In a rallying cry for change, South African filmmakers are urgently addressing the ongoing issues with the country’s cash rebate system, which is crucial for supporting local film and television productions. Industry leaders are pushing for answers regarding unpaid claims and enhanced transparency from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), the entity responsible for administering the 25% cash rebate.

Unpaid Claims and Stalled Applications

Industry representatives identify unexplained delays at the DTIC as a primary cause for the system’s struggles, leading to millions of dollars in unpaid claims owed to filmmakers. Many applications currently hang in limbo, with some awaiting approval for over a year. Tshepiso Chikapa Phiri, CEO of Known Associates Group, expressed dismay at the department’s inaction, stating, “We should never have gotten here,” during a recent interview at the Joburg Film Festival.

Industry Protests Highlight Urgency

In response to the mounting frustrations, hundreds of professionals from the film and television industry gathered outside the DTIC’s offices in Pretoria. They urged officials to expedite pending rebate applications and address the significant backlog of unpaid claims, some dating back three years. Joel Chikapa Phiri, Chairperson of Known Associates Group, led the crowd in a passionate demand: “Pay the claims! Pay them now!”

Industry Grievances and Proposed Changes

During the protest, industry bodies, including the Independent Producers Organization (IPO) and the Documentaries Filmmakers Association, presented a memorandum to a DTIC representative. This document detailed the industry’s concerns and outlined a need for a revamped rebate system that emphasizes simplicity, reliability, and reduced bureaucratic hurdles, along with clear timelines for approval and payments.

The Economic Impact of Delays

The South African film and television sector contributes significantly to the economy, employing around 60,000 workers and generating between 8 to 10 billion rand (approximately $440 million to $550 million) annually. However, the pandemic severely impacted the industry, and the current rebate issues have stalled many projects, leaving professionals concerned about their financial futures. The memorandum highlighted that the ongoing lack of communication from the DTIC and absence of a coherent growth strategy jeopardizes both employment and economic contributions.

Challenges and Future Prospects

As the situation continues to evolve, filmmakers are feeling the strain of tightening budgets, exacerbated by delays from the DTIC. Marc Schwinges, a producer and chairperson at the IPO, remarked on the limited financial resources available, calling the environment increasingly challenging without a functioning rebate system. Nomsa Philiso, CEO of general entertainment for MultiChoice, also noted the painful effects of the delays on producers across the industry.

Hope for Change

Despite these setbacks, industry professionals remain cautiously optimistic. Following the protests, DTIC deputy minister Zuko Godlimpi indicated the potential for improved communication through regular meetings with industry representatives, which Phiri termed a “big step” toward resolving the ongoing issues. “People are very optimistic. No one is throwing in the towel,” Philiso stated, echoing the sentiment of resilience prevalent in the sector.