IN CONVERSATION WITH LEANNE DE JAGER
Loading player...
The Gauteng Film Commission is facing mounting criticism over its role in supporting and growing the province’s film and creative industries. The issue was recently thrust into the spotlight when a group of creatives staged a sit-in protest at Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s office, expressing frustration over what they describe as the Commission’s failure to create meaningful opportunities for filmmakers, content creators and industry professionals.
According to the Democratic Alliance, the challenges facing the sector are not the result of inadequate funding. The Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation increased its transfer allocation to the GFC from R41.883 million to R42.729 million in the current financial year. The DA argues that despite the available resources, the Commission has failed to deliver on its mandate due to a lack of leadership, accountability and a clear strategy to stimulate growth in the creative economy.
The opposition party has announced plans to submit questions to Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, seeking clarity on how the GFC is utilising the R22 million allocated to film permit facilitation. The DA also wants explanations regarding the Commission’s decision to decline participation in a 2025 study tour to South Korea and what steps are being taken to address concerns raised by industry stakeholders during the recent protest.
At the centre of the criticism is the GFC’s Strategic Outcomes and Targets framework, which commits R22 million over five years towards socio-economic development and job creation through film permit facilitation. Critics argue that there is little evidence that this investment is translating into increased opportunities, job creation or industry growth. Many filmmakers have reportedly described the sector as inaccessible, unresponsive and lacking adequate support for emerging talent.
The DA further points to the Commission’s decision to decline an invitation to participate in a 2025 study tour to South Korea, including engagements with the internationally recognised film industry in Busan. The tour was viewed as an opportunity to establish international partnerships, attract investment, promote co-productions, facilitate skills development and expose Gauteng filmmakers to global markets.
The debate comes at a time when the creative economy is increasingly being recognised as a potential driver of economic growth, innovation and youth employment. Stakeholders argue that with the right support, Gauteng’s film and television industry could play a significant role in job creation and investment attraction. However, concerns remain over whether the Gauteng Film Commission is effectively fulfilling its mandate to develop the sector and create opportunities for local creatives.
The matter has reignited broader discussions about governance, accountability and the effectiveness of public institutions tasked with supporting South Africa’s creative industries.
According to the Democratic Alliance, the challenges facing the sector are not the result of inadequate funding. The Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation increased its transfer allocation to the GFC from R41.883 million to R42.729 million in the current financial year. The DA argues that despite the available resources, the Commission has failed to deliver on its mandate due to a lack of leadership, accountability and a clear strategy to stimulate growth in the creative economy.
The opposition party has announced plans to submit questions to Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, seeking clarity on how the GFC is utilising the R22 million allocated to film permit facilitation. The DA also wants explanations regarding the Commission’s decision to decline participation in a 2025 study tour to South Korea and what steps are being taken to address concerns raised by industry stakeholders during the recent protest.
At the centre of the criticism is the GFC’s Strategic Outcomes and Targets framework, which commits R22 million over five years towards socio-economic development and job creation through film permit facilitation. Critics argue that there is little evidence that this investment is translating into increased opportunities, job creation or industry growth. Many filmmakers have reportedly described the sector as inaccessible, unresponsive and lacking adequate support for emerging talent.
The DA further points to the Commission’s decision to decline an invitation to participate in a 2025 study tour to South Korea, including engagements with the internationally recognised film industry in Busan. The tour was viewed as an opportunity to establish international partnerships, attract investment, promote co-productions, facilitate skills development and expose Gauteng filmmakers to global markets.
The debate comes at a time when the creative economy is increasingly being recognised as a potential driver of economic growth, innovation and youth employment. Stakeholders argue that with the right support, Gauteng’s film and television industry could play a significant role in job creation and investment attraction. However, concerns remain over whether the Gauteng Film Commission is effectively fulfilling its mandate to develop the sector and create opportunities for local creatives.
The matter has reignited broader discussions about governance, accountability and the effectiveness of public institutions tasked with supporting South Africa’s creative industries.
