The 21st instalment of Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) has been postponed to February next year.
At least one jazz artist, Judith Sephuma, was already booked and confirmed for the festival.
The event was to be held on 17 to 18 March 2023 at Cape Town International Convention Centre.
According to the event organisers, the event was postponed because of the unavoidable delays and uncertainties around load shedding, among other things.
The event organiser, espAfrika, issued a statement detailing reasons for the postponement.
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It reads: “It is with sincere regret that espAfrika, organisers of the CTIJF, announce that the event scheduled to have taken place on 17 and 18 March 2023, has been postponed until 23 and 24 February 2024.”
The CEO of espAfrika, Amit Makan, said that several factors have influenced their decision.
“These include a series of unavoidable delays and unforeseen challenges, as well as uncertainties around the future of load shedding, all of which have negatively impacted the planning for 2023.
“Consequently, and after consultation with stakeholders, it was felt it was better to reschedule the 21st celebration of the CTIJF until 2024 to stage the show espAfrika wants to deliver and that does justice to the CTIJF brand, but most importantly, one that Festinos deserve,” the statement continued.
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Makan also apologised for the inconvenience.
He said “We unreservedly apologise to all those affected – artists, fans, ticket holders, suppliers, and partners.
“It was not an easy decision to make, but it’s the right one.”
He said that people who have purchased tickets from Ticketmaster may either retain them as espAfrika will honour the cost of these ticket for the 2024 event, or obtain a full refund from Ticketmaster.
“Please note, no monies from the sale of tickets to date have been passed to the organisers, as they vest with Ticketmaster and therefore the refund procedure needs to be done via Ticketmaster and not by espAfrika,” he said.
“EspAfrika knows that this postponement may negatively impact its reputation but trusts that with 20 years of superlative programming and five-star experience behind it, everyone affected will understand the professional desire to not only match artist and fans’ expectations, but exceed them, which the company belie ves will be done in 2024,” said Makan.
