Meetings’ must-know minutia MV Wakashio oil spill clean-up continues in Mauritius Clean-up operations in the lagoons and shores in the south-eastern region of Mauritius have been ongoing after bulk carrier MV Wakashio leaked 1 000 tonnes of oil into the Indian Ocean. The carrier ran aground on 25 July, with a major containment and extraction process taking place to remove the remaining 3 000 tonnes of hydrocarbon aboard the vessel before it eventually broke in two on 15 August.
GL events South Africa announces executive appointments Key appointments were announced for GL events South Africa in August that will see industry stalwart Craig Newman assume the position of CEO, where he will have an overarching role across the Live, Venue and Events divisions. Moving from heading up PR and Marketing for GL events South Africa, Adele Hartdegen takes over the reins as CEO of both the Johannesburg Expo Centre and Dogan Events, while Ishmael Atanasi has been appointed CEO for GL events South Africa’s Live Events Division.
Lost airline revenues impact GDP The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has revised its outlook on the impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic on Africa’s aviation industry, which initially forecast that US$6 billion (R98 billion) in passenger revenue would be lost, with a $28 billion (R458 billion) decline in GDP. The governing body now estimates that the continent’s GDP derived from aviation could plummet by up to $35 billion (R572 billion). Closer to home, South African Airways (SAA) is said to have met the requirements for a R10 billion business rescue package. According to Minister of Finance Tito Mboweni, the funding will be derived from private equity investors and other strategic partners. The airline has not made a profit since 2011, and the business rescue package means SAA will not go into liquidation but will shed around 3 700 jobs.
#LightSARed campaign highlights plight of live events industry
On 5 August, all across South Africa, more than 500 buildings and landmarks were illuminated red to highlight the emergency facing the country’s live events and technical production industries, which have been without work during the months-long lockdown in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Bringing attention to the support needed by the industry during this time, the #LightSARed campaign saw freelancers, venues and businesses standing together in solidarity to raise awareness around the desperate situation faced by countless companies and individuals. More information on the campaign can be found on the #LightSARed homepage at lightsared.org.za.
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