As South Africa’s creative industries enter the fifth month of lockdown, the need for greater governmental support and engagement is urgent. Many companies have closed their doors or have gone into business rescue; many more will be forced to if nothing is done to support them while they are prohibited from working.

Now SAEC is calling on all event industry stakeholders to get behind the #LightSAred campaign, which is happening tonight between 18:00-20:00 nationwide.

“While this is a positive and creative way of staging a protest and has had rapid and enthusiastic buy-in from events practitioners and supporters alike, the demands behind the campaign are very serious.”A SAEC press release states: “While this is a positive and creative way of staging a protest and has had rapid and enthusiastic buy-in from events practitioners and supporters alike, the demands behind the campaign are very serious. #LightSAred aims to draw attention to one of the country’s hardest-hit sectors and one whose distress calls have been overlooked until now.” It continues: “Many live events and production companies and freelancers have received absolutely no financial assistance since the initial blanket ban on events was instituted in March. #LightSAred is demanding monetary support from government and financial institutions for those affected until they can reclaim their livelihoods. Similarly, recognition and support are critical for the live events non-profit organisations that continue to strive to assist those in need.”
“SAEC believes that the events industry is a massive contributor to the South African economy and we are committed to the reopening of our industry as a priority. We once again invite our government to provide us with a platform on which to engage and be heard, before it is too late.”Projeni Pather, spokesperson for SAEC, exhibition company owner, and Chairperson of AAXO (African Association of Exhibitions), says, “SAEC believes that the events industry is a massive contributor to the South African economy and we are committed to the reopening of our industry as a priority. We once again invite our government to provide us with a platform on which to engage and be heard, before it is too late.” She continues, “This campaign highlights the industry at large and our current position of first out, last back to business during the pandemic. It is a time in which our industry needs to stand united and raise our voices as one. For the first time, the entire event industry has come together, and together we are stronger!”

- We support events to drive economic growth #LightSARed
- #Reopenevents to save our livelihoods #LightSARed
- Events drive growth for all industries #LightSARed
@mmKubayiNgubane @PresidencyZA @Tourism_gov_za @the_dti @SportArtsCultur @eNCA @SABCNews @News24 @ewnupdates You can also visit www.lightsared.org.za/ for more details.