- More than 300 extras signed a blistering letter to agencies and production houses.
- Allegations of sexual exploitation, unpaid work, and poor conditions shake the industry.
- COSATU steps in, backing actors and pushing for labour law reforms.
After years of alleged exploitation by production houses and casting agencies, South African background actors have finally drawn a line in the sand. They are demanding a minimum wage of R500 a day a sharp increase from the current R150 to R300 daily rate many have been forced to accept.
This demand translates into R10,000 a month for 20 working days, or R15,000 for 30 days a far cry from the so-called “slave wages” some actors earn, often as little as R3,000 for 20 days’ work.
Actors Unite and Issue Ultimatum
On 3 September, over 300 extras signed a letter warning agencies and productions of a boycott if their demands were ignored.
The letter, fiery in tone, declared:
- No actor will accept less than R500 a day from 25 September.
- All actors must be given contracts before work begins.
- Same-day payment is required.
- Agencies posting briefs below the wage will be publicly exposed on social media.
The letter also accused some agencies of demanding sexual favours and exploiting actors with alcohol and unpaid overtime.
“We are not donkeys. We require same-day payment,” the letter read.
Voices From the Industry
Background actress Zoe Zungu, who has been in the industry since 2011, described years of low wages and poor treatment.
“Without getting paid for overtime, we put in 10 to 12 hours a day at work. The working conditions are frequently subpar. We are tired, we want change.”
Agencies, however, have pushed back.
Thabo Ndimande from Let’s Talk Management dismissed the demand:
“They must forget it. If they don’t want to work, we’ll take others. We can hire and fire anytime.”
Sebenzile Mngomezulu of Khazimula Casting admitted productions control payments:
“I’m willing to pay more, but production houses dictate the fee. From that, I still deduct my commission. Payments are often delayed, which causes tension.”
COSATU and Labour Law Reform
Trade union federation COSATU has stepped in, backing the actors’ demand.
Spokesperson Matthew Parks said:
- COSATU is working with Nedlac and the Department of Employment and Labour to formally recognise background actors as workers.
- This recognition would give actors the right to unionise, access UIF, medical aid, and compensation insurance.
- The industry has a history of exploitation, unpaid work, and blacklisting of whistleblowers.
“These demands are fair and respond to long-standing grievances. The industry has shamefully ignored them,” said Parks.
A Growing Industry Crisis
This is not the first time the industry has faced scandal. In 2023, Bakwena Productions left background actors and crew unpaid after a major shoot.
With threats of boycotts, exposure of “dirty secrets,” and rising union involvement, the standoff between actors, agencies, and production houses could reshape the South African film and TV landscape.