Sdumo Mtshali Joins Creatives in Fight to Save South Africa’s Film Industry

Actor Sdumo Mtshali has added his voice to growing calls for urgent action to protect South Africa’s struggling film and television industry. Sdumo Mtshali joined fellow creatives who took to the streets in a protest organised under the banner Save SA Film Jobs.

According to eNCA, actors, filmmakers and other industry workers gathered to highlight the serious challenges facing the local creative sector. Protesters marched to Parliament, demanding that the government urgently fix the film and television rebate scheme and take steps to revive an industry that many say is close to collapse.

Organisers of the protest warned that without a functional local film industry, South Africa risks losing its own stories to imported content. They also stressed that the creative sector is not just about entertainment, but about jobs, culture and economic survival. As a result, they called on everyone to support the protest and push for immediate government intervention.

The situation has become increasingly difficult for actors and crew members. Reports show that the industry has shrunk by nearly 50% since 2020. This decline has left many workers struggling with unpaid rebates and fewer work opportunities. For some actors, the lack of income has made it hard to afford basic living costs, creating uncertainty about their futures.

Mtshali shared images from the protest on social media, showing solidarity with other well-known actors such as Warren Masemola and Buyile Mdladla. Alongside the photos, he posted a powerful message explaining why the protest mattered so deeply to him and others in the industry.

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A post shared by Sdumo Mtshali (@sdumo.mtshali)

He shared, “Today, we stand not because it is easy but because it is necessary.

As filmmakers, workers, creatives, technicians, storytellers and families who refuse to be invisible in our own democracy. We are here because the film and creative sector is not a luxury: it is hard work, it is livelihoods, it is part of our culture and it is dignity.

By standing outside Parliament today, you are reminding this country that policy decisions have real human consequences. That when support is delayed, denied and ignored, it is not abstract – it is meals being missed, dreams that are deferred, and futures placed on hold.

This growing SAVE SA Film coalition is proof that when we organise together, when we show up, and when we speak with one voice, we cannot be ignored. History has shown us time and again: progress never comes from sitting in silence, it comes from people who choose to stand up.

Hold your heads high today. Be peaceful, be disciplined and be very proud. Your presence is already an act of hope.

We are not asking for favours. We are demanding fairness, accountability and a sector that is taken seriously. Today, we stand together and together, we will be heard.”