Siphelele Nketo

DESPITE concerns regarding the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in KwaZulu-Natal, the organisers of Splashy Fen have confirmed that the festival will proceed as scheduled from April 2-6 in Underberg.

Comprehensive mitigation measures will remain in place to address FMD, a serious livestock illness.

“As a festival deeply rooted in this community for over three decades, we take our responsibility to local farmers and residents extremely seriously,” said festival organisers while acknowledging concerns around FMD.

They have committed to do everything necessary to mitigate the already low-risk associated with the event.

Organisers further said that they have worked closely with government agencies, farmers’ association and all relevant authorities, who collectively agree that the festival should take place and that mitigation measures be implemented appropriately and effectively. This year’s festival will mark 35 years of Splashy Fen as the cornerstone of the Underberg community and a major contributor to tourism and economic activity in the region.