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Cars light show after power cut

A power failure has darkened the Johannesburg International Motor Show. All lights went off at the show during the media presentation of French carmaker Renault.

According to Wheels24 journalist Sergio Davids, who is covering the show, a power failure happened at about 09:50.

“The entire show is blacked out. The only lights are from cars,” said Davids.

Organisers of the show asked the gathered media to be patient.

“Ladies and gentleman, we have no power – is there an electrician in the house?” they announced.

According to Davids organisers and exhibitors are working around the blackout as the "show must go on".

"It appears as if Audi (who is scheduled to have its media briefing at 10:30) will present in the dark," he said.

The motor show is the premier automotive event in South Africa, and a multi-million Rand exhibition. It is taking place at the Johannesburg Exhibition Centre and opens for the public on Saturday 1 November.

The event is one of only two shows in the Southern hemisphere and the only one in Africa to be affiliated with, and hold accreditation from, the International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA).

JIMS update: Davids reported that power was restored to the exhibition floor at about 10:30 after close to 45 minutes of darkness.

According to Karabo Morikangoe, marketing and sales executive at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, the power outage affected more than just the exhibition. 

"The power substation at Robertsham was down, affecting most of southern Johannesburg."

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