Entrepreneur says South Africa’s “pay once” system leaves performers without long-term financial security
South African entrepreneur Vusi Thembekwayo has renewed calls for changes to the country’s entertainment industry payment system following the death of veteran actor Seputla Sebogodi.
Sebogodi, who became widely known for his role as the ruthless Kenneth Mashaba on the popular television drama “Generations”, passed away on July 15 due to diabetes-related complications.
Following his death, tributes poured in from fans, colleagues and public figures celebrating his contribution to South African television and theatre. However, Thembekwayo argued that celebrating actors after their passing is not enough and that deeper changes are needed to protect performers.
Responding to a tribute shared by the Gauteng Provincial Government on X, Thembekwayo called on authorities to review the laws that determine how actors are compensated.
“The best service the nation can give to the memory of Seputla Sebogodi is to relook at the laws governing how actors are paid,” he wrote.
The businessman criticised what he described as South Africa’s long-standing “pay once” model, where actors are often paid a single fee for their work but do not receive additional income when productions are replayed or distributed to new audiences.
According to Thembekwayo, broadcasters and production companies continue benefiting financially from successful shows, while many actors who helped create those productions struggle financially later in life.
“They light up the screen for years, bringing joy to our homes and then struggle or leave this world without their dues,” he said.
He also raised concerns about contracts in the industry, arguing that some performers sign agreements that give away their rights permanently, preventing them from earning royalties or residual payments from their work.
Thembekwayo believes this system affects actors’ ability to build long-term careers and discourages some performers from challenging unfair conditions because they fear damaging their reputation within the entertainment industry.
The debate around actor compensation is not new in South Africa. More than a decade ago, a major dispute involving the cast of “Generations” highlighted concerns about working conditions, contracts and payment structures.
The dispute resulted in a mass cast departure, temporarily affecting the popular soap opera before it returned as “Generations: The Legacy” with a new cast and storyline.
For Thembekwayo, the issues raised during that period remain unresolved, and Sebogodi’s passing has once again highlighted the need for reform.
He believes that creating a fairer system for actors would ensure performers receive ongoing benefits from the work that continues to entertain millions of viewers.
As South Africa continues mourning Sebogodi’s loss, discussions around the treatment, recognition and financial protection of artists have gained renewed attention.
