The South African film and television industry is reportedly on the verge of collapse, prompting urgent demands for government intervention to address the failing film rebate system. Filmmakers and industry workers gathered recently, with members from organisations such as the Independent Black Filmmakers Collective, the Independent Producers Organisation (IPO), Animation SA, South African Film Empowerment, and the Documentary Filmmakers Association (DFA) expressing their deep concerns about the situation.
Protesters held a public demonstration at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) headquarters in Tshwane, submitting a memorandum outlining their grievances and demands. The industry representatives criticised the DTIC for its inaction and lack of accountability regarding budgeted funds to support and revitalise the struggling film and television sector.
“The industry is facing a potential collapse, threatening thousands of livelihoods,” warned Ayanda Sibisi, the interim secretary-general of IPO. The group’s memorandum accused the DTIC of neglecting previous discussions and highlighted overdue pay claims, some lasting over 36 months. They called for immediate approval of outstanding applications, many of which have stalled for over ten months.
Producers pointed out that the last adjudication committee meeting took place in February 2024, and since then, no new applications have been processed, exacerbating the backlog. “We seek transparency regarding payments that have not been fully disbursed, and we urge the minister to initiate an independent investigation into the mismanagement of the incentive program,” they stated.
The filmmakers emphasised their desire for collaborative, rather than confrontational, engagement with the DTIC to foster industry growth and contribute to the nation’s social and economic development. They outlined the importance of implementing a functional rebate system that promotes economic growth and secures a sustainable future for the sector, ultimately creating jobs, attracting tourism and foreign investment, and enhancing national pride.
Sibisi expressed frustration, stating, “For over a year, we have attempted to engage the DTIC in meaningful dialogue to understand the reasons for the delays in payments and the lack of adherence to established guidelines.” She stressed the critical nature of the matter, explaining, “Without recent adjudication meetings, no projects are being greenlit, which stifles job creation and negatively impacts both the economy and the industry.”
Moreover, the DTIC is reportedly struggling to process back payments from 2023. “The core issue is the maladministration and systemic failures within the department,” Sibisi remarked, noting that South Africa’s film rebate system was once successful.
With at least 120 countries effectively implementing similar incentive structures, the filmmakers question why South Africa’s system appears to be faltering now. “If these incentives work elsewhere, we need clear justification from the department for why it isn’t working here, along with economic data to support any claims of inefficacy. The economic contributions of the film and TV industry must be recognised,” she concluded.
As the situation unfolds, industry advocates will continue to press for urgent reforms to safeguard the future of South Africa’s vibrant film and television landscape.
