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This will help me to save: Partygoers react as pubs, shebeens close shop

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As the Covid-19 pandemic hit South Africa, pubs, clubs and shebeens started shutting shop. Picture: iStock/Gallo Images
As the Covid-19 pandemic hit South Africa, pubs, clubs and shebeens started shutting shop. Picture: iStock/Gallo Images

It’s not business as usual as popular chilling spots –restaurants, nightclubs, shebeens and pubs – have to close their doors at 6pm under strict new regulations, and many patrons will find it difficult to adapt to this unusual lifestyle.

Affected clubs include Moloko in Johannesburg and Pretoria; Taboo, The Sands and Boa in Sandton; and Montana and Sumo in Rosebank – they all start operating at 11pm.

A 35-year-old from Johannesburg, who has been enjoying the nightlife since she was 17 and who declined to be named, said this would not stop her from enjoying herself.

“I really enjoy the nightlife. From Thursday to Saturday, I am usually clubbing with friends, but the president has spoken. We need to do our part as citizens. This will help me to save because I am going to drink on my couch. It will also prevent me from getting exposed to Covid-19.”

Some party-goers have come up with other ways to groove, such as hosting dinners at home and throwing slumber parties with a few guests.

However, this is going to affect club owners and hosts, as well as the deejays and artists who entertain at clubs.

A worried club owner, who also did not want to be named, said: “I have already shut down my club. We are losing money. I have more than 100 staff and I can only take care of their salaries for one or two months. What happens thereafter?”

President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation on Sunday evening. The time at which the address will take place will be determined by the time his meetings on the Covid-19 coronavirus conclude.


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