South African actress Rami Chuene has sparked widespread optimism in the local entertainment industry after reports that the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) had agreed to begin paying repeat fees to actors whose work continues to air on its platforms.
Also see: Rami Chuene urges artists to read their contracts
The development has been widely welcomed as a long-awaited breakthrough for performers who, for years, have raised concerns about not receiving additional compensation when productions are rebroadcast. Rami, who has been vocal about artists’ rights and fair pay in the industry, described the move as a significant step forward for creatives who rely on royalties and residual income.
Recently, Rami took to her X (formerly Twitter) page to announce that she had received communication from the SABC telling her they will be paying her repeat fees for her work on Giyani: Land of Blood.
ANNOUNCEMENT
On this day, 19 May 2026 at 4pm, I, Rami Chuene, would like to state on record that I have received communication from the SABC telling me they will be paying me repeat fees for my work on Giyani:Land Of Blood. The paper work has been completed and submitted and I…
— Rami Chuene (@ramichuene) May 19, 2026
A long-standing issue for SA actors
For decades, many South African actors have argued that while their performances continue to generate value through reruns and syndication, they often do not benefit financially beyond their original contracts. The introduction of repeat fees is therefore being viewed as a potential shift toward fairer industry practices.
Industry stakeholders say the move could help stabilise performers’ income, especially in a sector where work is often inconsistent and freelance-based.
Rami’s response resonates
Rami’s reaction to the news quickly gained traction on social media, where many users echoed her sentiment that actors deserve compensation for the ongoing use of their work. Her comments have reignited broader conversations about labour rights within South Africa’s creative industries.
Fans and fellow performers also praised the development, calling it a “victory for persistence” and a step toward aligning local broadcasting standards with global practices.
They crawled so you could fly 💪🏾 pic.twitter.com/y4eRBy4Rph
— Emperor Ezzy (@ButiEzechiel) May 19, 2026
Also see: Sindi Dlathu, Rami Chuene to feature in new Tshedza Pictures show
doesn’t make sense how sabc can only select YOU to receive “repeat fees” when you was not acting alone . how did yall even conclude everything without the full cast. this is unfair
— Mpumelelo (@officialshlelo) May 19, 2026
@ramichuene pic.twitter.com/E1RV9jwFoG
— Ayanda Makuzeni ⭐️✨️ (@Aya_Makuzeni) May 19, 2026
What this could mean for the industry
If implemented consistently, repeat fees could reshape how contracts are structured between actors, production companies, and broadcasters. It may also encourage greater transparency around royalties and intellectual property rights in television and film.
Also see: Rami Chuene to publish 2nd edition of her book
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