Pastor Vince Blennies out as NFVF CEO, unqualified exec gives no reason for why he abruptly quit

by Thinus Ferreira

Pastor Vincent Blennies who has no experience in South Africa's film and TV industry and was appointed as CEO of the South Africa's troubled National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), is out after he quit on 27 May.

Vincent Blennies, who also serves on the board of Boxing SA, gave no reason for why he quit the NFVF CEO post just two months after he was appointed in April. 

He replaced Thobela Mayinje who also abruptly quit and who was acting in the position for over a year and a half, after she was placed on "administrative leave" in July 2024 when the NFVF said it is doing an "investigation for numerous allegations".

Vince Blennies' exit from the NFVF is just the latest chapter roiling the struggling organisation, funded by tax payers through South Africa's department of sport, arts and culture, with the unstable and mismanaged NFVF that continues to lurch from crisis to crisis.

Saudah Hamid, NFVF board chairperson and who also serves on the board of Boxing SA, so far has nothing to say after initially touting Vince Blennies' "extensive executive management experience, with a strong background in organisational leadership, governance, and strategic transformation" when his appointment was announced in April.

Other NFVF board members who also happen to be Boxing SA board members include Mthokozisi Radebe (deputy chairperson and HR chairperson) and Sydney James. 

When Vince Blennies was interviewed for the position of NFVF CEO, it was done by some of his fellow board members from Boxing South Africa who should have recused themselves from the process, although the company secretary failed to enforce this transparent governance process.

The NFVF confirms that Vince Blennies has quit, saying in a statement "Vince Blennies has resigned from his position on 27 May 2025".

"The NFVF Council is addressing the matter with the department of sport, arts and culture and continues to work towards ensuring stability within the organisation." 

In a scathing statement earlier this month, the South African Screen Federation (SASFED) said "While there is now a CEO and council at the helm of the NFVF their legitimacy is deeply tied to this history of interference and manipulation".

"The current leadership cannot be viewed in isolation from how it came into being - through processes riddled with irregularities and violations of governance principles."

"Minister Gayton McKenzie's repeated secondments of department of arts and culture officials into NFVF leadership roles created a cycle of instability that disrupted operations, violated legislative requirements, and eroded trust in one of South Africa's most critical cultural institutions."

SASFED further slammed the "operational stagnation which we have seen at the NFVF over the last year".

"Funding disbursements are delayed. Strategic priorities are misaligned. The cultural economy is left to drift while appointees learn on the job - or worse, don't even show up."

According to SASFED, "Instead of appointing leaders with a genuine understanding of the arts, culture and sport ecosystems, we are handed individuals with no background or interest in addressing the unique challenges of these industries."

"This disregard has led to repeated failures to align key leadership with the needs of filmmakers, artists, musicians and other cultural practitioners."

On Thursday, SASFED told me "The NFVF CEO's resignation is a step in the right direction - but the real issue is the ongoing political interference and the complete breakdown of governance at council level".

"The very fact that the council continues to run back to the minister for direction (as set out in its statement today) - despite its clear statutory mandate - underscores just how blurred the lines of authority have become."

"The current NFVF council has proven it cannot fulfil its legal duties under the NFVF Act, and must be dissolved."

ALSO READ: Vince Blennies is new NFVF CEO with no film biz background

Shaka iLembe: Bomb Productions extras threatened as Sasfed calls for full investigation over exploitation.

by Thinus Ferreira

As extras and potential extras have now had threats made against their lives if they dare to speak out about their horrifying experiences, the South African Screen Federation (Sasfed) says it demands a full investigation of MultiChoice and M-Net's second season of Shaka iLembe after allegations of background performers who were treated like slave labour by casting agencies for the Bomb Productions show.

Extras and potential extras say they've now been threatened if they speak out about the horrible living arrangements and treatment they've been subjected to since the beginning of May.

Bomb Productions employed over 8 000 people for the first season of the show - a number that is set to increase for the second season which will feature big battle scenes as a young Shaka amass a massive Zulu army.

The second season of Shaka iLembe, currently in principal photography in Johannesburg, is mired in scandal after revelations that the base camp has allegedly been surrounded for weeks by tent camps filled with people living in squalor here as well as a house in Kempton Park, hoping to get "roles" as background performers.

Bussed in at their own cost from KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga and paying "rent", while some managed to appear in filmed scenes, many have been hoping in vain to snag a role as an extra in Shaka while they've been struggling to find food to eat or accessing basic ablution facilities.

Lerato Taba, national coordinator of Sasfed - an umbrella body that represents production companies and South Africa's independent film and television industry - says extras on MultiChoice's prestige series for its Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) channel "may have been exposed to discriminatory conduct by certain casting agencies".

