Latest news with #SouthAfricanGuildofActors
The Star
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
South African creatives unite in a powerful demonstration fighting for the rights to fair compensation and ownership of their work
Despite the biting cold, a resolute crowd of South African creatives came together at Constitution Hill on Wednesday to voice their demands for fair earning rights for actors. 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.' [email protected] Saturday Star
IOL News
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
South African creatives unite in a powerful demonstration fighting for the rights to fair compensation and ownership of their work
Amid chilly weather, South African actors and creatives unite at Constitution Hill, rallying for the rights to fair compensation and legacy protection as the Performers Protection Amendment Bill is debated in court. Amid chilly weather, South African actors and creatives unite at Constitution Hill, rallying for the rights to fair compensation and legacy protection as the Performers Protection Amendment Bill is debated in court. Despite the biting cold, a resolute crowd of South African creatives came together at Constitution Hill on Wednesday to voice their demands for fair earning rights for actors. 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.' Saturday Star
IOL News
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
SAGA stands up for performers' rights at Constitutional Court demonstration
Actor and chairperson of the South African Guild of Actors (SAGA), Jack Devnarain. Picture: Instagram. Image: Instagram The South African Guild of Actors (SAGA) is taking a strong stand for performers' rights by joining a pivotal Constitutional Court demonstration at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg. The demonstration will bring together civil society organisations to demand fair compensation and protection of intellectual property rights for creative professionals. SAGA's participation underscores a long-standing commitment to securing fair earnings for South African actors, both living and deceased. 'For too long, South African performers have been denied residual earnings and royalties by producers and broadcasters,' the Guild said in a statement. 'This not only undermines their ability to sustain a livelihood but also strips them of the dignity and recognition their work deserves.' The demonstration also honours the legacy of actors who have passed on, and whose families continue to be denied the rightful compensation owed to them. This action coincides with the Constitutional Court's consideration of two crucial pieces of legislation: the Copyright Amendment Bill (CAB) and the Performers' Protection Amendment Bill (PPAB). If implemented effectively, these bills would formalise equitable royalty structures and residual payments for actors and other creatives. The Copyright Amendment Bill (CAB) is designed to modernise South Africa's outdated copyright laws, with the aim of ensuring fair remuneration for creators, protecting their moral rights, and recognising digital rights. It also includes provisions for royalty sharing and improved access for education, research, and persons with disabilities. The Performers' Protection Amendment Bill (PPAB) focuses specifically on safeguarding the rights of performers such as actors, musicians, and dancers. It introduces economic rights over recorded performances, royalty entitlements, stronger consent mechanisms, and protections for performers' moral rights. If implemented correctly, these bills would bring South Africa's legal framework in line with international standards and help ensure equitable treatment for artists across the board. SAGA is standing in solidarity with key partners including ReCreate, BlindSA, Section27, Wikimedia South Africa, SADTU, LIASA, and others, united in the belief that access, equity, and fair compensation are the foundations of a just society. 'SAGA urges all South Africans to recognise the value of the performing arts and the rights of those who dedicate their lives to storytelling,' the Guild stated. 'We call on lawmakers and the judiciary to ensure that this legislation is just, inclusive, and enforceable.' IOL Entertainment
