Stay up to date with the latest happenings in the live events and technical production industry. From product launches and training sessions to behind-the-scenes stories and project highlights, our news section is where you’ll find it all.
Get the scoop on what’s new at DWR, follow our journey with industry partners, and discover the people and moments that make our community so unique. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, information, or innovation — this is the place to be.
Passing on the Craft: Basic Theatre Flyman Training Held in Johannesburg
Some of the most important roles in theatre happen behind the scenes. The audience may never notice them, but without skilled flymen, the magic on stage simply cannot happen. To help preserve and pass on this specialised craft, Gearhouse Splitbeam, in association with DWR Distribution, recently hosted a Basic Theatre
Panasonic to showcase latest visual innovations at Mediatech Africa 2026
Panasonic to showcase next-generation projection and professional display technologies alongside partner DWR Distribution at Africa’s leading AV and broadcast trade event Wiesbaden, Germany – May 2026 – Panasonic Projector & Display will reinforce its commitment to the African market at Mediatech Africa 2026, exhibiting alongside regional partner DWR Distribution at
Anolis Goes Beyond the Bridge in Clapham, London
“Beyond The Bridge” is a cool and creative community driven intervention that has transformed the Falcon Road Rail Bridge underpass in Clapham, South London, from a dingy, uninviting urban walkway to a safer, more pleasant and visually stimulating environment with the application of art, lighting and logistics. Now featuring 70
LED Project offers a Robe Edge forWorld Cup Fan Zone
LED Project – run by the charismatic and interesting Sergio Serrano – is one of Mexico’s leading rental and installation companies and has made a major new purchase of Robe moving lights. These will be deployed at various Mexican fan zones during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, staged this summer
Some New Jems for Robe
JEM Audiovisual Events & Installations is a rising star company based in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands, headed by owner and founder Justin Engelman, and built on passion, energy, and enthusiasm for live events and delivering technical production to the very highest standards. “The most important part of every job is the
Congratulations Martin Vermeulen & Sven Baden Hansen!
Congratulations Martin Vermeulen & Sven Baden Hansen! A big congratulations to Martin Vermeulen from Animate-Co and Sven Baden Hansen from 4 Plus 3 Productions on their investment in a new grandMA3 onPC Command Wing XT. Working together on the upcoming Lord of the Dance tour, Martin will be taking care
RCF – KXM 25-A & KXM 20-A
Pure Performance on Stage Meet the new RCF KXM Series: active stage monitors built to deliver precision, power, and control when the stage gets demanding. Designed for professional monitoring applications, KXM combines high-output performance, advanced DSP, and networked management in tour-ready enclosures engineered for fast setup and dependable results. From
MA Lighting International Announces grandMA3 Software Release v2.4.2.2
MA Lighting International has officially announced the new grandMA3 software release v2.4, introducing a range of workflow enhancements and feature updates designed to further expand the capabilities of the grandMA3 platform. The latest release focuses on improving user workflow, programming flexibility, and system integration across a wide range of applications
Robe Helps Bring Las Vegas to London
at BoTree’s 77 The BoTree London is a cool new-build hotel property and part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, located right in the heart of Marylebone, central London, combining all the individuality and style of boutique accommodation with the vibrance, colour and atmosphere of the bustling metropolis. It offers a welcoming,
ULTRA Events brings the Cape Town Cycle Tour to Light
The 48th edition of the Cape Town Cycle Tour kicked off with around 30 000 riders taking part in either the 109km or 42km race. ULTRA Events Technical Solutions was proud to be part of it, handling the technical setup at the Grand Parade in Cape Town, with the ever-impressive
König & Meyer appoints DWR Distribution as South African distributor
König & Meyer is strengthening its international presence through a new partnership with DWR Distribution, bringing its professional product range closer to users in the professional, live events, broadcast and production industries. Based in Germany, König & Meyer was established in 1949 and is known for its high-quality, durable music
Join DWR for Panasonic Launch
It’s a brand-new chapter for DWR Distribution as we launch Panasonic—and you’re invited to be part of the excitement on 13 May 2026 at our offices in Johannesburg. Discover the latest innovations in Projection Display and Broadcast solutions – including advanced Studio and PTZ cameras – with Panasonic’s Tony Molloy
Connect with DWR Distribution at Mediatech Africa 2026
DWR Distribution is pleased to announce its participation at Mediatech Africa 2026, taking place from 30 June to 2 July at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit & International Convention Centre. Don’t miss out on meeting our international suppliers and seeing the latest technology. With the South African industry expected to
Gearhouse Splitbeam Invests in Robe iFORTES
South African theatrical technical production specialist, Gearhouse Splitbeam, has invested in 16 new Robe iFORTE moving lights which are out on a major new GWB Entertainment production of the iconic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, “Cats”, one of the world’s longest running, most popular and successful musicals. Presented in collaboration with
Basic Rigging Training, Cape Town
You are invited to join Robert Izzett for a two-day Basic Rigging training course held from 6 to 15 to 16 April from 9am to 5 pm at DWR Distribution, Cape Town. The course aims to equip delegates with the rigging laws applied in South Africa according to SANS 10366.
