Speaker line-up subject to change - for workshops and panel discussion click here

Keynote speaker: Minister Gayton Mackenzie

It is with great honour that we welcome our keynote speaker for this year's Event Safety Summit, the Honourable Minister Gayton McKenzie. A prominent figure in South African politics and a leader known for his decisive and hands-on approach to public service and community safety, Minister McKenzie brings a unique and invaluable perspective to our gathering. In his current influential role as Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture, his commitment to creating secure and orderly environments is well-documented. He has prioritised bringing major international sporting and entertainment events to the country, while actively revamping funding models for local events. He has also highlighted the economic impact of local, high-passion events like the Soweto Derby. During the Summit, he will share his insights on leadership, risk management, and the imperative of a safety-first culture in ensuring the success and security of public gatherings.

Rev. Solomuzi Mabuza - When ethical conduct becomes a key factor in government procurement policy.

During December 2025 SACIA signed an integrity pledge with the Gauteng Provincial Government that binds both parties to a higher standard of business and ethics. In this presentation by Rev. Solomuzi Mabuza, chairman of the Gauteng Ethics Advisory Council (GEAC), he explores the practical implications of this pledge with a specific focus on events and event safety. We explore how the pledge impacts government procurement policies and describe how SACIA and the GEAC work together to support the adoption of professional standards and ethical business practices in the events and entertainment industry.

Phrosne Phillips - Why Compliance Matters: Elevating Safety and Accountability in Events

Phrosne Phillips explores the critical role of SASREA compliance in ensuring safety, accountability, and legal integrity within the events industry. Clause 4(4)a, which mandates the appointment of a competent safety officer for event sites, is more than a regulatory checkbox—it's a cornerstone of responsible event planning and execution. Attendees will gain insight into the legal obligations under South African law, the responsibilities of appointed safety officers, and the potential consequences of non-compliance. Through real-world case studies and practical examples, the session will highlight how adherence to SASREA and SANS 10366 can mitigate risk, enhance public confidence, and contribute to the overall success of any event. This is an essential discussion for event organisers, safety professionals, and stakeholders committed to upholding the highest standards in event safety management.

David Boshard - Ignite with Caution: Ensuring Pyrotechnic Safety at Events

This presentation by David Boshard explores the critical elements of safely planning whilst managing, and executing pyrotechnic displays in live event environments. Attendees will gain insight into the regulatory requirements, risk assessments, and safety protocols essential for responsible pyrotechnic use. The session will cover topics such as licensing and permits, site layout considerations, crew competencies, audience protection, emergency preparedness, and post-display inspections. Real-world examples and case studies will highlight both successful applications and lessons learned from past incidents. Designed for event planners, safety officers, and technical crew, this presentation aims to reinforce a culture of safety while enabling spectacular and compliant pyrotechnic experiences.

Adv Raynard Looch - Ensuring Safe Stages: The Role of OHS 37.2 Compliance in Event Safety

This presentation by Adv Raynard Looch explores the critical role of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) compliance, with a specific focus on Regulation 37.2, within the dynamic and high-risk environment of live events. Attendees will gain an understanding of the legal obligations placed on event organisers, employers, and contractors under the South African OHS Act, with emphasis on the requirement to appoint a competent safety officer for any construction work or temporary structures related to events. The session highlights the implications of non-compliance, including legal liability, reputational damage, and increased risk of injury or fatality. Practical guidance will be provided on implementing a compliant safety management plan, appointing the right safety personnel, and fostering a safety culture among all stakeholders. This is a must-attend for professionals committed to creating safe, legally compliant, and well-managed event environments.

Mbulelo Hlalukana - Framework for success: temporary structures done right

Paragraph 14.2 of SANS10366 requires an event organiser, assisted by the [appointed] safety coordinator, to monitor all activity at an event venue related to the erection and construction of temporary demountable structures, to ensure they are erected in compliance with the manufacturer's specifications, and to ensure that safety method statements and safe working practices are followed. The same paragraph goes on to describe how the event organiser shall ensure that all structures are checked by a competent person after erection and before use, to confirm compliance with the manufacturer's drawings and specified details.

Despite these clear requirements, we continue to see temporary structures erected without manufacturers' drawings, certified for use by individuals who lack competence in entertainment rigging and in temporary demountable structures used in the events industry. In this presentation, Mbulelo Hlalukana from the Engineering Council of SA describes what it means to be competent to issue a handover certificate, and what it means to event organisers and city authorities when they accept a certificate from any individual who cannot demonstrate they meet these competency requirements.

