South African creatives unite in a powerful demonstration fighting for the rights to fair compensation and ownership of their work
The march, organised by the South African Guild of Actors (SAGA), highlighted a pressing issue within the industry as performers seek recognition and compensation for their contributions to the arts.
Among the notable faces at the demonstration were esteemed actors Kgomotso Christopher, Nambitha Mpumlwana, Loyiso McDonald, and Lawrence Maleka, taking a stand for a cause that they reveal has long been overlooked.
Jack Devnarain, Chairperson of the South African Guild of Actors (SAGA), laid bare the critical need for the Performers' Protection Amendment Bill. He asserted that this legislation would enable artists to reclaim ownership of their work, ending decades of neglect regarding their rights to earn royalties.
'For far too long, South African performers have been denied residual earnings and royalties by producers and broadcasters, robbing them not only of a sustainable livelihood but of the dignity and recognition their work deserves. We are also there to honour and fight for the legacy of actors who have passed and whose families continue to be denied the earnings owed to them. The demonstration coincides with the court's consideration of matters related to the Copyright Amendment Bill (CAB) and the Performers' Protection Amendment Bill (PPAB) – vital legislation that, if implemented correctly, would finally codify fair royalties and residuals for actors and other creatives,' he said in a video shared on social media.
The march was emblematic of a larger struggle, as SAGA declared their commitment to both current and deceased performers who have long been denied their rightful earnings.
The demonstration coincided with the Constitutional Court's deliberation on matters relating to the Copyright Amendment Bill and the Performers' Protection Amendment Bill, both pivotal pieces of legislation that could reshape the landscape for performers in South Africa.
At the core of SAGA's campaign is a belief that access, equity, and fair compensation must be the cornerstones of a just society that values the contributions of artists. 'We stand firmly with ReCreate, BlindSA, Section27, Wikimedia South Africa, SADTU, LIASA, and others to advocate for these principles,' stated SAGA.
With a call to arms, they urged all South Africans to recognise the invaluable role of the performing arts and the rights of those who devote their lives to storytelling.
As lawmakers and the judiciary consider the intricate particulars of impending legislation, SAGA echoed a resounding message: 'We call on them to defend and uphold the rights of performers, ensuring the new legislation is just, inclusive, and enforceable.'
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