Latest news with #Isidingo
The Citizen
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Trump's film tantrum: Brandon Auret calls on Gayton McKenzie to invest in local films
'I'm a firm believer in that when the door is closed, jump through the window,' actor Brandon Auret told The Citizen. Auret has called on Minister Gayton McKenzie to use Donald Trump's 100% tariffs on films made outside of the US, as an opportunity to invest in local film industry. Picture: brandon_auret/ Instagram South African actor and filmmaker Brandon Auret has called on Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie to use Donald Trump's 100% tariffs on films made outside of the US as an opportunity to invest in the local film industry. The US president recently proposed a 100% tariff on all foreign-produced content. If implemented, it would apply to locally made films, potentially even productions filmed here and series sold into the US. 'I'm a firm believer in that when the door is closed, jump through the window,' Auret told The Citizen. Opportunity Auret, who most South Africans were introduced to when he appeared on the SABC 3 soapie Isidingo as Leon du Plessis, said he doesn't blame Trump for his decision because it's always been much cheaper for foreign films to be made outside of the US. Auret said the decision was however sad for the South African industry because not enough films are being made by locals. 'Hollywood screwed itself, especially with Los Angeles. The prices that they were paying to get location licenses, to get permits to be able to film in a studio- the executives screwed you over, it's not other countries, mister Donald Trump,' said Auret. 'The big money guys, they chased the films away. It became too expensive to shoot in Los Angeles.' The South African actor said that if one takes a movie with a $10 million budget in the US and shoots it in South Africa, the conversion rate means the budget swells to at least R180 million. 'You could shoot the exact same quality film in South Africa, with our crew, our cast. It makes sense not to shoot in a country that's not overcharging you for everything.' He said this was an opportunity for McKenzie to step up for the local film industry. 'Not just the sport side of it, but the arts and culture side of it. Get your mayors, councillors from different areas to put money into a film and let every place in South Africa become a film location,' expressed Auret. 'There's no backing. Nobody is doing a thing about the film industry, the DTIC and the NFVF has screwed over people,' Auret claimed. The Citizen contacted McKenzie's office for comment, but was unsuccessful at the time of publishing. Any response will be included once received. ALSO READ: SA's film success faces a Trump-sized threat 'No backing' In March, members of the Independent Black Filmmakers Collective, Independent Producers Organisation and other industry players protested outside the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) offices in Tshwane, voicing growing concerns over the DTIC's failure to address critical issues impacting the industry. In April, the South African Screen Federation (SASFED) criticised McKenzie for appointing National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) CEO Vincent Blennies. 'The minister's disregard for established rules and guidelines can harm the regulatory frameworks that have been put in place to ensure fair distribution of resources, transparency and effective governance in the sector,' read a statement from SASFED. While addressing McKenzie as the minister, Auret called on mayors and politicians to invest in domestically-made films. 'Invest some of that money into filmmaking. Get those films to come over to your little town, little cities [and] shoot there, employ the locals,' said Auret. He said the benefit is that it creates a whole ecosystem, including accommodation, food, and transport services. The shooting of a film could involve as many as 180 people. 'The money spent on a film doesn't just go into the film; it's not like everything ends up on the screen. There's a lot of money spent outside of the film' ALSO READ: South Africans make their presence felt at the Met Gala in New York Tourism Auret says there's a lucrative tourism factor when people shoot films across South Africa. The impact of cinema on tourism is enormous. The fantasy film series The Lord of the Rings significantly contributed to New Zealand's GDP through tourism. The series, which was filmed entirely down under, boosted tourism by about 50%, bringing in an estimated NZ$33 million (R600 M+) annually. By 2018, New Zealand welcomed 3.6 million visitors annually, and tourism became the nation's largest export industry. Auret said South Africa has more to offer tourists than the country's three biggest metros, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. 'My whole big thing is not just about making films, not just about investing in the communities that are in those cities, but opening up the tourism. Getting people to go 'wow, that movie was shot where?'' NOW READ: REVIEW: Riky Rick's last album 'Boss Zonke Forever' epitomises his passion for young people
News24
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Gqeberha: The Empire star Kay Bikitsha mourns the loss of her mother
Nothing could ever prepare you for losing a loved one. But losing a parent leaves an unfillable void, a pain that transcends titles and achievements. Read more | #JusticeForCwecwe: A mother's unrelenting quest Kamvelihle 'Kay' Bikitsha (25) is a talented South African actress born in Mthatha who grew up in KuGatyana in Willowvale, Eastern Cape. Kay made her television acting debut in the Mzansi Magic drama series 'Umbuso' in 2022, playing the role of 2 Sly. She then landed a recurring role in 'The Queen' as Siyamthanda and later got her breakthrough in 'Gqeberha: The Empire' portraying the leading role of Nozuko Mxenge one of three wives in a polygamous union to a polygamist, Luzuko Mxenge. Read more | Veteran Isidingo actor, Don Mlangeni dies at 65 Kay captivated audiences and critics alike with her role as Nozuko, garnering a lot of following on all her social media platforms, and getting praises with many who have expressed their admiration for her acting skills which has solidified her status as a new talented artist in the South African entertainment space. Recently life has thrown her a heavy storm as she lost her mother. Kay shared on all her social media platforms a heartfelt post on her mother's passing which was met with warmth and love as condolences poured in from fans and industry artists alike. Read more | 'I'm a mess right now' – Lady Du inconsolable after her father's passing "UYehova wabe umbuyisela kuye umkhonzi wakhe. As I bid my queen farewell; I'd like to thank God for this perfect placement in my life. Mama, ndiya kuzembatha iimfundiso zakho. I thought we had more time. Kodwa enkosi mama ngayo yonke into obuyiyo ebomini bam. Thank you for pouring into me and shaping me into the young woman I am today. Uyohlala uhleli ngaphakathi kwam. Mkhulu umsebenzi owenzileyo. Lala kakuhle Chizi," she posted. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kamvelihle Bikitsha (@kaybikitsha_) today for your VIP pass to South Africa's entertainment world.