Umate LM O – Outdoor Fine Pitch, Quality Within Reach
The Unilumin LM O offers full front and rear maintenance, along with IP65 protection in a die-cast cabinet. Features include 1000 × 1000 mm and 500 × 500 mm panels that can be mixed and matched, with support for stacking, wall mounting, and hanging. Right-angle and rounded corner solutions are
BirdDog Training, Johannesburg
Discover the future and benefits of BirdDog as Werner Nieman walks you through PTZ Cameras, Box Cameras, Controllers, converters and Software Applications on 28 April from 9am to 5pm at DWR Distribution in Johannesburg. Whether your business is in Touring and Events, the ProAV Market, the House of Worship Market,
MA3: The Next Step in Blessing’s Journey
“It’s about time,” says Ndumiso Blessing Vilakazi with a smile as he takes delivery of his new grandMA3 onPC command wing from DWR Distribution. Blessing works as a freelance lighting designer and operator, both in South Africa and abroad. “I got the grandMA3 onPC mainly to spend more time learning
UsurfaceⅢ, Oudoor LED from Unilumin
Pioneering SMD technology delivers an impressive 10,000 nits for outdoor LED screens, available in P6, P8, P10 and P16 pixel pitches. Designed for maximum impact, it offers exceptional brightness and a high contrast ratio for clearer visuals with reduced sunlight reflection. A wider viewing angle ensures excellent visibility across large
UKY Commercial LED Display from Unilumin
Built Tough, Ultra-Safe High Strength Fast Maintenance Whole Cabinet Front Maintenance The vacuum maintenance tool supports the front maintenance of the whole cabinet. The disassembly and assembly are smooth and easy to operate. Efficient Heat Dissipation Rear Cover Ventilation Hole Design Air convection enhances cooling efficiency by increasing the
U-Natural – Turn off the Display, Turn on the Art
The Unilumin Texture Screen is committed to integrating the art of display into building materials, breaking through the constraints of traditional black displays, achieving the integration with the environment when the screen is off and living in harmony with various decorative designs. When the screen is on, it can
UMini P by Unilumin for corporate environments,high-end retail, broadcast
Impressive Visual Experience P1.2/P1.5/P1.8 Area Light source, comfortable viewing experience for long periods of time 160° wide viewing Angle Less moirés for Shooting Comfort viewing experience Area Light source, comfortable viewing experience for long periods of time 160° wide viewing Angle Less moirés for Shooting Super black level, high color
DWR to distribute Unilumin
DWR Distribution is proud to announce its appointment by Unilumin as the exclusive distributor of indoor fixed installation and rental LED displays, as well as a strategic partner for outdoor products, in South Africa. Unilumin is one of the largest LED manufacturers in the world, offering solutions across professional, commercial, outdoor,
XV by Unilumin for the rental market
Simplify Your imagination P3.9-P7.8 High Transparency Water Proof Curve Installation Right Angle Installation High Transparency 52% Transparency* Keeping perfect visual performance while maintaining high transparency High Transparency Vertical transparency angle—90° More lights would come out from the back of the screen within the VTA (Vertical transparency angle)
UHF – Commercial from Unilumin
Flexible LED Display Solution P1.5/P1.8/P2.5/P3.2/P3.9 Dynamic creativity – available for arbitrary arc shape Excellent image performance on color uniformity by the high flatness Stress is evenly distributed to all parts of modules – Sustainable reliability The advanced modular technology fully maximize the screen smoothness Application Scenario Broadcast
URMⅢ by Unilumin for the rental market
Ease of Use Indoor: P1.9/2.6/2.9/3.9 Outdoor: P2.9/3.9/4.8 True single-person installation – automatic lock design, excellent safety performance Pinch n’ go module – high efficiency of screen maintenance 3D corner protection – protect the screen from damage Creative installation – 90° corner, curve and creative shapes Application Scenario
UTV SC by Unilumin – Excellent COB All-In-One
