In a joint statement, the organisations highlighted the financial hardships many artists continue to face, pointing to the absence of labour protections and clear industry standards.

“This is common in creative industries around the world, including in Africa, but not in SA” said SAGA Chairperson Jack Devnarain. “Without these benefits, artists cannot earn residual income or contribute to social security funds that they could rely on in later years. We are asking for our status as workers to be recognised and for our constitutional rights to protection under labour laws to be upheld.”

Devnarain emphasised that recognition under labour laws would mark a major shift, providing fair pay, social security, and formal protections for actors, musicians, and other creative professionals.

–ChannelAfrica–