Youth programme powers behind-the-scenes of Move Afrika Pretoria show

As anticipation builds for the upcoming Global Citizen: Move Afrika Pretoria music festival, where Doja Cat is set to take the stage, a student from the Youth Technical Production programme says audiences should brace for a spectacular showstopper.

A network of rigging, cables, and steel structures currently fills the SunBet Arena, as the stage takes form piece by piece ahead of Friday evening’s concert.

All hands are on deck, including 10 students selected for the Youth Technical Production Pathway in partnership with Gearhouse Group and the Kentse Mphahlwa Academy.

The youth programme forms part of this year’s Move Afrika tour in South Africa. It aims to position major cultural events as drivers of skills transfer, youth employment, and long-term production capacity building.

Gearhouse Johannesburg branch head, Dr Garth Green, said the programme offers participants a gateway into the production industry.

“People often start in the industry as stagehands and, unless they know the right questions to ask or have guidance, they can remain at that level for a long time. By introducing a structured programme with clear outcomes, like this one, you enable accelerated skills development, which is exactly the goal,” Green explained.

Ten participants, aged between 18 and 25, were selected through an online application process that required a motivational video submission.

Some of the students currently on-site at the arena shared their experiences in the programme.

Refilwe Thoka said the experience has been both eye-opening and transformative.

“The experience has been very mindful to live is to learn, and to learn is to live. I’ve really come to understand the behind-the-scenes work and what it takes to produce something of this scale.”

Lutendo Matamela said the opportunity has expanded her career outlook.

“This experience has broadened my vision for my career. Working on a large-scale production is something I never imagined happening this soon. It has really impacted how I see my future in the industry.”

Thoka adds that she is hoping for a seamless production on the night.

“I’m really excited. I’ve been behind the scenes before, but not at a live event like this. I’m looking forward to seeing everything come together and hoping everything runs smoothly without any glitches.”

Matamela describes the upcoming show as nothing short of spectacular.

“Lights, camera, action, it’s going to be showstopping. Everything you can think of that is big and massive.”