"Sasfed is opposed to all forms of mistreatment. It is for this reason that we call for a full investigation by relevant authorities into the matter. We also call on anyone with information to come forward and assist with the investigation."

MultiChoice and M-Net's Mzansi Magic channel only issued a terse statement earlier this week, nothing that "MultiChoice has been made aware of unauthorised camps established by casting agencies near the shooting locations for Shaka iLembe season 2" and that "these camps, housing hundreds of extras in unsafe and closed quarters, are not sanctioned by MultiChoice or any official partners associated with the series".

MultiChoice said "The unauthorised camps identified are in direct violation of these standards and pose serious risks to participants. We strongly advise all extras and potential participants to only engage with verified and legitimate casting agencies affiliated with our production."

MultiChoice and Mzansi Magic didn't respond to specific questions posed in a media query made on Tuesday. 

The Randburg-based pay-TV operator was asked whether it and Bomb Productions are now changing casting agents.

MultiChoice was also asked whether Bomb Productions and M-Net did due diligence in terms of extras casting for this season, and if so what it was; whether there are safety officers on set and if they were aware of what was happening and at these camps, and what MultiChoice makes of people who have now been threatened with their lives if they speak out about their experiences.

Bomb Productions in a statement said "We are extremely concerned by this and have launched an urgent investigation into the alleged agencies, as well as informed all who supply extras to our productions that any found to be contravening the code of conduct will not be engaged with".

According to the production company, while its legal and fact-finding investigation remain ongoing "Bomb received reports of a makeshift campsite housing many people claiming to work for Shaka iLembe and launched an immediate investigation discovering people had been invited by Becky Casting with a promise to work on Shaka Ilembe".

"Bomb has never requested or authorised this. Our investigation found people had paid Becky Casting for accommodation but were living in what we deemed an unsafe and undignified makeshift campsite. Bomb management acted swiftly, demanding Becky Casting address the worrying situation and disband, we also informed the local authorities."

"Bomb has a 20 year professional track record of commitment to creating as many employment opportunities as possible, paying people decent industry-accepted rates and paying on time. Anyone jeopardising this is reckless."

"We are thus deeply aggrieved by the scurrilous behaviour of casting agents for tarnishing the reputation of Bomb and this important historical project, which creates employment for so many."

The South African Guild of Actors (SAGA) says it continues to get calls and messages from people who say they were exploited and received "several verified reports that hundreds of background extras brought to Johannesburg from KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga to work on Shaka iLembe are being forced to pay their agent rent and have only had a few days' work in three weeks".

"Needless to say, the agent will still take their commission from the actors' earnings. The actors are not being fed, have no per diem, and they feel that the agent has abandoned them."

"SAGA is in communication with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) and we have submitted an affidavit that will help them determine the way forward. We won't stop fighting for a safer and fair industry where exploitation no longer exists".

A veteran producer not connected with the show told me "it looks as if there won't be any repercussions as the victims are frightened of being blacklisted if they officially speak up. For once there needs to be real repercussions for all concerned - including the producers who did not do due diligence".

"These poor extras are now sent back to KwaZulu-Natal with no money and more out of pocket than they were before. This shouldn't be. There are safety officers that should be on set but they are mostly not used as broadcasters and streamers are cutting budgets and have no line item for safety officers. Where does the bucks stop?"

Coronavirus: South Africa starts new Covid-19 Film and Television Relief Fund to help struggling workers, Netflix donates R8.3 million as industry bodies ask more companies to contribute.

by Thinus Ferreira

A new Covid-19 Film and Television Relief Fund is being set up to help struggling workers in South Africa's film and TV industry, with Netflix donating some of its $150 million set aside to help the global film and TV industry during the Covid-19 pandemic to South Africa, and with local industry bodies asking for more companies to donate to this new fund.

Netflix has decided to donate R8.3 million to the new Covid-19 Film and Television Relief Fund that is being established by the South African Screen Federation (SASFED).

SASFED, supported by the Independent Producers Organisation (IPO) will establish this Covid-19 Film and Television Relief Fund in collaboration with Netflix to provide emergency relief to the hardest-hit workers in South Africa’s film and TV industry.

This Covid-19 Film and Television Relief Fund will be administered by Tshikululu Social Investment that will screen the applications for eligibility as well as disburse the funds to beneficiaries.

This Covid-19 Film and Television Relief Fund will provide a one-time emergency relief grant to behind-the-scenes workers such as electricians, carpenters, hair and make-up artists, drivers, costume designers and many other freelancers who are paid hourly wages and work on a project-to-project basis.

These workers will be eligible to apply online for the R15 000 one-time benefit from 3 August 2020 at Tshikululu’s website (tshikululu.org.za) or would also be able to mail in a physical application. The eligibility criteria will be posted on Tshikululu’s website on 3 August 2020 when applications open.

