Actors applaud move to classify creatives as employees

South African Guild of Actors chairperson, Jack Devnarain, says government’s move to classify creatives as standard employees is long overdue, following years of calls for stronger labour protections in the industry.

Labour and Employment Minister, Nomakhosazana Meth, announced earlier this week that performers will now fall under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, after publishing a notice of intention.

The change will entitle actors and crew members to benefits including annual, sick and maternity leave, regulated working hours and protection against unfair dismissal.

South Africa’s creative industry has long grappled with late or non-payment of artists and performers, insecure working conditions and unfair labour practises.

Many artists are hired on freelance or short-term contracts, leaving them without basic workplace protections.

Devnarain says the announcement marks a significant and long-awaited reform for the sector.

“This is a project that has been underway for a number of years now and in fact, was initiated by the Department of Employment and Labour in 2019,” he said. “It’s taken many, many submissions and engagements with industry, and we’re very pleased to say that even though there are a number of industry voices that have tried to paralyse this process,  the government has seen the value in introducing the reforms that are needed and in fact, to bring the creative sector in line with international best practices.

He added that regulation would bring the creative sector in line with international best practice.

“Regulation takes the form of collective bargaining rights and the rights to unionise, which is the one thing in its absence in our industry has actually caused a huge amount of workplace violations, abusive practices and misconduct,” Devnarian said.

Members of the public have until 22 February to submit comments and representations on the minister’s notice.