Spotlight on Katlego Dire

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Putting a spotlight on talented women in the live events industry, meet Katlego Dire, who recently attended a grandMA3 training workshop at DWR. With a bright outlook on life and a passion for what she does, we asked Katlego a few questions.

What led you to work in the live events industry?

My love for entertainment led me to work in the industry. Growing up, I used to enjoy attending events like social markets, musical concerts, and live performances and was always curious about what people were doing behind the scenes. I started working for Silverstar Casino in Krugersdorp as a waitress in 2015, and that’s when I met the casino’s in-house technical department, got to experience what was done backstage on events and became very interested in what they were doing! In 2016 I was introduced to the Gearhouse Learnership Programme and applied.

How many years have you worked in this industry?

For the past five years, starting in 2017.

 

You are a freelancer – what do you specialise in?

I am a freelancer and specialise in lighting technology.

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Katlego Dire at a recent grandMA3 training workshop.

 

What do you love about your job?

One thing I love about my job is that it allows me to be so creative. I always consider myself a storyteller because as a lighting technician or designer, I am able to show a performer’s emotions and enhance their feelings through lighting. Another thing is that I can get the audience to be in the same mood as the performer by using lighting… that’s how creative lighting technology can be.

 

Do you find that women are treated fairly and equally to men in our industry?

We still have people who do not trust that we, as women, are capable of working in their industry and there are still companies who do not consider having women in their technical departments. That said, I have been privileged to work with companies that believe that women can do the same work as men.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I listen to music… a lot! I love music so much that I’m also a DJ in my spare time, performing and playing music for other people.

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Katlego Dire is seen here with Stuart Andrews from DWR.

 

What would you say to encourage young women entering our industry?

My word of encouragement to young women and to anyone in the industry is to know what you want, work hard, do a lot of networking, have a thick skin and have loads of patience because you’ll need a lot of it to make it in the industry. But, know that you are going to make it!