In March the pay-TV operator MultiChoice announced that it had decided to set aside R80 million to pay the salaries and wages of workers in the collective film and TV industry in South Africa as well as across sub-Saharan Africa. SuperSport said it would pay freelancers working on productions.

In a statement announcing the new Covid-19 Film and Television Relief Fund with funding from Netflix, Unathi Malunga, SASFED executive director, says "SASFED is delighted about the announcement that the COVID-19 Film and Television Relief Fund will provide relief for workers in the film and TV sector who are not eligible for other available relief funds".

"The South African economy has been hard hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Netflix fund supporting the local film industry brings hope to struggling industry professionals."

"We hope other potential partners will follow Netflix's example and support SASFED’s broader initiatives which offer assistance to industry professionals across the whole value chain - an initiative undertaken by industry, for the industry. SASFED applauds Netflix's support of the local industry during the global crisis."

Sisanda Henna, IPO co-chairperson, says "Following months of extreme hardship for most of our sector, the IPO is overjoyed that Netflix is providing this desperately-needed relief for those most hard hit by the pandemic – the industry’s below-the-line freelancers to whom no other relief has been available".

"This is a clear demonstration of Netflix’s commitment to the sustainability of the South African film and TV production industry, and we welcome them – with wide open arms – as a partner in our broader efforts to support the screen sector."

Dorothy Ghettuba, Netflix's Amsterdam-based boss for Netflix Originals from Africa, says "We’re proud to be working with SASDED and the IPO to support the hardest-hit workers in TV and film production".

"South African crews are vital to Netflix’s success and we want to help those freelancers who most need support in these unprecedented times."

TV biz aghast over SABC's dumping of local drama series High Rollers, sharply criticises SABC for 'bizarre' cancellation decision.

South Africas TV industry is reacting with shock over the SABC's abrupt decision to suddenly cancel local drama series High Rollers before its contract ends with insiders now saying the SABC is readying a pay-off pay-out for the production – ironically wasting millions of rand not to air a local show.

Shock and outrage is growing within South Africa's TV industry over the way the SABC plans to suddenly axe High Rollers on SABC3 within a month. 

Ironically the SABC renewed the casino-set local drama in May for a third season and increased the episode order of 156 episodes from three to five episodes per week.

According to production sources not directly connected to the show but dealing with the SABC, the South African public broadcaster is now allegedly planning to pay out Rous House Productions fully for the remainder of their contract, "so four months' salary for cast and crew".

If true, it means that the SABC will essentially be spending a vast amount of money for nothing in return just to not broadcast a local show it commissioned and had renewed twice.

Rouse House Productions didn't respond to a media enquiry asking about the cancellation and the newly surfaced pay-out rumours swirling, and the SABC told TVwithThinus earlier that "the SABC is not in a position to discuss its contractual obligations with production houses and content providers with third parties including the media".

Following viewers' outrage and an online petition against the SABC's shock High Rollers’ cancellation where signatures and support keeps growing, as well as scorn from South African actors hammering the public broadcaster over its decision, representative TV industry bodies are also slamming the SABC over the "bizarre" cancellation decision.

"This unilateral decision made by the broadcaster has to be challenged, there is simply too much at stake not only for the countless crew members and the company in question, but also the wider industry, this establishes a very dangerous precedent," the South African Screen Federation (Sasfed) told TVwithThinus in a statement.

"Any going business concern has to have a degree of predictability to be able to plan and survive, with our major broadcaster not willing to honour legally binding contracts, such contracts become meaningless adversely affecting our emerging industry".

SABC’s bizarre decision criticised

The South African Guild of Actors (SAGA) told TVwithThinus High Rollers’ cancellation "will have a profoundly negative impact on the production company and the 103 members of cast and crew".

"Many actors on the show, including SAGA members, have given up other possible earning opportunities in order to commit their time to High Rollers. Having the rug pulled out from under their feet like this means they will face the prospect of a very bleak Christmas."

"SAGA is deeply concerned that if the SABC is willing to cancel production contracts before their scheduled prescription, then nothing prevents the broadcaster cancelling other existing production contracts at an even greater expense to the taxpayer."

"The impact of this cancellation will therefore be felt throughout the industry and will add to speculation that responsible and competent leadership at the state broadcaster has been compromised at its highest levels."

SAGA says "the decision to cancel High Rollers which has earned a loyal following on SABC3, seems quite bizarre.  In announcing their intention to cancel the show, the SABC has demonstrated a reversal of its own much-publicised commitment to developing local content."

'Money thrown out the window'

A longtime producer working on shows for the SABC and other broadcasters, told TVwithThinus that "while in America contracts specifically feature the right to cancellation at specific stages if the ARs (audience ratings) of a show are not adequate, I have never seen such a clause in a SABC contract".

