Thousands rally as South African film industry cries out for support
The streets of Cape Town and Johannesburg came alive this week with a powerful demonstration: actors, producers, and technicians united to demand government action to “Save SA Film Jobs.”
On Wednesday, January 28, Cape Town’s film community, dressed in black, marched in solidarity. The following day, the movement crossed to Johannesburg, where household names like S’dumo Mtshali, Warren Masemola, and Buyile Mdladla joined the protest, drawing attention to a crisis threatening the heart of South Africa’s film and TV industry.
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Millions owed and jobs at risk
At the center of the outcry is the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), which industry insiders claim has stalled critical funding through bureaucratic delays. Protesters revealed that R663 million in film rebates remain unpaid, forcing international investors to take their productions to countries like Malta and Portugal, leaving South Africa’s film sector languishing.
“With industry activity shrinking by up to 67%, over 100,000 jobs, from lead actors to caterers are now at risk,” protesters warned.
The protestors argued that without swift government intervention, the country risks losing not just economic opportunities but also the cultural output that has put South Africa on the global map.
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Stars speak out
Shortly after the Cape Town protest, Mtshali took to Instagram to frame the crisis in human terms.
“This is not just entertainment — these are families, livelihoods, and futures. Government delays have real human consequences: missed meals, stolen opportunities,” he wrote.
Buyile Mdladla amplified the message:
“Amandla! ✊🏾 Thanks for showing up, kings!”
Social media lit up with industry voices echoing the sentiment: from technical crews to writers, many shared stories of lost contracts, delayed projects, and the precarious reality of working in South Africa’s shrinking film landscape.
Government presence, but symbolic gestures
At the Cape Town protest, Mzwandile Masina, chairperson of the Trade Committee, formally received the memorandum of demands from the crowd. Notably, he wore a Netflix-branded polo shirt, a moment that left protesters reflecting on the contrast between global streaming giants and struggling local creators.
“It was bittersweet,” one attendee said. “Here’s a government official supporting a foreign corporation while independent filmmakers are fighting to survive.”
Cultural and economic stakes
South Africa’s film industry is more than an entertainment hub, it is a cultural export and economic engine. From blockbuster films to hit television series, the sector provides work for actors, crew, and countless support roles. Analysts warn that continued delays in government funding could erode South Africa’s reputation as a filming destination, pushing talent and investment overseas.
The protest movement has also ignited broader conversations online, with citizens and creatives demanding accountability from the DTIC and calling for a restructuring of the rebate system to protect local jobs.
As protests continue, Mtshali and Masemola’s voices serve as rallying points for an industry desperate for clarity and action. The message is clear: South African film and TV is at a crossroads — either the government acts decisively, or thousands of livelihoods, as well as the nation’s creative footprint, will face irreversible damage.
“We’re not asking for favors,” Mtshali said. “We’re demanding fairness and respect for a hard-working sector.”
The coming weeks will reveal whether these calls resonate beyond the streets and social media, translating into tangible support for one of South Africa’s most vital creative industries.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: X{@AffairAfrica}
