Messe Muenchen South Africa says the decision was made after in-depth consultations with industry stakeholders and comes amid ongoing bans and restrictions on international travel to and from South Africa.
The event had been scheduled to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from October 13–16, 2021. No new date has yet been given for the next event, which usually takes place every three years.
The event is the latest construction/quarrying event to fall victim to the Covid-19 pandemic. The bauma Conexpo India 2021 event, due to be held from April 20-23, was cancelled last month and will now take place in 2022.
Suzette Scheepers, CEO of Messe Muenchen South Africa, said: “Due to the challenges the industry is facing, and uncertainty in the market around the Covid-19 pandemic and associated travel restrictions, the bauma Conexpo Africa advisory board concluded that we could not guarantee the international stature and the usual return on investment of this show in 2021.”
bauma Conexpo Africa traditionally attracts exhibitors from around the world and thousands of delegates from Africa.
Messe Muenchen Germany and industry stakeholders have expressed concern that South Africa is currently one of the most travel restricted areas in the world, with more than 120 major restrictions from other countries in place and strict post-travel quarantine rules in place.
In addition, most European countries were back under strict lockdown, making it challenging for travellers to leave their countries. Many companies still have internal travel restrictions for their employees until July 2021. International exhibitors required time to move equipment for display, compounding the current challenges.
Scheepers said the difficult decision to cancel the event this year had been made after in-depth consultations with partners and industry stakeholders. “Our goal of delivering an optimal event experience to both exhibitors and visitors would have been challenged by the current uncertain situation," Scheepers added. "We would like to assure all stakeholders of an enhanced and exceptional industry event when bauma Conexpo Africa returns."
