Kyalami Grand Prix turns red

A number of event and entertainment places in the country turned their lights red to highlight the impact the lockdown has had on the events industry.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic the country went into lockdown at the end of March. While lockdown restrictions have since been eased, only small events with fewer than 50 people are permitted.

LightSAred is an NPO that was created in order to highlight the effect of the lockdown on companies in the entertainment industry, and called for the South African government to the assist those in the field financially. Buildings, gardens, and empty stages were lit red and images were shared on social media on 6 August.

A press release by the NPO said, “Our aim is to be acknowledged by the South African government and to come up with an itinerary to keep our industry alive. The South African events industry is dying, and we are being ignored.

“Government and financial institutions extend financial relief to those who earn a living in the technical production and live events industry until we are permitted to resume work.”

The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit was one of the buildings which was lit up red in solidarity of the initiative. Group public relations manager, Christo Kruger said the income of the circuit has been under significant strain. “We decided to be part of the initiative in order to draw attention to the negative impact that Covid-19 regulations have had on the entertainment and eventing industry,” he said.

The campaign called for members of the public to get involved by also lighting up their homes or uploading photos of buildings illuminated red to social media with the hashtag #LightSAred.

The press release added their demands for government assistance for people working in the industry who are currently out of work and have been for five months. “We demand that the government engage with elected leaders within the South African Events Council and SACIA (Southern African Communications Industries Association) to provide a platform for voices to be heard.”We also demand they recognise and support the NPO trying to sustain destitute members of the technical production and live events industry.”

While motorsport is not a contact sport and can take place with all social distancing regulations put in place, Kruger is hopeful that races can take place once communication with the government has given the green light.

“Motorsport South Africa is in continuing dialogue with the government and, in fact, the latest updated regulations were published on 3 August,” he said. Live events are still unable to take place at the venue.