"As such, unless the producers are specifically in breach of elements of their contract, the SABC has no right to terminate the production. And even if there is a ratings clause which permits cancellation, one wonders why the same is not happening to Hlaudi Motsoeneng's crap commissions."

"If High Rollers is cancelled now, the SABC will have to pay for all work done and contracted until the final day of the notice period, which will be more money thrown out of the window as the SABC will never be able to use or air any of that work," said the veteran producer.

While the ratings for High Rollers has fallen since May when Hlaudi Motsoeneng abruptly ordered a quota of 80% local content for the channel – a plan that flopped – the viewership decrease for the show is in line with the entire SABC3 viewership that keeps spiralling down month after month since the introduction of the new crop of local shows that all failed to attract viewers.

South African artists - actors, crew, producers - blast the SABC for 'unprecedented' decision wanting to cancel local drama High Rollers on SABC3.

The SABC has been put on full blast by South African artists working in the TV biz, slamming the public broadcaster for wanting to cancel the SABC3 prime time drama High Rollers after boss Hlaudi Motsoeneng constantly said the SABC is supporting local productions and artists.

The South African TV industry is reeling with shock after SABC3 told Rous Hous Productions it wants the casino-set, local prime time soap currently in its 3rd season, off the air within 30 days – even though the production has a much longer contract for more episodes.

A longtime and respected veteran TV producer not working on High Rollers and speaking on condition of anonymity so as to not damage existing and future business relations with the SABC, called the SABC's shock decision "unprecedented" and "unheard of".

The producer told TVwithThinus that "cancelling a contract for a long format production without valid reason and without due notice and the chance to correct what is wrong is unheard of in the industry, and reeks of a purge of local English programming by Hlaudi".

"A sudden cancellation with 30 days' notice is also unheard of, especially as long format series usually script and shoot 2 to 3 months ahead of broadcast."

'Absolutely devastating'

"I would advise all agents, writers, actors and crew along with the producers to do a class action suit or individually sue SABC for breach of contract, as the creatives and crew have been contracted by the production house for a full term of work, which the production house is now forced to break because SABC has breached the terms of its contract with the production house," said the producer.

"An unexpected cancellation like this is absolutely devastating for writers, actors, crew and their agents," said the producer.

"Once a contract is signed, that money becomes absolute and is used to keep a roof over the head, food on the table and children in school. Take it away two thirds of the way through the contract, and you leave some 150 workers and their families destitute. And there is a real chance that it could ruin the production house and force it to close its doors."

The SABC's shocking move to abruptly dump High Rollers comes after it actually increased the number of High Rollers episodes screened per week and moved the show's timeslot from 20:30 to 19:30.

In May High Rollers was renewed for a full third season of 156 episodes on SABC3 and extended from three to five episodes per week.

Hundreds of South African viewers have since signed an online petition signed an online petition that was started here to try and save High Rollers from cancellation – already setting a South African TV record for the most people signing to keep a canned local programme on the air in the SABC’s 40-year TV history.

While the ratings for High Rollers has fallen since May when Hlaudi Motsoeneng abruptly ordered a quota of 80% local content for the channel – a plan that flopped – the viewership decrease for the show is in line with the entire SABC3 viewership that keeps spiraling down month after month since the introduction of the new crop of local shows that all failed to attract viewers.

Ironically it’s highly unlikely that replacement new programming stripped in the 19:30 timeslot will yield SABC3 higher ratings than High Rollers that has an ongoing daily narrative it's replacing; and new shows – often having to build from scratch instead of having a dedicated audience – also often cost broadcasters more than existing shows.

The SABC was asked why it wants High Rollers cancelled before the end of its contract that will leave hundreds of cast and crew out of jobs just before Christmas, why the SABC wants out of a show only two thirds through its latest contract, and if the SABC is concerned about the message it's sending when it cancels a local show while saying it wants more local content for SABC3.

SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago told TVwithThinus in response "the SABC is not in a position to discuss its contractual obligations with production houses and content providers with third parties including the media. If there is anything to be communicated to the production house or the public, the SABC shall do so accordingly".

'SABC has no regard for our industry'

Industry representative bodies like the South African Screen Federation (Sasfed), the South African Guild of Actors (SAGA) and The Independent Producers Organisation (IPO) are aware of the SABC's intent to yank High Rollers before it’s existing contract has expired but have not yet commented publicly.

Meanwhile South African artists – actors, crew and people working on, and who have worked on the show – are slamming the SABC and publicly voicing their support for the show.

"The SABC needs all the quality stuff it can get," said actor Craig Urbani while Des Lindberg said "the public broadcaster should serve the South African public. It is not doing this".

