Govt Opens The Arts Industry Following Social Media Criticism.

Eswatini Acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku has announced the reopening of selected arts activities with effect from Monday.

In a statement that was released on Saturday, The Acting Prime Minister assured Emaswati that the government is fully committed to re-opening of the economy in a phase yet cautious manner.

The arts industry was letf out on Thursday when the Acting Prime Minister announced the re-opening of religious gatherings and Community Gatherings among other sectors something that attracted wild criticism from Social Media users.

Masuku said the government in the past few days considered the plight of the arts industry which has been one of the most affected sectors in the country.

“Government is therefore pleased to announce a phased reopening of the Arts industry with effect from Monday, 22 March 2021, having received necessary advice from health expects,” said Masuku.

He added that the phase reopening will follow the laid down categorization of the industry which was fist implemented in late 2020.

Masuku revealed that the government worked together with the Ministry of Sports, Culture, and Youth Affairs where the arts industry was categorized into three categories namely; Low risk, Mindle risk, and high risk.

Masuku revealed that only Arts activities considered as low risks will be allowed to take place for now and these are Theatre, Comedy, Poetry, Fashion Shows, small scale Choral, Music, Small scale music concerts, small scale launches, Movie houses, Museums, and Arts Galleries.

He said activities must be held subject to strict adherence to all COVID-19 health protocols and under certain conditions.

The Acting Prime Minister follows a wild criticism on Social Media. The government was accused of not giving the arts industry the attention its deserves.