​Thembisa Shologu​​
Following an announcement by Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize of a new stronger strain of the COVID-19, Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Mbali Hlophe has cautioned event organisers about the spread of the pandemic during this festive season.
Statistics released by the Ministry of Health have shown how Gauteng is one of the provinces highly hit by the second wave, which is likely to get worse over the festive. 
"The festive period is mainly a time to rest and reconnect with family, it would be sad to have to bury any family member due to negligence regarding this second wave. 
"We call on all event organisers especially within the arts and sport sector to consider the lives of our elderly and those with comorbidities by not organising mass events this festive season which fall outside the COVID-19 restrictions as announced," urged MEC Hlophe. 
In addition, Hlophe has advised against attending or organising of sport tournaments and community games held over the festive period which usually see great crowd attendance.
"These festive games as well as many great indoor and outdoor events usually add colour to the December break in the province but due to the spread of COVID_19 it would be irresponsible and insensitive to go ahead with them. 
"We call on all the Gauteng residents to please put lives first this festive and stay home with their families," concluded the MEC.