Actress Mbali Hlatshwayo said the "SABC is taking people for granted, it can't cancel High Rollers".

Cast members Justin Strydom said the SABC has acted in bad faith and Vilje Maritz said "it's wrong an unethical".

Former crew member Mandisa Moffat says "the very abrupt cancellation of this show will leave many good people suddenly jobless, and so many fans hanging mid-story". 

Former cast member Motlatji Ditodi said "the cancellation is very confusing and criminal in nature, as people's livelihoods will be stolen from them".

Nico Panagio said "the cast, crew and producers of High Rollers are brilliant pioneers" and that "their work should be celebrated, revered and visciously protected".

"The SABC has no regard for our industry,” said Ilse Klink. "Contracts were signed, this is an illegal move by the SABC. Stop taking the arts for granted. People’s livelihoods are at stake".

"I'm an actor myself and justice needs to be done," said Hykie Berg, while artist Sive Matiwane said "it is high time this country respect our profession".

Actress Anel Alexander said "the actions of the SABC is hindering any possible growth. This is one of the very few local, high quality programmes on their channel. We should be fighting to keep this home-grown content on the air".

"I got my big directing break on High Rollers," said Tebogo Mkhabela. "It's a great show".

"My fellow filmmakers don't deserve to lose their jobs like this," said Toby Harris.

BREAKING. The South African TV industry welcomes Lulama Mokhobo as the SABC's new group CEO and first woman in this position.

In separate statements issued today the South African Screen Federation (Sasfed) as well as the SABC trade union, the Media Workers Association of South Africa (Mwasa), welcomed Lulama Mokhobo as the new group CEO of the SABC, and the first woman to permanently fill the position.

''Sasfed would like to welcome Lulama Mokhobo as the new permanent group chief executive of the SABC, replacing Phil Molefe who was the acting group CEO of the SABC and who had already replaced another interim group CEO Robin Nicholson,'' says the massive trade industry body representing the South African TV industry.

''Sasfed is grateful that the public broadcaster finally has a permanent group CEO again, who will serve a five-year term. Sasfed is pleased by the appointment of a woman to the helm of the SABC, and hopes she will offer some leadership and vision to the SABC, as well as better continuity and accountability.''

''Sasfed welcomes Lulama Mokhobo's appointment, wishes her the best in setting the SABC on the path to transparent and independent public broadcasting, and urges her to seek a meeting with the independent industry as soon as possible so together we can normalise the public broadcasting sphere and provide high quality content to the public.''

''Sasfed heralds the fact that for the first time ever, a woman will head the SABC.''

In another statement Mwasa said it ''welcomes the appointment of Thami Ka Plaatjie to the board of the SABC as deputy chairperson as well as the return of the former group executive: for public services, Lulama Mokhobo who now becomes the first woman group CEO of the SABC''.

''The appointments come at the beginning of what Mwasa hopes would be the beginning of genuine stabilization of the public entity after years of crisis-management and unsustainable levels of opportunity costs.''

''It is however critical and crucial that the SABC recovers from its catatonic state of arrested development,'' says Mwasa in the statement, adding that Mwasa ''positively looks forward to better cooperation with all who support the regeneration and recalibration of the SABC.''

The Broadcast, Electronic Media and Allied Workers Union (Bemawu) said that Lulama Mokhobo was not very successful as the head of public radio. "We will have to wait and see how she does," said Hannes du Buisson, Bemawu president.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) said Lulama Mokhobo had the experience to run the SABC and to bring an end to factional tendencies.

The SOS Coalition in a statement said it ''welcomes the appointment of Thami Ka Plaatjie to the board of the SABC and to the position of deputy chairperson. Further, the SOS Coalition welcomes the appointment of a permanent new SABC CEO, Lulama Mokhobo''.

''We note the enormous pressures of this job and the tough decisions that need to be taken to ensure the successful implementation of the SABC's turnaround strategy,'' says the SOS Coalition. ''We will keep a watchful eye on all progress in this regard. SOS and its members note the need for strong leadership in this position.''

BREAKING. 'We need to fight for our public broadcaster,' says the South African Screen Federation, asking members to join SABC protest action.

''We need to fight for our public broadcaster.''

So says the South African Screen Federation (Sasfed) calling on all members and member organisations to mobilise en masse for this Thursday 24 November's planned massive public protest action at the SABC, set to take place at 13:00 at the SABC's Auckland Park headquarters in Johannesburg in Henley Avenue and at the visitors' centre at parliament in Cape Town.

Sasfed is now calling on all members to join the public picketing at the SABC on Thursday 24 November. Sasfed represents a vast and diverse number of TV and film industry organisations in South Africa - ranging from organisations such as the Documentary Filmmakers Association (DFA) and the Independent Producers Organisation (IPO) to the South African Guild of Actors (SAGA), the Official South African Casting Association (OCSA SA), The South African Guild of Editors (SAGE) to Women in Film and Television SA and many more.

