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CORONAVIRUS: BUSHFIRE POSTPONES LAUNCH EVENT

By Saturday Observer Reporter | 2020-03-07

MTN Bushfire has called off its launch event that was to be held yesterday.

“The MTN Bushfire team trusts that all stakeholders will recognise the importance of ensuring that the festival meets local and international health and safety standards, and the need to postpone the launch event at this time.”

Meanwhile, MTN Bushfire says all necessary precautions will be considered and the team is in high-level discussions, not just locally but internationally, to ensure that all essential information is gathered. In a public statement issued by MTN Eswatini and Bushfire it is stated that “winner of the Best Responsible Event Award at the African responsible Tourism Awards in 2017, MTN Bushfire is assessing the situation in detail and will work with everyone involved to ensure the best way forward in the build-up to the MTN Bushfire Festival, still scheduled to take place from 29 to 31 May 2020.”

In lieu of a preamble, the statement says events rapidly unfolding globally and closer afield in relation to the spread of the coronavirus, the MTN Bushfire team is meeting with all key stakeholders to ensure the best way forward for the festival, its participants, and guests locally and from across the globe.

“The overriding priority for MTN Bushfire is the safety and security of everyone involved in staging such a high-profile, globally recognised event.

The MTN Bushfire team also recognises the massive positive economic impact that the festival has on local creative industries and the Eswatini economy on a larger scale. All factors are being taken into consideration as these discussions continue.

MTN Bushfire has already had, and continues to have, in-depth meetings with key government stakeholders, including the ministry of health and the Eswatini Tourism Authority, MTN Bushfire is also consulting with MTN Eswatini, as well as sponsors, partners and other relevant parties.”

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