DJ Shimza from South Africa has defended the DStv Delicious Festival after it was widely criticised for its inadequate weather preparedness.
Unexpected weather had a major influence on the event, which was renowned for its colourful blend of cuisine, music, and entertainment, leaving many spectators unhappy.
Social media was overflowing with criticism, with many claiming that the organisers ought to have done a better job of anticipating inclement weather.
Recommendations varied from putting up big marquees to shield visitors to cancelling the event completely.
Many people believed that the festival experience was ruined by the absence of backup preparations, especially considering how big the event was.
Shimza, on the other hand, provided an alternative viewpoint by answering the criticism in a thorough piece.
He outlined the difficulties weather-related promoters have, especially when it shifts so close to the event.
“With all due respect and from a promoter’s point of view, there’s really not much you can do with such weather that decided to take a turn 2/3 days before an event of that magnitude. By then, you’re about 80% done with everything. It’s very unfair for people to have expected Delicious to ‘get a marquee or even postpone.’ Very unfortunate but we hope for the best,” Shimza wrote.
His remarks set off a discussion on the reality of organising an event; although some participants agreed that last-minute weather changes are frequently uncontrollable, others thought more should have been done to lessen the effects.
With all due respect and from a promoters point of view, there’s really not much you can do with such weather that decided to take a turn 2/3 days before an event of that magnitude, by then you’re about 80% done with everything, it’s very unfair for people to have expected… https://t.co/s9imkwenVx
— SHIMZA (@Shimza01) September 21, 2024