Following a similar public protest in 2009 against the South Africa's public broadcaster, South Africa's TV industry together with pressure groups and trade representative bodies such as Sasfed are now demanding the immediate removal of dr Ben Ngubane as SABC chairperson.

Planning to wear black and red, the collective public protest group says they're tired of the SABC who remains unable to get it's house in order while the broadcaster remains mired in debt and plagued by management instability.

The SABC didn't respond to media enquiries made this week about the TV industry's demand that dr Ben Ngubane step down, or the planned public protest action scheduled for this Thursday.

BREAKING. The South African Screen Federation calls for the immediate resignation of dr Ben Ngubane, SABC chairperson.

The massive South African Screen Federation (Sasfed), a federation of independent film, television and audiovisual content industry organisations in South Africa's TV industry is calling for the immediate resignation of dr Ben Ngubane, the SABC chairperson, citing the ''continuous chaos'' at the struggling public broadcaster.

Sasfed has now joined the large SABC trade union Bemawu that has also called for the resignation of dr Ben Ngubane on 25 October.

Sasfed, calling for dr Ben Ngubane to resign, says that it believes that ''the turnaround of the SABC will continue to be impossible to achieve under the present leadership''.

Sasfed cites the continued delay in the appointment of a permanent CEO, COO and CFO at the SABC, the SABC's lack of significant commissioning of local content since 2008, the ''continued chaos at the national broadcaster such as the Justice Ndaba fiasco, the sudden firing of the company secretary, the luxury car saga, and daily reports of maladministration, corruption, wasteful and fruitless expenditure'', the ''continued lack of respect accorded to the independent film and television production sector by the national broadcaster and SABC's delays and refusals to engage with us as equals'', as the main reasons for calling for dr Ben Ngubane to step down.

Sasfed says that the federation will be asking the new minister of communications, Dina Pule ''to urgently appoint a caretaker administration, publicly nominated from the public sector'' to take financial, editorial and administrative control of the national public broadcaster ''until such time as the SABC finances are returned to profitability, local content quotas are restored to their legal mnimum requirements and the SABC can meet its mandate and its reputation is restored''.

Sasfed says it believes that ''the entire turnaround of the SABC is being unduly influenced by political manoeuvring and hidden agendas'' and that ''the SABC board and acting management have no real intention of engaging in good faith and in a meaningful way with the independent production sector''. ''The continued collapse of sections of the independent production sector is mainly due to lack of commissioning by the national broadcaster,'' says Sasfed.

Meanwhile the Support Public Broadcasting (SOS) Coalition, says Hlaudi Motsoeneng, the SABC's group executive for stakeholder management and provinces and the acting group executive for human capital promised the SOS Coalition a written response from dr Ben Ngubane by the end of this past Friday on the SOS Coalition's questions put to dr Ben Ngubane in which the SOS Coalition said that it was ''disappointed'' and ''disillusioned'' with dr Ben Ngubane. The SOS Coalition says it has received no answers by the end of Friday on its questions.

The SABC didn't immediately respond to a media enquiry made regarding Sasfed's call for the immediate resignation of dr Ben Ngubane.

BREAKING. South Africa Screen Federation (Sasfed) blasts the public broadcaster: 'The SABC continues to destroy itself.'

The South Africa Screen Federation (Sasfed) says it unanimously supports the SABC union Bemawu as the union fights the implementation of the SABC's restructuring plans and the South African public broadcaster's turnaround strategy that unions and the South African television industry claim they're not - and haven't been - consulted on.

Sasfed that represents thousands of people from 9 industry organisations in South Africa's independent television and film industry says that similar to Bemawu's claim that the SABC didn't consult with unions, ''that the SABC has consulted neither the independent industry, nor the unions, with regard to its new operating model and turnaround initiatives''.

''Sasfed had also  unsuccessfully attempted to engage the SABC with regard to their turnaround strategy earlier this year, but the SABC had reneged on their commitments,'' says Marc Schwinges, Sasfed vice chairperson, saying that it's ''very frustrating'' to see the SABC ''continuing in their old ways''.

''We had thought that with a new board the SABC would attempt to engage with the industry at all levels to try and provide a workable solution to enable the SABC to meet it's public broadcaster mandate. Many of our members have seen their companies to the wall, and many jobs have been lost in the independent industry due to the SABC’s short-sighted attitudes. This cannot continue.''

''We all want to see a viable broadcaster telling authentic South African stories, yet the SABC continues to destroy itself,” he said. ''We hope that the Bemawu actions will help bring the SABC to its senses.''

