01 September 2011
Frikkie Heyneke Say what you like, but this industry is often more like a family than anything else. We share late nights creating together, our lives continually cross paths, and when someone falls he should be helped back on his feet again.
A month ago friends in the industry had a scare when Frederick Heyneke, affectionately known as “Frikkie”, was rushed off to hospital during the strike at Mediatech on 23rd July 2011. He was unconscious for five days and had suffered a massive stroke. For a man who has run the comrades eight times, completed five iron-man competitions and 5 x Hundred kilometre races around a circuit, he woke up unable to eat, speak or walk.
Frikkie, a qualified electrician, started in the industry at the SABC some 22 years ago working closely with Andre Rossouw on shows like the then Miss Universe, even doing his share of lighting design. He stayed at the SABC for nine years and thereafter worked for Kurt du Preez and also Upstage. In June this year, Frikkie joined Kurt once again, this time at the newly established rental company Pan Tilt.
“Money is not everything,” said Frikkie. “I hate asking for anything and I’ve worked hard all my life,” he says. But now the hospital bills are coming in, and while the medical aid are covering these costs, it’s the tests like MRI Scans and lumbar punch, that so far have put him out of pocket by at least R30 000.00 and escalating.
Are you willing to help out here? Certain companies have already agreed to contribute to the Light Relief Fund, this time to help out Frikkie. These include MJ Event Gear, Pan Tilt, Gearhouse South Africa, Matrix and DWR Distribution. Even small contributions will be very welcome and will all add up to make a difference to his life.
Frikkie is back at work now, a bit slower than before, and there are still sessions like physiotherapy and visits to the neurosurgeons required.
If you can help in any way, please make donations to the bank details below. Kindly also forward us your company logo which will be included in a follow-up newsletter. This can be sent to [email protected].
Bank Details: Bank: Standard Bank
Branch: Northcliff
IBT Branch #: 006 305
Account Name: The Light Relief Fund cc
Account #: 201 732 386
Swift Code: SBZAZAJJ
