One of the business owners in the Free State’s top tourism hub, Ray Meyers, tells OFM News businesses in Clarens have severely been affected by the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown regulations.

Meyers says the Eastern Free State not only thrives off the hospitality industry but employs hundreds of people who rely on it as their only source of income.

He says the pandemic and amended regulations, which now include the ban of alcohol sales and 9 pm curfew, have left them in a devastating situation with no income.



Meyers says they are hopeful their participation in the looming nationwide protest, set to take place on Wednesday, will bring about some changes.



He adds that most business establishments in the area have not received any money from the Covid-19 Tourism Relief Fund.

Businesses in the hospitality industry across the country are on Wednesday expected to take to the streets to express their frustrations with the devastating effects of the lockdown regulations on the industry. The protest organised by the Restaurant Association of South Africa (RASA) is expected to see thousands of restaurants moving their tables and chairs from their empty establishments into the streets in protest of the current regulations.

OFM News