Independent TV producers slam the SABC about its continued lack of local content: ''A bakery does not stop producing bread to save money.''

The South African TV production industry is slamming the SABC about its continued lack of local content on television, its repeated false promises, and its dismal failure to issue new commissioning briefs for local shows.

The SABC which made repeated promises and kept pushing the deadline out, last promised that a new set of locally commissioned briefs for shows would happen by December 2011. It's now 6 months later and the SABC is still not making any local shows besides heinously advertiser-funded productions (AFP's).

''A baker does not stop producing  bread to save money; the broadcaster has to consider how to continue how to produce excellent programming,'' says the South African Screen Federation (Sasfed) and the Independent Producers' Organisation (IPO) in a joint statement, saying that the independent production sector in South Africa that employs 300 000 people - many of whom are dependent on a vibrant public broadcaster - are ''deeply concerned'' about the SABC's turnaround strategy and the place of local TV content and local TV content production within that plan.

''Sasfed and the IPO are concerned that the SABC's turnaround strategy appears to be going ahead without meaningful consultation with the production industry,'' the organisations say. ''The meaningful and sustained turnaround of the SABC cannot be mechanically based on its bottom line, driven by cost-cutting measures - which historically has seen production budgets, already stagnant for at least five years, as a foremost casualty.''

Sasfed and the IPO says the SABC is showing a ''lack of appreciation for the role of independent TV producers. ''The independent production sector is the custodian of decades of substantive insight into the operations and mechanics of the public broadcaster - but it is merely being paid lip service to. The central interest that it represents - that of content and the conditions required for its sustained and optimum production - is not being meaningfully accounted for in the turnaround plan for the SABC.''

South African public broadcaster plans to get rid of 700 workers as SABC wants to rid the corporation of 1 in every 5 workers.

The South African public broadcaster is planning to get rid of 699 workers - 1 in 5 - as the SABC plans to shed jobs as part of its turnaround strategy over the next two to three years.

Justice Ndaba, the SABC's acting head of human capital services told parliament's portfolio committee on communications that the SABC is getting ready to get rid of 699 of the public broadcaster's current 3 699 workers within the next two to three years. That means that 1 out of every 5 current SABC workers will no longer be employed by the public broadcaster by 2014 as part of the corporation's turnaround strategy that includes drastically shrinking the workforce.

ALSO READ: SABC sees its planned new 24 hour news channel as a key driver of the broadcaster's turnaround strategy.
ALSO READ: SABC start begging government for money (again) - this time to pay possible retrenchment packages for workers who want out.
ALSO READ: SABC tells government it stands to lose at least R400 million per year in advertising revenue if a proposed ban on alcohol advertising comes into effect.

The SABC's turnaround strategy is in full swing, however the trade union MWASA is taking the SABC to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) seeking a reversal of all the decisions thus far carried out by the SABC and for ''the corporation's insistence on unilateral implementation of decisions on the restructuring process''. MWASA claims ''the SABC had misled parliament and the whole world that they had consulted organized labour when they actually had not done so''.

Another trade union, Bemawu tells TV with Thinus ''it's shocking that the SABC is talking about letting workers go while the SABC, on a daily basis advertise positions and appoint new people - especially on senior level - and that without following internal processes.'' Bemawu says the tradeu union is ''incredibly concerned'' about the SABC's turnaround strategy ''which seems like nothing more than to get rid of a previous regime and to bring in associates and friends''.

Bewau claims the SABC is once again busy with wasteful expenditure, saying ''18 iPads have been bought for top management while at least R22 million has been payed to Deloitte Consulting so far, amongst other things for the implementation of phase 2 of the turnaround strategy, while not a minute has been spent consulting with trade unions''. ''We're very scared that if retrenchment packages are given, that it will be the personnel working at the SABC the longest - who have the knowledge and expertise - who will leave first, having a massively debilitating impact on the public broadcaster.''

The Independent Producers' Organisation (IPO) and the South African Screen Federation (SASFED) are saying that they also, haven't been consulted by the SABC on the broadcaster's turnaround strategy. ''At a consultation meeting urged by SASFED on 17 January SABC management said its turnaround strategy, as had previously been presented to parliament, was a work in progress that remained open to accommodating the perspectives of the independent television production industry. The SABC committed itself at this meeting to substantive discussions in advance of further presentation to parliament,'' says the groups in a strongly-worded statement.

''To date this commitment has not been honoured and the independent production sector - a vital stakeholder in public broadcasting at the operational coalface with the SABC and directly subject to its deficiencies, is concerned its points of view may not be represented in the turnaround plans being developed,'' says the groups that collectively represent more than 300 000 workers in South Africa's TV production sector.
''The IPO, SASFED and the TV Industry Emergency Coalition (TVIEC) have for the past year tabled a range of ideas about the turnaround of the SABC,'' they say.

