Save SA Film and TV Jobs coalition declares deadlock with DTIC after months of talks

Coalition says talks produced ‘little more than talk shops’

The coalition, backed by 16 organisations, said it has taken part in only five meetings with the DTIC over the past six months despite the seriousness of the situation. It accused the department of engaging reluctantly and failing to show the urgency or responsiveness the industry requires.

In a statement the coalition said:

“Throughout this period, the coalition has struggled to secure meaningful engagement from the department, which has engaged reluctantly and has not demonstrated the level of urgency, collaboration, or responsiveness that would be expected in circumstances where an entire industry is under severe distress.”

The coalition added that, despite sending detailed proposals and corresponding with the department, the process has produced “little more than ‘talk shops’, with no meaningful implementation on the urgent issues threatening the survival of the sector.”

Adjudication stalled, applications unprocessed

The coalition said the DTIC’s Film and Television Production Incentive has been non-functional for an extended period. It said adjudication committee meetings have not resumed for almost two and a half years, applications remain unprocessed, productions have stalled, and jobs across the sector are at risk.

It warned that continued failure to restart adjudication and process applications creates a real risk that allocated public funds may go unused, even as the industry faces severe distress.

Requests for ministerial intervention met with silence

On 13 July the coalition wrote to Minister Parks Tau requesting urgent ministerial intervention, asking for the immediate reopening of adjudication committee meetings, the urgent processing of applications, and a formal written response within seven calendar days. The coalition said it has not received a response.

It said it has had only one meeting with the deputy minister since the previous Parliamentary Portfolio Committee process and has not met with the minister.

“The industry is not merely awaiting policy discussion. It is facing an immediate operational crisis.”

Plans to brief Parliament and possible renewed mobilisation

The coalition said it has requested to appear urgently before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition to update the committee on the deadlock, the failure of implementation, the risk of budget underspending, and the worsening impact on the sector.

It said it is considering renewed mobilisation of the industry, including nationwide protest action, should there be no urgent and meaningful intervention while emphasising it does not take that step lightly.

Coalition representatives remain committed to a constructive resolution but warned they cannot continue to wait while transformation is reversed, productions collapse, jobs are lost, and confidence in the sector deteriorates.

DTIC response and parliamentary timetable

DTIC spokesperson Bongani Lukhele said:

“Unfortunately, the department is unable to comment on the matter at this stage.”

Portfolio committee chairperson Mzwandile Masina confirmed the coalition is scheduled to appear before the committee in early August.