Many questioned the idea of taking the teens to Mozambique, which is currently embroiled in protests after a contested election in October.
“If it ain't broke, don't fix it,” Americans will say, but this is what Rage Festival organizers put out in a statement after they proposed hosting it on a cruise ship bound for Mozambique next year. It was an emotional feeling.
“Ragers, we heard you loud and clear. Don't change something great,” a statement on their social media page reads.
In a now-deleted post, Rage organizers said the annual year-end party for students, which has been held in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal, for more than 20 years, will be held on a cruise ship bound for Mozambique in 2025. Then he said.
Mozambique protests
Organizers asked customers for feedback and received mixed responses.
Many of the posts questioned the idea of going to Mozambique on a boat with teenagers on board. Mozambique is currently embroiled in protests with contentious elections in October.
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On Wednesday, Amnesty International said 110 people, including children, had been killed and more than 300 shot during the protests.
Amnesty International's deputy director for East and Southern Africa, Caño Farice, called on the Mozambique government to end its violence against demonstrators.
“Enough is enough. For more than 50 days, Mozambique's Frelimo-led government has refused to end its bloody crackdown on protesters,” she was quoted on Amnesty International's website.
“Regardless of who won the election or their political views, everyone in Mozambique has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly. The necessary and unlawful use of force must cease immediately.”
Registration for cruise ships has already begun. While some thought this was a fresh idea, many were perplexed by the change in venue and tradition.
“Unfortunately, our research shows that the majority of Ragers want the Rage Festival to remain as it is. “I have decided to remain in the program,” Rage's organizers said in response to the comments. The Citizen.
Also read: No major disruptions to Mozambique’s tourism industry – Association
Listen to ragers
Held in Ballito, Rage is an eight-day post-university exam festival for high school graduates.
It has been held for over 20 years and attracts around 3,000 young people from different parts of the country.
This year it was held from December 1st to December 8th.
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The criticism the organizers received over Mozambique's idea appears to have prompted them to quickly change their plans.
“Rage Festival has always been about your moments, freedom and celebration, a truly unforgettable chapter of your life. That's why we keep it where it belongs, at home. ” said the latest statement Wednesday night.
The Mozambique post was also deleted.
There was a sense of calm and pride in the comments section following the recent statement, with some saying the Class of 2025 should be grateful to all those who opposed the cruise ship idea.
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The economic impact of anger
Sound Factory, located at Lawns Ballito near Sugar Rush Park, will serve as the festival's main venue with a variety of activities.
This year's headliners included Sun-El Musician, Roger Goode, Lady Zamar, and more.
Speaking to the media ahead of this year's festival, Greg Walsh, CEO of Rage Festival owners G and G Productions, said attendance at the festival had increased from 2010 to 2017, reaching 7,000 per week. He said people participated.
“After the coronavirus pandemic, around 4,000 people were infected. This year's Premium Black Passports sold out in July. We know it's going to cost three times as much as it did five years ago,” Walsh said.
The festival will also contribute to KZN's tourism sector. KwaDukuza Municipality Director of Corporate Communications, Sifiso Zulu, said various sectors were benefiting from Rage.
“This event benefited public transport, hospitality and retail. It also contributed to the growth of our real estate sector, leading to sales and sales transactions being completed during and after the event. ” he said.
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