaphosa’s court so to speak.
“Dear Mr President, we cordially invite you to take up a seat at any of our empty tables to talk to us about the hardships we are facing.” – Restaurant Association of South Africa
Take a look at some of the social media posts from yesterday’s protest below. We hope that the government reconsider the drastic measures taken against the industry but just in case, adding voices to the cause can’t hurt!
Restaurant industry took a stand against governments job-killing approach of #LockdownSA & #alcoholban.
Watch full video, here –> https://t.co/2Loeo6zVVs
In response, SA politicians sent police to break up #JobsSaveLives protests.
Here was my challenge & question to them… pic.twitter.com/CgHf5SF2OE
— Sihle Ngobese (@BigDaddyLiberty) July 23, 2020
It’s crazy that we need to go to these extremes to get our point across about the number of jobs at risk, and with that the lives pushed into poverty.
Well done to this guess house owner. I know if I can, will send her guests. #JobsSaveLives pic.twitter.com/dwJhHW1fJf— Nichola (@2wildniks) July 23, 2020
200m long empty table with a 1000seats in Wellington, #CapeTown to raise awareness of the job lost within the tourism industry due to the lockdown @TimesLIVE @CapeTownTourism @Tourism_gov_za #JobsSaveLives pic.twitter.com/XxKAlNNag0
— Esa Alexander (@ezaap) July 22, 2020
#JobsSaveLives #Franschhoek pic.twitter.com/9TvGQxdpNk
— Franschhoek Life 🇿🇦 (@FranschhoekLife) July 22, 2020
Sources: Various (Linked Above)
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