TimesLIVE
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Gone but not forgotten: film and TV roles portrayed by late actor Don Mlangeni-Nawa
Mzansi lost one of its greatest talents, Don Mlangeni-Nawa, on April 16. The veteran actor died aged 65 of prostate cancer. He is described as a legend who was dedicated to his craft. He starred in many hit productions including Sgudi 'Snaysi, The Throne, Isidingo and The Estate, among others. Here are memorable TV roles he played that we'll never forget:
The South African
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Fit for 'The Don'? Isidingo star's grand tombstone revealed
Isidingo actor Don Mlangeni Nawa was honoured with a dignified funeral service and a larger-than-life tombstone erection over the weekend. The 65-year-old veteran star died earlier this month after a battle with prostate cancer. Like many late industry greats, Don Mlangeni Nawa was buried at West Park Cemetery's Heroes' Acre. On Facebook, popular funeral provider Khaabo Tombstones shared a look at the gold and black granite tombstone they had designed and erected for the actor. The stone featured a life-size portrait of Don, which was erected on three steps. On each stair was a list of the actor's industry achievements. The company posted, 'Don Mlangeni was laid to rest the executive way, fitting for an icon!' Don Mlangeni Nawa's tombstone is one of several celebrity creations spotted at Heroe's Acre. Others include, Kwaito stars: Emmanuel Matsane 'Mjokes', Prokid, Mapaputsi, and Mshoza Actors: Connie Chiume, Shona Ferguson, Joe Mafela Artists: Robbie Malinga and Mandoza During the funeral proceedings, Don's coffin was spotted being transported via a fire truck to his burial place at West Park Cemetery. According to Sphesihle J Hadebe, this was due to the City of Ekurhuleni granting him a special civil funeral. The coffin was draped in a South African flag and given an extraordinary send-off. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Don Mlangeni Nawa's cause of death finally revealed
The wife of Don Mlangeni Nawa – who played TV dad Zeb Matabane on popular SABC soapie Isidingo – revealed his cause of death: prostate cancer. The widow, Regina Nawa, made the revelation during the veteran star's funeral on Saturday, 26 April. Nawa – known for his many soapie and telenovela roles – died earlier this month at the age of 65 years old. Speaking at his funeral service, Don Mlangeni Nawa's widow, Regina, reflected on his final months, in which he battled an illness he hid from the public. She told the crowd of mourners, 'My husband had prostate cancer. He did his first chemotherapy, but it never worked, he tried a second treatment, but it became so aggressive that they had to cut it short. 'He gained weight over time, but it was false weight. The chemotherapy caused a build-up of water in his body. He was in and out of the hospital until eventually, he was released and told to go home and die with his family.' Don Mlangeni Nawa was given a short reprieve from his illness when he was given access to a medical protocol from overseas. An emotional Regina continued: 'I was forced to stop working to care for him. We were struggling financially. I called on the Premier, who came running and bought the first set of his medication. 'I also reached out to the Deputy Minister of Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities, who purchased the second batch, although my husband passed before he could finish it'. Don Mlangeni Nawa is sadly not the TV industry's only victim of cancer. Last year, fellow Isidingo actress Michelle Botes – who played villain Cherel De Villiers – died of a rare blood cancer at the age of 62. In 2023, Carte Blanche presenter Derek Watts died of complications from skin cancer. He was 74 years old. That same year, Binnelanders actor James Alexander died after a secret four-year battle with head and neck cancer. He was 45 years old. Also in 2023, TV and radio personality Mark Pilgrim died from stage four lung cancer. Mark had shared his year-long cancer battle with his fans on his social media accounts. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
