On 5 August 2020, the South African technical production and live events industry, under the LightSARed movement, will light various parts of South Africa red, in order to highlight the crippling implications the lockdown has had on the industry after 5 months of no work or income. Join join us on 05 August as we #LightSAred from 18:00 – 20:00.
Do you remember what it was like to stand in a crowd and dance? Do you remember being able to go to the theatre to catch a show, or enjoy an event with your colleagues? Do you remember what it was like to jive at a night club, catch your favourite DJ’s set or listen to a live band at your local jol? Do you remember what it was like to celebrate your humanity with thousands of other humans?
It seems like a lifetime ago, right? Unfortunately, for thousands in the events industry, it is more than five paychecks ago. Due to the restrictions on public gatherings during the Covid-19 Pandemic, the events industry is in a state of emergency that is as life-threatening as the current pandemic!
We are only a small nation, hanging out on the tip of Africa, but there are a few things that make South Africans unique. Most notably, our ability to sing and dance in the face of tragedy, struggle and adversity defines us as a nation. When the HIV/AIDS pandemic threatened to wipe out millions, we gathered under the banner of Nelson Mandela’s prison number at the 46664 Concerts to make our voices heard. When the FIFA World Cup finally came to our continent, we showed the world what it means to celebrate life. When our beloved Madiba passed on, we have raised our voices in song, together, and celebrated his legacy. Every defining moment in our history has been marked by our ability to gather, embrace, sing and dance – and we are about to turn off the lights, cut the sound and strike the stage forever.
