South Africa: Government Paralysis Costs Film Industry Thousands of Jobs and Millions in Revenue

What the report says

South Africa’s film and television incentive programme is set for a partial restart after the Save SA Film and TV Jobs Coalition reached an agreement with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) to begin clearing a large backlog of funding applications. According to GroundUp, the adjudication process for pending applications is expected to resume on 30 September 2026, with new applications targeted to be considered from November, subject to the agreed timetable and revisions to the programme.

The report says the backlog totals about R700-million in film production applications and that adjudication meetings have been stalled for more than two years. The coalition told Parliament that the shutdown has already cost the sector about 1,850 jobs and R822-million in production spending this financial year. It also said the state may have lost between R100-million and R125-million in tax revenue. The coalition represents a wide range of industry groups, including producers, writers, actors, directors, editors, cinematographers, documentary makers, animators and stunt performers.

GroundUp reported that the incentive, launched in 2004 to support local production and international competitiveness, has faced major delays since 2024 amid fiscal pressure and accumulated payment liabilities. DTIC officials told MPs that the contingent liability has fallen sharply since 2025, and the department said it is discussing a more fiscally sustainable model with National Treasury, including the possibility of a tax rebate system. MPs welcomed the progress but pressed the department to restore a functioning incentive and address capacity problems.