Phil Prinsloo - One Life or One Million: The Constant of Preparedness in Event Compliance, Safety and Security.

Any event safety plan will endeavour to balance the likelihood and severity of risks with the energy, effort, time, and money required to mitigate them. In developing a safety plan, Phil Prinsloo notes that the financial strength, size and experience of the organiser will not be taken into account in defining what is reasonably practicable, Phil asks how we, as event safety officers, can ensure that our planning prowess for medium-risk major events is reflected in any low-risk, smaller events.

Lehlohonolo Thobela - Turning Weather Risk into Operational Confidence

Weather remains one of the most unpredictable and underestimated risks in the events and production space. From large-scale sporting tournaments to live concerts and festivals, a single weather event can disrupt operations, compromise safety, and impact the overall success of an event. Yet, with the right expertise in place, weather can shift from being a threat to becoming a manageable, informed variable.

Lehlohonolo Thobela, a meteorologist at the South African Weather Service, will explore the critical role of onsite meteorologists in modern event management. Moving beyond traditional forecasts to deliver real-time, impact-based decision support. Attendees will gain insight into how meteorological intelligence integrates directly into event operations, enhancing safety, improving timing decisions, and protecting both infrastructure and reputation. At the heart of the session is a compelling real-world case study from the LIV Golf South Africa event, where rapidly developing severe weather posed a direct risk to thousands of spectators and a live concert setup featuring global artist Calvin Harris. Through this experience, the presentation will unpack how early detection, clear communication, and decisive action driven by meteorological expertise enabled event organizers to respond proactively, safeguard attendees, and maintain control under pressure. Designed for event planners, production teams, safety officers, and decision-makers, this session will demonstrate how integrating a meteorologist into your event team is not an added luxury but a strategic necessity.

In the world of events, you can’t control the weather, but you can absolutely control how you prepare for it. Join this session to discover how informed decisions, powered by meteorology, can transform uncertainty into confidence and elevate the standard of event safety and execution.

Marius van Rooyen - Safe and Spectacular: Laser Safety in the Events and Entertainment Industry

Dick Putter: Watt's the Plan? Power & Lighting That Steals the Show

Electrical power is the invisible backbone of every successful event—yet it remains one of the most underestimated risks on site. From lighting and sound to catering and temporary structures, power systems in event environments must be designed, installed, and managed with the same rigor as permanent infrastructure. This session explores what “doing it right” looks like under the time pressure and complexity of live events.

Dick Putter focuses on the unique risk profile of temporary installations, and highlights critical areas such as load planning, generator integration, cabling, protection systems, and compliant distribution. He also underscores the importance of thorough risk assessments, competent personnel, and adherence to standards like the Occupational Health and Safety Act and SANS 10142.

Ultimately, the session reinforces a simple principle: when electrical systems are properly engineered and managed, they operate seamlessly in the background—ensuring safety, reliability, and a successful event.

Dr Jacques Faul - Building a deliberate culture of lifelong learning

The event industry in South Africa is undergoing rapid transformation in response to globalisation, digital disruption, changing stakeholder expectations, and the growing demand for strategic, ethical, and innovative leadership. In this context, continuous professional development has become a critical imperative for event practitioners operating in increasingly complex, competitive, and technology-driven environments. This paper argues that the professionalisation and long-term sustainability of the South African event sector depend on the development of formal, focused, and contextually relevant training opportunities that extend beyond experiential learning alone.

Particular attention is given to the Mastery of Global Event Leadership programme presented by North-West University, as an example of a structured educational intervention designed to strengthen leadership capacity within the industry. The programme responds to the need for advanced training in strategic event leadership, governance, stakeholder engagement, innovation, and global best practices. In doing so, it contributes to the recognition of event management as a serious professional field requiring both academic rigour and practical competence.

Liam van Vuuren – Are venue operators playing the fiddle while they watch their Rome burn?

Over the last several years we’ve seen many fatalities at events caused by the rapid spread of fire in an event venue. In many cases, these fatalities have led to the criminal conviction of venue owners and event organisers. Showtex’s Liam van Vuuren explores the underlying conditions that led to these incidents and explains how, using fire-retardant fabrics, these deaths could have been prevented.

He explores the fire-resistant standards that are applied around the world and asks why South African venues are so reluctant to adopt international standards and best practices. Is this a case of penny-wise, pound-foolish? Could a little foresight save lives? Are our venue operators playing the fiddle while their Rome burns to the ground?