Excellent COB All-In-One Dual OS Support Energy-efficient Cool Display Intelligent Collaboration Features Multiple Sizes User-Friendly Operation Eye-Comfort Technology Certified & Trusted for Secure Operation ETL list/FCC/CE/CB, etc Bulk Stock, Rapid Delivery Mini/Micro LED Production: 10,000+ sqm/month (Self-Developed & Self-Manufactured) UTV Division Stock: 100+ units (rolling inventory) Standard
UmateDA3 – Unilumin’s slim and quick up solution for Commercial Display
Elevate Your Go-To Commercial Display High Integrated Design: Board to board Connection Large-size Module: 320*240 Module Slim Cabinet: 38mm Application Scenario Corporate Entertainment Airport 5 Core Upgrades Structure Innovation Size Evolution Maintenance Upgrade Lightweight Design Connection Upgrade Upgrade for Better Integrated Board:
Unilumin Uslim Ⅲ – Integrated & Creative Indoor LED Display
Integrated & Creative Indoor LED Display Versatile Brightness Options: Ideal for indoor and semi-outdoor use. Smooth Viewing: 5760Hz refresh rate for an impressive experience. Convenient Access: Front & rear installation / maintenance. Integrated Design: Durable and stable. Customizable Splicing: Flexible and creative configurations. Dust-Resistant Surface: Ensures clarity and performance. Support
DiGiCo Intermediate Quantum Training in Johannesburg
If you’ve completed the DiGiCo Basic Training, you’re ready for the next step! Join Kyle Robson for training on the DiGiCo Quantum Intermediate training on 29 and 30 April from 9am to 5pm at DWR Distribution in Johannesburg and get your hands on the industry’s leading equipment. The training session
Happy Easter from DWR
Happy Easter! We hope your weekend is filled with special moments, laughter, and a few fun chocolate surprises hidden in the garden. Please note that DWR Distribution will be closed for the long weekend (3–6 April) and will reopen on 7 April. Should you have an emergency, please contact your
Magnimage EC90 morning training session
Join Dylan Jones from DWR Distribution as he presents Magnimage EC90 Training on 14 March from 9 am to 12 pm at our Johannesburg office. Aimed at AV technicians, this course is awesome for understanding the EC90, a video switcher that includes 4K input and output, multi-layer management, and seamless
Anolis Enjoys Light + Building Expo
LED lighting manufacturer Anolis enjoyed a busy and positive Light + Building 2026 expo in Frankfurt, Germany, where it launched two new products – Calumma Arts in collaboration with French Light and Calumma UN (Ultra Narrow) – and engaged with a host of visitors from across Europe and around the world.
Valentines Concert powered by DiGiCo Quantum 852T and KLANG:konductor wows audiences at Mazowsze
Annual Valentines concerts in the Mazowsze Concert Hall have long attracted a loyal following, and in 2026 audiences were treated to an extravaganza. Alongside the Mazowsze ensemble, the night featured legendary Polish rock band, Pectus. Łukasz Łęcki, monitor engineer for the Mazowsze Ensemble chose KLANG:konductor to manage the complex monitoring
New Robe Lighting for Multi-Media
Multi-Media has made a wonderful Robe investment for their Johannesburg and Cape Town branches, purchasing 24 Robe LEDBeam 350, 24 Robe Tetra2, and 4 Robe Esprite fixtures from DWR Distribution. Edwin Böhmer, lighting technician and designer at Multi-Media, is part of the well-known event and production company that has been
Loving Gerda Kruger
When Ofer Lapid from Gearhouse and Duncan Riley of DWR Distribution met for dinner at the well-known Troyville Hotel on Wednesday, 11 March, business and equipment were the last things on their minds. Their hearts were with Gerda Kruger — a true legend in South Africa’s live events industry —
CCPP Group chose grandMA3 compact XT
CCPP Group is known for delivering more than just technical services. While technical excellence is non-negotiable, what truly sets the company apart is its ability to connect with clients, understand the heartbeat of a project, step into the client’s vision, and then deliver the technical expertise that brings it to
grandMA3 User Training, Durban
You are invited to a three-day grandMA3 User Training Workshop hosted by DWR Distribution’s Jaques Pretorius and Michael Taylor-Broderick. The workshop will take place from 14–16 April from 9am to 5pm, at Vineyard Church in Morningside, Durban. This three-day programme is designed to familiarise participants with the essential functions of the grandMA3 software
Robe & Anolis Power the New Disney On Ice show, “Jump In!”
