R1-million a week: Who are the highest paid actors in SA?
How well does it pay to be in the South African entertainment industry?
The South African film and television industry has come a long way.
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Local homegrown talents are becoming global stars and should be recognised as such.
In 2023, entertainment commentator Phil Mphela spoke about the salaries of SA's top-tier actors and how experience determines a major part of it:
TITBIT:
— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) August 21, 2023
Top tier actor in South Africa can earn between R150k and R200k per month.
Unfortunately, in South Africa, experience still trumps role prominence.
So, that margin is reserved for a select actors who have been in the industry for some time.
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According to The South African, actress Vatiswa Ndara reportedly turned down a R110,000 contract for a five-week shoot from Ferguson Films.
She wanted a R1-million contract, but after that was denied, she proposed R700,000 and was rejected again.
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Here is a list of some of the top-earning actors and actresses in SA:
- Connie Ferguson
- Katlego Danke
- Thembi Seete
- Sindi Dlathu
- Motshidi Motshegwao.
- Sello Maake-ka Ncube
- Vusi Kunene
- Mduduzi Mabaso
- Tony Kgoroge
- Rapulana Seiphemo
The Greater Good SA has also reported on the average salaries of design roles in the entertainment industry:
Without the actors confirming or openly discussing their payments, it's still only an estimate.
Actors working on films might be paid a lump sum amount for the project or be paid per day. Television actors usually receive payment per episode.
An actor in South Africa typically earns around 38,700 ZAR per month. Between 17,800 ZAR and 61,500 ZAR are the lowest and highest salaries, respectively. In general, it is the monthly salary, including housing, transportation, and other benefits, for a single person.
As mentioned before, there is also a very clear understanding in South Africa entertainment that the more experience you have, the more you can earn.
Without the actors confirming or openly discussing their payments, it's still only an estimate.
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Main image courtesy of @connie_ferguson/Instagram