A limited number of guests (as per the Covid-19 regulations) came together on Monday, March 31, at Level Seven Restaurant and Skybar in Kempton Park when the highly-coveted Royalty Soapie Awards committee honored last year’s winners at its annual RSA Winners Luncheon.

Judging from the experience, we consider the luncheon significantly important than any other, though not just because the private gathering was graced by the presence of entertainment industry veterans like Lillian Dube and Angus Gibson.

Celebrities used the power of their voices and national television to discuss many controversial and political issues affecting the acting industry.

Facilitated by Trending SA’s Mablerh, industry veterans and last year’s winners such as scriptwriter Bonga Percy Vilakazi, Angus Gibson, Lillian Dube and award-winning make-up artist Bongi Mlotshwa.

In Mablerh‘s opening dialogue, the vibrant host touched on sensitive industry topics that exposed ugly truths such as poor remuneration, alleged unfair contractual agreement, alleged unfair treatment by producers, and the lack of support from the Department of Arts & Culture

Mablerh made light of serious situations by adding some sarcastic humor to the topics..

Now that these issues were out in the open, industry players shared their concerns and grievances to government representatives who also attended the event.

Dr Lillian Dube raised her concerns about the disappearing relief funds issued by government to assist struggling actors especially during these uncertain times. Apparently, The R300 million issued as part of the Presidential Employment Stimulus Package programme has vanished into thin air.

Dr Dube said that she only survived because she has a business and if it wasn’t for that, she would be struggling like most actors who rely on the government. She also added that the industry is owned by white people and it becomes hard for most black-owned casting agency to make a sustainable profit money because all of it goes to pay for the service rendered by the white man.

Dr Lillian’s bravery was commended, leading to more actors opening up about their struggles in the industry.

Sicelo Buthelezi, who is known to many South African viewers for portraying the role of Teddy in Gomora – spoke about his fears as a young actor in an industry that has been damaged for years.

”I might not feel the pinch right now since I have no prior responsibilities, but it scares me that three years down the line when I have kids, when my responsibilities grow, I won’t have enough to take care of myself and my family. I feel like this battle is far from being over because it is easier to get replaced by someone else who is willing to take the small amount you are complaining about.”

Sophie Ndaba, also added her concerns about the biggest factors that can be considered overall in terms of issues actors face.

”Overall on the whole, actors often face a wide number of challenges overall and need to be prepared to go over and above what they had not expected. For example, we got ousted from Generations and only a few people in the industry and the department pulled through to support us. The spirit of division amongst actors is the biggest problem we are facing and until we become united, the industry will remain the way it is.”

Winnie Ntshaba backed Sophie’s sentiments by saying: ”Acting is inherently a vulnerable and competitive profession. The job is sensitive because we are required to perform actions that our characters would do, but that we personally wouldn’t, for example. Actors are trained to embrace this discomfort, but it can still be unsettling and disorienting.

In addition to what Sophie was saying, when we got axed from Generations, a very few actors came to support us. They proved to us that they are okay with being treated unfairly and paid less just because you need the job. I think we should all unite, because together, we are more stronger and louder.”

 

.