Fabio_Moletsane retweetledi
This is not the time, but allow the latitude to be disrespectful & inappropriate:
The BEST service the nation can give to the memory of Seputla Sebogodi
is to relook at the laws governing how actors are paid.
This is a strange issue because, on the face of it, it's a simple issue to resolve. But the government has been unable or unwilling to fix this issue since they took power more than 3 decades ago.
They are quick to issue state funerals and publish press releases of condolences but simply will not fix the most important issue in the lives of actors and talent: right and appropriate PAY for their skill and labour.
It's the same pattern we see over and over again: They light up the screen for years, bringing joy to our homes and then struggle or leave this world without dues.
So, why does it keep happening?
The film and TV industry in South Africa is built to “pay once”, and that's it.
Sign the contract.
Do the work.
Get your money upfront.
And move on.
No matter how many times they rerun your episodes on broadcasters’ channels or even sell it elsewhere, you, the talent that made the show come to life, get little to nothing extra.
Think about that: No residuals like the big overseas setups. I am told that standard contracts usually buy out all your rights forever.
Said differently: the producer, or most likely the channel, owns it completely.
And if you speak, the powers label you “difficult” to work with.
So our laws are failing actors. Yet, these actors are known to the politicians who pretend to care but will not fix this issue.
All systems exist because someone benefits from their design.
So who benefits from this system?
From a distance it looks like the broadcasters who are stacking ad cash from repeats.
Then the production houses licensing the same shows again and again. They keep the profits separate from the talent who carried the story.
It's a helluva setup for them, not so much for the actors later in life.
There was that whole copyright push with the bills finally giving actors a real share in the future. It looks like most of it is moving ahead.
Good news. But for too many legends like Seputla, it's already too late to matter.
The sad fact is that talent gets you famous, but ownership and good contracts get you lasting wealth.
We can't keep seeing our favourites die paupers.
The faces and talent sold for a once-off when the channels benefit in perpetuity.
How many more of our people are we going to watch go through this before society demands better?
For me, Seputla will always be Ike from Suburban Bliss. He killed that role.
#RIPSeputlaSebogodi
VT
Gauteng Provincial Gov@GautengProvince
#RIPSeputlaSebogodi | Seputla Sebogodi leaves behind an extrodinary legacy in South African theatre and television. He will be remembered for his memorable performances in Generations, Surburban Bliss, Bophelo ke Semphego, Redemption, and most recent Scandal!, as well as his acclaimed theatre work in productions including Big Dada, Waiting for Godot, The Rivonia Trial, Once a Pirate and Moi Street Moves, amongst many others. His legacy will live through his remarkable body of work and the many lives touched.
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