Despite being on the mailing list of the Restaurant Association of South Africa (RASA), I did not receive the media statement which formed the basis of a Saturday Star story this past weekend about the Restaurant industry, and how it is suffering. Usually polite about the Government in its communication, this report presents a more critical RASA, describing the Government as ‘irresponsible’ in not allowing restaurants to open for a sit-down Service. Currently Restaurants are allowed to offer a Food and Alcohol Delivery and Collection Service in Lockdown Level 3. Continue reading →
Restaurant industry on its knees’ dramatically writes the Financial Mail in a story headline this morning, presenting a picture of doom and gloom about our South African restaurant industry, one which has seen tough times since winter a year ago, a poorer 2019 summer and festive season compared to the years before, not being allowed to open their restaurants for Take-Away food production or delivery, and likely to be one of the last industries to be allowed to reopen in what President Ramaphosa called a ‘phased-in’ approach to opening up businesses within the Lockdown, about which he will reveal more in his sixth speech to the nation tonight. 
While many South Africans thought that they could call food delivery companies to order meals from their favorite restaurants, their hopes have been dashed by clarification received from the Government that no drivers of food from restaurants and bars are permitted to be on the roads during the Corona Virus Lockdown, which commences at midnight on Thursday 26 March.