by GENEVIEVE KGAFE-MASHAMBA
VANDERBJILPARK, (CAJ News) – DURING its heyday, not so long ago,
Tapimanzi Adventures was synonymous with loud, fun-filled activities and
a favourite with clientele ranging from families and companies.
Nowadays, the mood is sombre at this facility situated on the scenic
banks of the Vaal River between Vanderbijlpark and Vereeniging.
It is a reflection of the escalating coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
bedeviling the country.
The tourism industry has been among the sectors worst hit by the
lockdown imposed by the government to curb the spread of the virus.
It was imposed at the end of March.
The negative impact is not peculiar to Tapimanzi.
Pieter Labuschagne, the veteran in the Vaal tourism sector, echoed the
sentiments in an exclusive interview with Vaal Today, www.vaaltoday.co.za.
“In the past, we have always had big companies as clients, some who
booked early,” said Labuschagne, owner of Vaal Adventures.
“We were forced to cancel their reservations due to the pandemic,
forcing us to close earlier than the start of the lockdown,” he added.
Labuschagne said the impact of the outbreak and the lockdown was beyond
economic but was also psychological.
“I have some of my guides living here with me and from being in the
habit of moving around it became frustrating to just sit at home and not
knowing when we shall reopen,” he added.
He added, “I carried all the guides throughout the lockdown without any
financial aid.”
The operator is placing hopes on recovery on the easing of restrictions.
He is eager to make up for lost time.
“This means when we reopen, we should penetrate the market a lot harder.
We hope and pray that the lockdown restrictions can be lifted a bit more
to see schools and companies back in full swing,” he said in the
interview.
Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa, announced that South Africa’s
lockdown regulations would be relaxed to allow a number of businesses to
reopen.
As part of the relaxations, sit down meals will be allowed at
restaurants, conferences and meetings for business purposes will be
permitted while cinemas, theatres and casinos would resume operations,
all under strict adherence to lockdown regulations.
– CAJ News