South Africa - DWR Distribution hosted the much-anticipated annual International Rigging Course from 27 January to 1 February, presented by Ruud de Deugd, founder of T&E Support. As the only training programme of its kind in the country, the course drew delegates from across South Africa, Namibia, Ghana, Zambia, and Mauritius, ranging from novices to experienced professionals.
Ruud, renowned for leading these training sessions globally, provided insights into the rigging industry. Over six days, participants covered vital topics such as safety protocols, maintenance practices, lifting materials, force calculations, and load tables. Attendees were expected to have a solid understanding of mathematics, as the training blended practical skills with technical theory.
“It feels like the family is back together,” Ruud shared upon his return to South Africa. “With the new training room at DWR and the number of participants, this course has been fantastic. We had great fun, and I had to pick up the pace as there were so many questions. It’s been a truly enjoyable experience.”
Several attendees shared their positive feedback. Said David Opoku from Stix Evolution in Ghana: “The course has been very informative. My partner and I come from an AV background, but we’ve built a few stages. The good thing about Ruud is that he takes you through different scenarios and case studies. It’s helped us and gave us a different perspective. In terms of mapping out points, we’re now able to do it ourselves and we value that safety is paramount with him.”
Johann Moolman, head of the rigging and structures department at rental company MGG, has worked in the live events industry for the past 19 years. “I came to this course as a refresher, and Ruud is a great instructor – very informative. Although I have a lot of experience, especially with maths and calculations, these days we rely heavily on Vectorworks and Braceworks. It’s valuable to understand the in-depth concepts behind those programs, especially when it comes to making bridles, rigging, and standing structures work. There’s always something new to learn, and as the industry is constantly evolving, we discover new ways of doing things which I find invaluable.”
dB Audio Namibia has been sending teams to this international training for the past 15 years, establishing itself as one of the leading technical companies in Namibia for events ranging from conferences to large outdoor shows. This year, three delegates – Rivaldo Mbekele, David Beukes and Titus Augustinus – attended.
The International Rigging Course is always a highlight on DWR’s training calendar. “On behalf of the DWR Distribution team, a huge thank you to everyone who joined us,” said Robert Izzett. “Our goal is always to make the industry safer, and this course plays a big part in that. We all greatly appreciate Ruud for travelling all this way and hopefully we’ll see you again next year. Thanks also to our Amanda Miranda and Jaques Pretorius for all your assistance behind the scenes.”
