On the 15th of March, 2020 President Ramaphosa declared a National State of Disaster aimed at combatting and slowing the rate and pace of Coronavirus infection in the country. The measures included the closing of school, the banning of the sale of Alcohol, tobacco products and even rotisserie chicken. Amongst the biggest steps taken by government was the banning of gatherings in both outdoor and indoor facilities. Interprovincial travel and cross border travel was limited to essential services as the country entered into unprecedented waters.

The president assured the people that the government will do its best to save lives and livelihoods. We have, in the last few weeks seen a steady return to normal in many industries. Restaurants are operating at full capacity, bars, nightclubs and taverns operate under their license conditions and the movement of people and goods has benefitted a great deal in the lowering of lockdown restrictions.

BUT stadiums remain closed for supporters. Informal stadium traders, parking assistants, car guards, transport providers to football matches are still left in limbo. The country has since allowed for a maximum of 2000 supporters at sports events. This number is not scientific as it has no basis in logic or science. The Soccer City stadium can seat 94 700 people, and limiting it, for example to 2000 fans or 2% of its capacity is both illogical and expensive. Sports has the power to unite a nation, the South African rugby team are world champions, they have just won the British and Irish Lions series and yet, they have not played in front of their fans for nearly 2 years. 

Cameroon is currently hosting the African Nations Cup (AFCON), with matches involving that nation's football team allowing 80% stadium capacity. Statistically, Cameroon has fewer hospital beds, far fewer vaccinated individuals and yet have shown that it is possible to live with the pandemic while enjoying live sport inside stadiums. 

• We call upon the Minister of Sports, Arts and Recreation, Minister Nathi Mthethwa, a member of the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) to lobby government to reopen stadiums for access by fans. As a start, they can open stadiums to 50% of capacity to allow hosting teams an opportunity to collect data and develop best practice. We call upon President Ramaphosa to save the livelihoods of the street vendors, hawkers, informal traders, parking assistant, car guards , stadium security personnel by allowing them to return to work, and return to dignity.