Award-winning actress Vatiswa Ndara has received immense support following her open letter to the Minister of Sports, Arts & Culture, Nathi Mthethwa. In the six-page letter, the star called for the regulation of the acting industry to ensure that actors are renumerated for their work.
In the letter, Vatiswa also shared an extract of her contract to reprise her role on the third season of the Ferguson Films produced show, Igazi. The contract read in part: “Ferguson Films is officially starting iGazi 3 and we would like to offer Vatiswa a global contract for iGazi 3 at R110,000 (before tax) for the duration of the shoot (five weeks). No limit to calls, first call exclusive to us.”
Vatiswa further broke down what the contract meant. She said in part: “Let me draw the harsh realities o what is actually being said in the aforementioned offer: 1) this amount is yet to be taxed; 2) there is no guarantee of residuals; 30 I am unable to seek further employment until this contract is concluded;4) I will not be compensated for time taken out for work-related activities such as wardrobe fittings, kame-up, and public relations/media interviews and; 5) limitless calls, in case you do not know Minister, means, I could be on set Monday to Saturday for the full 12 hours a day, over the duration of five weeks.”
Vatiswa Ndara receives immense support following her open letter. Here’s a look at the full letter.
GOOD MORNING ??♀ ??
AN OPEN LETTER TO MINISTER OF SPORTS, ARTS & CULTURE @NathiMthethwaSA + @asandamagaqa#actor #acting #actorslivesmatter#DiaryOfAMadFrustratedActor#StopExploitingActors#TheShowMustGoOn#IAmAnActorSA#SouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/o2auq7FckZ
— Vatiswa Ndara (@theVati_Can) October 7, 2019
Vatiswa has received support from fellow actors and fans on social media. Here’s a look at what they had to say.
Vatiswa’s letter is not an accusation on Fergusons as these gossip media claim. Its a cry for help. Many artists, actors, presenters are suffering. A lot. And for the past 25 years the department of arts nton nton has been useless #IstandWithVatiswa
— Papa Dintoe (@papynno) October 7, 2019
Dear Vatiswa, my sister your talent is not your curse, it is your blessing so please don’t ever apologize for asking for a million or dropping it to 700k. Speaking as a TV producer who has cast and hired actors, I am challenged by your letter and I hope other producers are too!
— Khanyi Magubane (@Khanyi_Magubane) October 7, 2019
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All of the truth you’ve spoken has crushed me. More so when you spoke about the inconsideration of our livelihood and that of our families. Soon I will tell the story of how being in a car accident and being severely injured cost me a job which you know about Sis V
— Kayise Ngqula (@KayiseNgqula) October 7, 2019
All of the truth you’ve spoken has crushed me. More so when you spoke about the inconsideration of our livelihood and that of our families. Soon I will tell the story of how being in a car accident and being severely injured cost me a job which you know about Sis V
— Kayise Ngqula (@KayiseNgqula) October 7, 2019
The 80k is ONCE OFF!!! After the 5 weeks you have to go find another Job as an actor! That 80k will run out while the producers are making millions off the talents art. Why is everyone thinking it’s 80k a month? Did no one read the letter? https://t.co/LHvnmISknv
— Anga Makubalo (@NaakMusiQ) October 8, 2019
Good morning to everyone…except those of you trying to justify the continued exploitation of ARTISTS & CREW, and those in power refusing to sign the #PPAB…it’s Tuesday and STILL #IstandWithVatiswa ✊?✊?
— Kgomotso Christopher (@kgchristopher) October 8, 2019
Since opening my mouth about how SAFTAS and how many production companies & broadcasters operate , I’ve been earmarked as a difficult actor . I am still acting on a TV show & I am still being overlooked & undervalued. My complexion doesn’t even compliment my talent or suffering.
— Clint Brink (@ClintOnTheBrink) October 8, 2019
Worst part of it all , I still belong to a minority as far as demographics go in South Africa. As a coloured male in this industry, nobody really cares about your livelihood, your strife , your purpose. We are easily replaced , silenced and unsupported even by our own.
— Clint Brink (@ClintOnTheBrink) October 8, 2019
A much needed letter. Thank you for writing this.
— Nolwazi Shange (@NolwaziNgubeni) October 7, 2019
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The ultimate dealer is broadcasters who signs off on these amounts, and squeeze production house as well. I don’t know how many productions I’ve worked on that even producers are left with almost nothing after the production.
— Vincent Moloi (@vincentmoloi) October 7, 2019
@theVati_Can I came across for some reason on the late hour. One thing I can say about your work ethic is that you’re not a whiner! Reading your letter struck such a painful chord for workers all around! We started through this industry, pretty much together. What I always
— Tsepiso Makwetla (@TsepisoMakwetla) October 7, 2019