Parliamentary Committee steps in to protect South Africa’s film and TV industry

The Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition has moved to safeguard jobs and restore confidence in South Africa’s film and television sector amid funding uncertainty.

Following meetings with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and industry stakeholders, the committee said it is committed to “facilitating meaningful dialogue aimed at retaining existing jobs, creating new employment opportunities, and advancing inclusive economic development in the industry.”

The film and television sector told the committee it is facing major funding challenges due to uncertainty over the Film and Television Production Incentive Programme.

Incentives pre-approved in 2021 were later revoked over alleged non-compliance, affecting production companies, investors, and workers across the sector.

“The sector is people-intensive and sustains thousands of South Africans including actors, directors, producers and filmmakers but also small, medium and micro enterprises providing catering, transport, set design, clothing, and other essential services,” the committee said.

It noted the industry also provides “numerous opportunities for youth employment and on-the-job technical skills development.”

Committee chairperson Mzwandile Masina said the industry’s value cannot be underestimated in a country with high unemployment.

“Supporting a people-intensive sector like film and television is not a luxury, it is a necessity,” he said.

The committee called for “creative and alternative funding solutions” and improved communication between government and industry.

It stressed that greater clarity and consistency in incentive guidelines are critical to preventing future disputes.

 “We have consistently advocated that support from the DTIC must go beyond financial assistance,” said Masina.

“There must also be non-financial support that helps industry players comply with guidelines and eligibility requirements. Our task now is to ensure continuous engagement until solutions are found. We owe it to the thousands of South Africans whose livelihoods depend on this sector to ensure certainty to restore investor confidence.”

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