Non-payment of cast, technical crew, and background actors is unacceptable! The failure of productions to stick to payment schedules is a chronic problem that has a devastating impact on hundreds of freelancers.
Ahead of the 2024 festive season, at least four productions had failed to pay cast and crew, some since October. Open letters were circulated on social media, drawing streams of commentary from those eager to share the depths of their ignorance, not least among them, the Honourable Gayton Mackenzie, Minister of Sports Arts and Culture who, true to form, simply played to the gallery.
Meanwhile, the silence of industry organisations, broadcasters, and various government departments speaks volumes. To date, SAGA remains the only industry voice willing to formally support cast and crews demanding immediate intervention by government. It is precisely through the statutory marginalisation of freelancers and lack of industry regulation that abuse is allowed to flourish.
SAGA has placed letters on record with the Dept of Sports, Arts, and Culture; and the Dept of Employment and Labour. These are formal requests to meet with the respective ministers to address the appalling practice of non-payment, and the lack of industry regulation.
SAGA will always speak up for the voiceless, and we will continue to demand fair regulation and transformation of our industry.
UPDATE 07 January 2025: While the Department of Employment and Labour has acknowledged receipt of our letter, the Minister of Sports Arts and Culture appears to have taken the matter as a personal slight. SAGA has yet to receive an official response from his department, but the Honourable Gayton McKenzie took to his X account to censure “celebrities” for bullying him on social media. Meanwhile, SAGA Chair Jack Devnarain explained to Iman Rapetti on Newzroom Afrika that, rather than ‘shooting the messenger’, the Minister should hear the message and commit to honest conversation.
Image Credit: Consolidated Employers’ Organisation