Seasoned actor Jack Devnarain has always been vocal about the plight of actors and creatives in South Africa. He recently accused producers, broadcasters, government, and industry organisations of failing creatives and not stepping up and admitting they failed to protect the rights of performers, crew, and background actors. This, Minister of Sport, arts, and Culture minister Gayton McKenzie has called out the actor for wanting sympathy on social media.
SILENCED
Former Isidingo actor said, the creative industry in South Africa has normalised silence. "If you step back and look at the damage inflicted on the industry through nonpayments, there should be all kinds of alarms, sirens, and media statements by the government, ministers wagging their fingers,' he said. "There should be interventions by industry organisations, but no, none of that is happening - just silence,' Jack said he had also written to the Department of Employment and Labour to request an opportunity to sit down and brief ministers.
BULLIED
Sport, arts, and culture minister Gayton McKenzie since being in office has assisted more than a handful of creatives, artists, and talented South Africans who cried out for help with funding, salaries, and job loss. In his report last year, some of these he assisted was the refurbishing of Arts School NSA, donated to the SA Netball team, and supported funerals of deceased stars, among other gestures. McKenzie has spoken up and condemned actor Jack for using public sympathy on digital platforms and social media to get assistance from his department. "You were the first people I met when I assumed office; I listened and promised to act,' the minister said. "You invited me to a Hindu celebration; I honoured that invite and spoke at that event. I can't report to your organization exclusively. Why accuse us of silence? We will soon have solutions.' He added that he will not be bullied on social media by celebrities. "Many celebrities use social media to bully government officials; they want us to jump when they speak. I'm different; your time of exclusive access is over. You might be famous, but you are not more important than other artists. We treat people equally at the department.' Despite the response, he has plans to make a change in the arts. "Things are about to change,' McKenzie said.
