The South African film and television industry is reportedly on the verge of collapse. This has prompted urgent demands for government intervention to address the failing film rebate system reported broadcastmediaafrica.
Filmmakers and industry workers recently gathered, with representatives from key organisations like the Independent Black Filmmakers Collective, IPO, Animation SA, South African Film Empowerment, and DFA, voicing serious concerns about the situation. The main concern has been raised over the country’s struggling cash rebate system. The key industry bodies are demanding clarity on unpaid claims and calling for greater transparency from the officials responsible for managing the cash back program.
The nation’s 25% cash rebate has been effectively paralysed due to what industry representatives describe as unexplained delays at the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC), the government agency overseeing the rebate. The department reportedly owes local filmmakers millions of dollars in outstanding claims.
“The industry is facing a potential collapse, threatening thousands of livelihoods,” warned Ayanda Sibisi, the interim secretary-general of IPO.
Numerous applications remain stuck in limbo, awaiting approval from a department that has not convened in over a year—a situation that Tshepiso Chikapa Phiri, CEO of production powerhouse Known Associates Group, called “shocking.”
The group’s memorandum accused the DTIC of neglecting previous discussions and highlighted overdue pay claims, some lasting over 3 years. They called for immediate approval of outstanding applications, many of which have stalled for nearly a year.
South African filmmakers are calling for a cooperative approach with the DTIC to resolve issues with the country’s cash rebate system, emphasising its importance for economic growth, job creation, and foreign investment. They stress the need for a functional rebate program to sustain the industry and enhance national pride.
Industry representative Sibisi expressed frustration over more than a year of failed attempts to engage the DTIC on delayed payments and procedural inconsistencies. She highlighted the impact of stalled adjudication meetings, which prevent projects from moving forward, stifling job creation and economic growth.
The DTIC is reportedly struggling to process outstanding payments from 2023, with filmmakers citing mismanagement and systemic failures as key issues. They question why similar incentive programs succeed in over 120 other countries while South Africa’s falters, demanding transparency and economic data to justify its inefficacy.
As concerns grow, industry advocates continue to push for urgent reforms to protect the future of South Africa’s film and television sector.
