ON Wednesday, 5 August, the South African technical production and live events industry, under the LightSARed movement, will light various parts of South Africa red, to highlight the “crippling implications” the lockdown has had on the industry.
According to the movement’s spokesperson, Sharif Baker, the five-month national lockdown has prevented the technical production workforce from making a living.
“The companies that hire crew are going out of business. The people that supply equipment for events are shutting up shop. The production companies that bring artists to our shores are silenced. The venues that host gigs are closing their doors,” said Baker.
“If something is not done to help the industry survive during lockdown, when we are allowed to go out again – there will be nowhere to go,” he added.
What does the movement want?
- Government and financial institutions to extend financial relief to those who earn a living in the technical production and live events industry until they are permitted to resume work.
- Government to engage with elected leaders within SACIA and the SA Events Council, and provide a platform for their voices to be heard.
- The movement demands that the government recognises and supports the non-profit organisations that are trying to sustain destitute members of the technical production and live events industry.
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What can you do?
The technical production and events industry in South Africa, calls on fellow South Africans to join in on 5 August to #LightSAred from 6pm to 8pm.
Crews will be deployed throughout the country to #LightSAred.
- If you see a building in your area lit up, take a pic and #LightSAred on your social media.
- Find a photo of you and your friends at a jol, and repost it with #LightSAred.
- Light up your home in red.
- Find a treasured ticket stub, your favourite party dress, your concert and festival memorabilia and light it in red.
- Follow the movement on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LightSAred/ and watch out for a live stream on 5 August from 10am to 8pm.
If you would like to find out more about the campaign, visit www.LightSAred.org.za.
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