South Africa's arts industry lacks recognition and support. Actress Connie Chiume and Minister Zizi Kodwa discussed industry issues like fair royalties and unionization. We examine the discussion and offer solutions relevant to South Africa.

In South Africa, there has been a growing concern about the lack of recognition and support for the arts and culture industry. Legendary actress and filmmaker Connie Chiume, alongside Minister of Sports, Arts & Culture Zizi Kodwa, recently engaged in a conversation about some of the issues facing the industry, such as the need for unions and fair royalties. 

We delve into the details of their discussion, providing context on how these issues affect Chiume and others in the industry. We also propose implementable solutions to address some of the concerns raised in the conversation, with a focus on the South African landscape.

The conversation between the Minister of Sports, Arts & Culture Zizi Kodwa and legendary actress & filmmaker Connie Chiume focused on the lack of attention given to art and culture compared to sports in South Africa. Chiume raised several issues, including the need for unions for actors/actresses, royalties, and the fact that even as a legendary actress, she is still expected to stand in audition lines for roles.

Connie Chiume is a prominent South African actress and filmmaker who has been in the industry for 46 years. She has played various roles and has contributed significantly to the development of the industry. However, the issues discussed during the conversation with the Minister highlight the challenges faced by many in the industry.

One of the main issues Chiume raised was the need for unions for actors/actresses. While there are unions, they are not effective in representing the interests of actors/actresses. Many of these unions are run by active actors who face a conflict of interest when it comes to representing their fellow actors. 

Therefore, Chiume suggested the need for a trade union that is not made up of active industry players. Such a union would better represent the interests of actors and actresses in the country.

Chiume also spoke about the lack of human resource procedures, such as sick leave and maternity leave, for technical staff in the industry. These procedures are essential in any workplace, and the lack of them makes it difficult for technical staff to work effectively. 

Therefore, Chiume suggested that the Department of Labour should look into these issues to ensure that the technical staff in the industry is adequately protected.

Another issue raised by Chiume was the lack of royalties for actors/actresses. Despite the significant contributions made by actors/actresses in the industry, they do not receive adequate compensation for their work. The lack of royalties makes it difficult for actors/actresses to make a living, even after working on several productions. 

Therefore, there is a need for actors/actresses to receive royalties from all the productions they have worked on, regardless of whether they are still working or not.

Chiume also spoke about the need to do away with audition lines for experienced actors/actresses. She highlighted the fact that after 46 years in the industry, she is still expected to stand in audition lines for roles. This practice devalues the experience and contributions of experienced actors/actresses in the industry. 

Therefore, there is a need to do away with audition lines for experienced actors/actresses and find a better way to cast for roles.

The Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by the industry and promised to take action. He admitted that the government had not done enough to promote art and culture and promised to invest more in the industry. He acknowledged that the industry is an important part of the economy and needs to be taken seriously.

One of the solutions proposed by the Minister was to increase investment in the industry. He acknowledged that art and culture are critical to the economy and promised to do more to support the industry. He also suggested that the government should work to promote the industry globally and create more opportunities for artists and filmmakers to showcase their work internationally.

The conversation between the Minister and Chiume highlights the challenges faced by actors/actresses and filmmakers in South Africa. There is a need for effective unions that can represent the interests of actors/actresses, the establishment of human resource procedures, and the need for actors/actresses to receive royalties for their work. 

Additionally, there is a need to do away with audition lines for experienced actors/actresses and invest more in the industry. 

By taking these actions, the South African government can promote the industry and create more opportunities for artists and filmmakers to showcase their work.