SHOCKER! Kgomotso Matsunyane resigns as co-chairperson of the South African Screen Federation (Sasfed).

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Another resignation besides the suspended SABC group CEO Solly Mokoetle happened today: I can exclusively break the news that Kgomotso Matsunyane has unexpectedly tendered her resignation as co-chairperson of the massive South African Screen Federation (Sasfed) today which is set to send ripples, if not a shockwave, through South Africa's TV production community.

Besides a very news-filled day for the South African television industry with Mara Louw officially losing her judge's seat on M-Net's Idols today and Solly Mokoetle getting a golden handshake of millions of rands after he agreed to quit and leave the SABC (my full coverage today RIGHT HERE), I can reveal that Kgomotso Matsunyane no longer wishes to lead this massive federation comprised of film, television and audiovisual industry organisations.

The friendly and charismatic Kgomotso Matsunyane is a producer, writer and director but is best known to ordinary South Africans as the host of her own SABC2 late night talk show, Late Night with Kgomotso.

REACTION ON SOLLY MOKOETLE RESIGNATION: ''High turn-over has been a factor in the instability at the SABC,'' says Sasfed.

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I have more reaction from the South African television industry on Solly Mokoetle's resignation, and just spoke with Feizel Mamdoo, co-chair of the South African Screen Federation (Sasfed):

''As Sasfed we are deeply concerned about the high turn-over of leadership at the SABC,'' says Feizel Mamdoo in reaction to the departing group CEO of the SABC. ''A high turn-over in executives have been a factor in the instability the industry has seen at the SABC. It's only possible for a meaningful turn-around at the South African public broadcaster to take place if this is looked at.''

''We're looking for leadership that is committed to the values of public broadcasting and somebody who can translate that into effective management processes and assistance at the SABC. The person [who replaces Solly Mokoetle] must have committment and a clear vision for public broadcasting in South Africa,'' says Feizel Mamdoo.

ALSO READ: Reaction on Solly Mokoetle's resignation from Support Public Broadcasting (SOS).

TV industry not consulted by SABC in turnaround plan; ''fortunes of SABC depend on the production sector,'' says SASFED.

The South African television industry is not happy with the SABC and the South African public broadcaster's new turnaround strategy, with the industry that's appalled at not having been consulted at all in the matter.

In an open letter to the SABC, SASFED - the massive federation of independent film and TV industry organisations that collectively represent thousands of workers within the South African television production community - says that it ''has not in any way been accomodated for consultation on the SABC's turnaround plan''.

In the strongly-worded letter, SASFED says it wants this ''immediately rectified'' and to be invited ''to consultations on the SABC's turnaround plan and its implementation''. This week in parliament the SABC board presented an outline of its turnaround plan to the portfolio commitee on communications and how the beleaguered public broadcaster plans to dig itself out of massive debt, a skills shortage, corruption, mismanagement, an overload of middle management staff, bad programming, a crippling commissioning content hub and several other issues.

''The fortunes of the SABC depend on it being rooted in a . . . collaborative relationship with . . . the independent production sector,'' says SASFED. Among the issues SASFED cites that the SABC needs to ''address for a meaningful turnaround'' include commissioning procedures for local content and the amount of local content, the role of independent producers, intellectual property and copyright (see my story HERE), co-productions, licensing and the issue of residual payments.

ALSO READ: The End of the SABC owning everything? Why it could be happening sooner than you think.

BREAKING. CNBC Africa no longer getting $3 million a year from the Gauteng Film Commission.

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Apparently the business channel CNBC Africa (DStv 410) received $3 million (R22,29 million) per year from the Gauteng Film Commission (GFC) for the past two years - a five year contract that has now been cancelled.

SASFED - a collective federation that represents the interest of the vast majority of film and TV industry organisations in South Africa - has welcomed the cancellation of the contract. In a press statement, SASFED indicated that the federation has expressed concern about the massive amount of the GFC's annual budget that was committed to CNBC Africa. ''This [contract] alarmed SASFED since CNBC Africa does not act to promote local content production, especially in the independent production sector. SASFED called for this money to rather be made available to Gauteng based companies in the independent production sector, if they were to survive these tough times.''

SASFED said the contract has now been cancelled. I've also asked CNBC Africa for reaction and I'm still awaiting a response.

BREAKING. The Independent Producers' Organisation (IPO) joins SASFED.

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I can be first with the news that the Independent Producers' Organisation (IPO) has decided to join the South African Screen Federation (SASFED).

The Independent Producers' Organisation (IPO) is one of the biggest industry pressure group within the South African TV and film industry and will now make SASFED - a collective federation that represents the interest of most film and TV industry organsations in South Africa - even stronger.