Feld Entertainment Inc., the worldwide leader in live touring family entertainment, launched its newest production of Disney On Ice presents Jump In! on August 29, 2025, in Orlando, FL. During the 2025-26 season, the tour will play 36 cities, including Miami, Atlanta, Baltimore, Newark, Philadelphia, Chicago, Montreal, Dallas, and Houston. Jump
Roland Professional AV Expands African Market Presence Through DWR Distribution Partnership
Barcelona, Spain — 16 March 2026 — Roland Professional AV has announced the appointment of DWR Distribution as the official distributor for the Roland Professional AV product range in South Africa. The agreement was signed during Integrated Systems Europe, the world’s leading AV systems integration exhibition, held in Barcelona.
SAHETI School invests in lighting to strengthen Drama and Cultural Education
SAHETI School in Bedfordview has enhanced its drama department with a new lighting upgrade, supplied and installed by DWR Distribution. Founded in 1974 under the leadership of Advocate George Bizos and a passionate group of founders, the school proudly celebrates 50 years of enlightened teaching and progressive education. As SAHETI
Robert Juliat new Morgane followspots celebrate Christian Bréan’s lighting at the Moulin Rouge
Following in the footsteps of its older Robert Juliat sisters, Lucy and Alice, it is now Morgane’s turn to continue the legacy of followspot lighting at the Moulin Rouge, the iconic Parisian cabaret that has enchanted the city’s nightlife since 1889. Robert Juliat has recently completed the installation of three
Norwood Productions lights up with even more ADJ
Randburg-based technical supply company Norwood Productions has expanded its lighting arsenal with the addition of 30 ADJ Jolt Panel FX IP fixtures, supplied by DWR Distribution. The new investment complements the 30 ADJ Jolt Bar FX units the company has purchased over the past couple of years, bringing
Engineers choose two DiGiCo Quantum 338s for Halsey’s Back to Badlands World Tour
Front of house engineer James Butera has been touring with Halsey since 2023, and Schyler Blackman, monitor engineer, has been with them for almost a year. Both engineers are enjoying the DiGiCo Quantum 338, supplied by Clair Global for this high-energy world tour. Halsey is an American singer song-writer, originally
ADJ Fixtures Power Dynamic Floor Package for They Might Be Giants ‘The Big Tour’
When alternative rock icons They Might Be Giants hit the road for their recent North American run, the production embraced a bold yet flexible lighting approach that could deliver impact, nostalgia, and variety night after night. Central to that design was a compact but powerful floor package supplied by Eagle
Basic Theatre Flyman Training
Get stage-ready with Basic Theatre Flyman Training taking place at the Teatro at Montecasino on 1 April from 9 am to 4pm! This beginner’s course, presented by Gearhouse Splitbeam in association with DWR Distribution, dives into the world of single and double-purchase handline flying systems, covering essential terminology, operation, and
Anolis Launches New Products at Light + Building 2026
LED lighting manufacturer Anolis launches two exciting new products at the Light + Building 2026 expo in Frankfurt next week, further expanding its extensive range of premium-quality products for all architectural and built environment applications. Anolis products are proudly made in Europe. The Anolis booth – Stand D40 in Hall
Absen supports Omega and DWR at the Absa Cape Epic
DWR Distribution, Absen and Omega are delighted to sponsor two riders taking part in the 2026 Absa Cape Epic – the man with the ‘lekker’ strong legs, Andrew Hermanson, Senior Account Manager from Omega Digital Solutions, and DWR’s own Robert Izzett, Director and Head of Sales. (Above): DWR’s Robert Izzett
Robe Shines at the TPi Awards 2026
Robe Lighting was proud to be the production lighting supplier for the TPi Awards 2026, staged at Evolution in Battersea, London, UK, and once again ensured that the room shimmered with colour, vibrance and style that helped rock the glamour for one of the production entertainment industry’s BIGGEST nights of
Anolis Assists Award-Winning Théâtre des Champs-Élysées Lighting Renovation
The Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, located near Paris’s famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées, has had the lighting in its main 1900-capacity auditorium completely reimagined. A new award-winning design by ProjetScénie, which collected the 2025 LIT Award for Heritage Lighting Design, includes a modern, sustainable feature lighting solution from Anolis to illuminate the famous
RCF and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia open applications for the 2026 Sound Engineering Postgraduate Course
Reggio Emilia, Italy—RCF, in collaboration with the Department of Sciences and Methods for Engineering (DISMI) at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Unimore), has opened applications for the Postgraduate Course “Sound Engineering” for Academic Year 2025/2026. Designed to develop both theoretical and practical competence, the program focuses on the