DSE News Network
This week The Sunday Express and DSE News Network had the pleasure of meeting The Content Creators Association Of Zimbabwe (COCAZ), led by Takunda Nex Tapfuma- at the South African leg of the Nollywood SA Actors and Content Creators Roundtable in Bedfordview.
The roundtable, which is the brainchild of both the Actors Guild Of Nigeria in collaboration with the South Africa Guild of Actors, met this week on the topic: Collective Bargaining And Royalties in the Continent of Africa.
The initiative – which included a networking session and city tour, is led by Dr Ejezie Emeka Rollas and brought together actors and stakeholders from across Africa – to deliberate on the status and state of the acting industry in the continent – and the quest for equality and fairness of remuneration.
The Sunday Express caught up with COCAZ Chaiman and leader of the Zimbabwe delegation to the Guild Of Actors roundtable Nex Tapfuma- and asked him:
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DSE News Network: Thank you for taking time out from the proceedings at the Guild Of Actors to talk to the DSE News Network. So what are th highlights from the roundtable from what you can see
Takunda Nex Tapfuma: Thank you Sunday Express and how are you. For us as the Zimbabwe delegation that is attending this roundtable, here the top five highlights
The meaningful interactions with industry professionals from Nigeria and South Africa.
The knowledge sharing on best practices in the entertainment industry, and especially on the continent of Africa.
The discussions on collective bargaining and negotiating skills for artists, very important topic
Exploring potential collaborations and partnerships between Zimbabwean and African artists, this is what we have always stood for
Gaining insights into the challenges faced by actors and artists across the continent.
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DSE News Network: What are the main issues affecting actors, actresses, crew, and content creators in the industry, and how are the stakeholders dealing with them?
Takunda Nex Tapfuma: There are many issues affecting actors and artists – depending on which direction one comes into the conversation.
The roundtable highlighted common challenges faced by actors and artists across Africa, including:
Piracy and copyright infringement
Limited access to funding and resources
Poor working conditions and labor rights
Limited opportunities for training and capacity building
Difficulty in negotiating fair contracts and royalties
Each of these issues are important and we need to find solutions collectively as actors and artists
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DSE News Network: What are the similarities and differences in the issues faced, given that what might affect someone in the North or West Africa, may be a completely different story to someone from East or Southern Africa?
Takunda Nex Tapfuma: It’s a question in itself. For the similiarities: Many African countries face similar challenges in the entertainment industry, such as piracy and limited access to funding. Artists across the continent struggle with negotiating fair contracts and royalties.
At the same time the differences: Each country has its unique industry dynamics, regulations, and market conditions. Some countries may have more developed infrastructure and resources, while others may face more significant challenges.
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DSE News Network: So Nex given that the industry stakeholders have now been brought together in a direct topic of royalties, collective bargaining and negotiating skills. Is the industry itself talking with a united voice, because for the collaborations to work, the industry stakeholders must find each other first?
Takunda Nex Tapfuma: COCAZ believes that collaborations and a united voice are crucial for artists to confront challenges and achieve their goals. The roundtable discussions on collective bargaining, royalties, and negotiating skills were informative and insightful – and many of the positions and conversations are unique to the actors and artists.
As COCAZ we look forward to exploring potential partnerships and collaborations with other African artists and guilds.
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DSE News Network: That you again for the opportunity to discuss the state of the industry and your reflections from the Guild of Actors Roundtable. What is the future of these conversations, and couldf Zimbabwe host one like this soon?
Takunda Nex Tapfuma: On the future of the roundtables and hosting in Zimbabwe – COCAZ believes that hosting a similar roundtable in Zimbabwe would be beneficial for the local creative industry.
I think that hosting such an event would provide a platform for Zimbabwean artists to share their experiences, learn from others, and explore potential collaborations.
To make it happen, COCAZ would need to partner with relevant stakeholders, including the Zimbabwean government, industry players, and international organizations.
