Loftus Versfeld Unveils New Multi-Million Rand LED Lighting System For Boks
Mamelodi Sundowns’ home venue, Loftus Versfeld, one of the most historic and revered cathedrals of world rugby, is stepping into the future.
Fans attending Saturday’s highly anticipated Springbok Test against Scotland will be the first to experience the stadium’s new state-of-the-art, multi-million-rand lighting system, designed to transform the match-day entertainment experience.
The extensive upgrade, which took just under two months to complete, saw South African lighting specialists Afrison replace all 272 of Loftus Versfeld’s legacy floodlights. Every light mounted on the stadium’s iconic corner pylons, canopies and stands has been upgraded to cutting-edge, energy-efficient LED technology.
For the first time in the stadium’s history, custom-built colour show lights have also been installed on the East and West canopies, paving the way for immersive pre-match and in-game light shows.
The project is also a showcase of South African innovation. With traditional stadium bulbs being phased out globally and strict regulations governing the importation of fully assembled commercial LED systems, Afrison manufactured the hardware locally. The new fixtures contain 70% locally sourced components, with only the specialised silicon microchips and drivers imported, as no local suppliers currently produce them.
Afrison founder and CEO Van Rooy van den Berg believes the project demonstrates the strength of local engineering.
“As a proudly South African luminaire manufacturer with 15 years of industry experience, Afrison understands the unique demands of our environment. Our lighting systems are engineered to withstand local conditions and consistently deliver world-class performance where it matters most.”
The technical upgrade is significant. The previous floodlights operated at approximately 1,300 lux and required up to 30 minutes to reach full brightness. Afrison’s new system delivers a uniform, shadow-free 2,000 lux across the entire playing surface and can be activated instantly at the touch of a button from a central control room.
The improved lighting meets stringent international and high-definition broadcast standards, ensuring crystal-clear television coverage while providing spectators inside the stadium with outstanding visibility.
To eliminate the risk of power grid disruptions, Afrison has installed a dedicated fibre-optic ring network that controls the system through a secure local area network (LAN). The entire lighting system will operate on heavy-duty backup generators from kick-off during major fixtures, ensuring uninterrupted performance.
The upgrade forms part of a unique 20-year lease agreement between the Blue Bulls Company and Afrison. Rather than simply supplying the equipment, Afrison will remain a long-term partner responsible for all maintenance and technical support, with dedicated teams on-site for every match.
Blue Bulls Company CEO Edgar Rathbone expressed his pride in the project.
“Loftus Versfeld is steeped in history, but keeping a world-class stadium relevant means embracing the future. Our partnership with Afrison ensures that we are not only providing our fans and broadcasters with the absolute best visual experience possible, but we are doing it through a sustainable, locally engineered solution. Launching these lights at a Springbok Test match is the perfect celebration of South African innovation.”
Afrison director Johan Klein admitted the project came with enormous pressure but said the team’s efforts had paid off.
“When you are tasked with changing the look and feel of a venue as iconic as Loftus, you don’t take it lightly. When people ask if I was nervous, my answer is simple: obviously! This was a race against time, but our team pulled off a massive feat. We’ve brought this legendary ground up to international standards using mostly South African hands and components. We cannot wait to see the stadium erupt in colour and light on Saturday.”
Beyond the spectacular visual transformation, the switch to LED technology will significantly reduce the stadium’s carbon footprint by consuming far less electricity than the previous system. The upgrade marks another major step in making Loftus Versfeld a greener, more sustainable venue while enhancing the experience for players, broadcasters and supporters alike.
