Question NW3868 to the Minister of Communications

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15 December 2015 - NW3868

Profile picture: Van Dyk, Ms V

Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications

(1) Does the SA Broadcasting Corporation have a database of all actors who played a part in programmes that are redistributed on other networks; if so, (a) what process is followed to pay actors royalties when programmes are repeated and (b) how many times have royalties been paid for all programmes which were locally made in the (i) 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14 and (iii) 2014-15 financial years and redistributed to other networks; (2) in each specified case, (a) what is the name of the programme and (b) what are the names of the actors benefitting from the specified royalties?

Reply:

(1) The SABC has a database of actors. The database is made up of details of actors from recent productions. Historically, databases were not maintained and this means that a list of actors from old productions can only be obtained by watching the tapes and recording the information. Contracts for actors from old productions were also not kept by actors and producers. This complicates the payment of royalties as the SABC has to rely on affidavits and use rates there were averages from the year of production.

(a) It is important to note that repeat fee royalties are not paid on programmes that have been licenced to other networks. Repeat fees are payable only when programmes are rebroadcast on SABC Channels 7 days after the original broadcast. Commercial exploitation fees are payable when content is licenced to other broadcasters.

The SABC together with industry bodies representing producers and actors are discussing a process whereby broadcast royalties are paid out to actors. These discussions are at an advanced stage. In the interim the SABC addresses individual claims as they are made. As mentioned earlier, some payments are made based on contracts from the actors while other payments are made based on affidavits as actors do not have contracts (old productions).

(b) Royalties derived from content exploitation (i.e. licencing of content to other broadcasters/platforms) are paid on a quarterly basis. Royalties have been paid once in 2014-15. None were paid in the preceding financial years.

Royalties paid for repeat fees are paid monthly based on received claims.

(2) (a) Generations and Isidingo

(b) Anga Makubalo, Bawinile Modise, Camilla Waldman, David Phetoe, Katlego Danke, Mandla Gaduka, Menzi Ngubane, Nambitha Mpumlwana, Seputla Sebogodi, Slindile Nodangala, Sophie Ndaba, Thabiso Kokheti, Thami Mnqolo, Thato Molamu, Zenande Mfenyama, Zolisa Xaluva, Chris Basley, Hlubi Mboya, Michele Botes, Robert Whitehead

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

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