At KEU, we keep abreast of legislation that may affect your industry and regularly evaluate our products to ensure that we comply with the latest requirements and best practice. Please check back regularly for updates to this section.

Safety at Sports and Recreational Events

In August 2010, the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events came into effect. The legislation arose out of a commission of enquiry into a 2001 incident at Ellis Park soccer stadium in which 43 spectators died. The events industry is directly affected by this Act, which governed opportunities presented by the FIFA Soccer World Cup 2010.

The Act instructs a controlling body, an event organiser, or a venue owner to put certain measures in place to ensure the physical safety and security of persons and property at an event.

Event organisers are expected to furnish the National Commissioner with a schedule of events in advance so that the Commissioner can decide on the safety and security risks associated. Criteria include the popularity of a participating team, the expected crowd attendance, the event's location and the physical nature and structure of the stadium. The Commissioner has the power to cancel events.

Stadium or venue owners are expected to have safety certificates, and the legislation outlines the measures to be applied to ensure safety and security at events. All events categorised as medium or high risk are to have a safety and security planning committee.

Inspectors have the power to enter venues and business premises to assess compliance with the Act's provisions. An appeal board adjudicates on appeals to decisions taken in terms of the Act.

The penalties for offences under the Act range from a fine; to imprisonment for 5 to 20 years; or both a fine and imprisonment.