Minister of Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa has expressed concern over the dismissal of some cast members of Generations television soapie.

Minister Mthethwa says that ‘Generations’ has contributed to the development and growth of South African talent and the film industry. Also he has noted that it enjoys a huge following amongst television viewers.

“For over a decade generations has contributed to job creation and provided opportunities for local talent to be acknowledged and recognized. This has highlighted the quality of talent that exists in the country and thus saw Generations enjoy the support of many television viewers for whom it has become part of their lives.

“We are deeply concerned about these developments and hope that SABC management, the production company and worker representatives will work together to reach a speedy resolution to this matter.

“The Department of Arts and Culture has always encouraged and supported calls for the formation of a strong creative workers representative body to look after the interest of the artists. We are willing to engage with all the relevant people to help find a speedy and amicable resolution to this matter,” said Minister Mthethwa.

Minister Mthethwa says the creative economy, especially film-making, makes a significant contribution to job creation and the economic growth and development in the country and therefore the rights of creative workers and other professionals in the sector should be respected and protected.

For more information, contact Spokesperson for the Minister of Arts & Culture, Sandile Memela at: 082 800 3750