Red Pepper speaks out

There has been numerous complaints about noise and insufficient parking in the Linden area.

According to some residents, most of the problems are caused by Red Pepper Pictures and these have increased since the production company began hosting Big Brother Africa.

Red Pepper Pictures CEO Cecil Barry has shed some light on the situation, stating that it is less likely for their guests and employees to be the “unsavoury” characters described.

According to Barry, “There might have been noise but we manage constructions within office hours so when people come home,they may come to some peace and quiet,” he said.

Red Pepper Pictures may have short-term disruptions, but in-turn yield long term benefits,”We employ over 300 people and the expansion helps us to employ even more people,” Barry added.

Responding to the parking situation, he said Red Pepper Pictures built six parking bays in the street which cost them over R100 000. “Parking has been an issue for the past 20 years but we have ensured that our employees have additional parking. We also bought two big tracks of land and anyone is allowed to park.”

Barry informed that Red Pepper has also arranged with Spar for additional parking.

Big Brother Africa guests are transported to the eviction show by bus and any cars are directed to the appropriate parking spots.

The CEO also said they ensured that there is minimal noise coming from the house by installing sound boards that contain the noise.

He said Red Pepper has made an effort to consider their fellow business establishments with the Big Brother Africa show.

“Endemol bought materials from shops in Linden. We asked them to get items they need from the community so that businesses can make profit from the show,” he said.

Linden businesses like laundry shops, caterers, coffee shops and fabric stores are said to be benefiting from what is arguably one of Africa’s biggest game shows.

“There may be isolated incidents that may occur where residents are unhappy about something we are responsible for, but we would like to encourage residents who have any complaints to please let us know and we will rectify whatever problem there may be,” encouraged Barry.

“We are keen to work with the community for a positive outcome,” he concluded.

Ward 99 Councillor Bruce Herbert said there will be a few disruptions till early December.

“We are sorry for the inconvenience that may be caused as a result of this, but this is good for the neighbourhood because a lot of money is being brought in,” he said.

Details: Thembi Ndlovu 011 446 7000.