Writers Guild of South Africa

The Writers Guild of South Africa (WGSA) stands in solidarity with all workers affected by the ongoing allegations of exploitation, labour abuses and non-payment surrounding the production of Pimville. At the same time, the WGSA can confirm that writers – including WGSA members – are among those affected and have reported non-payment on this production.

The global film and television landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and South Africa is very much part of this transformation. Vertical storytelling and micro-dramas are gaining momentum, creating new opportunities for writers, while many are increasingly taking on multiple roles as writer-producers, writer-directors and creative entrepreneurs, requiring both creative agility and business insight.

On 19 March 2026, WGSA Council member Zunaid Mansoor, attended KWANDE Festival, a flagship Creative Economy, Innovation and Business Week initiated by KZN Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs, designed to strengthen and position the creative industries within the economic development agenda in the KZN.

Members of the Writers Guild of South Africa recently attended The Writer’s Journey, a workshop hosted by Netflix during the Joburg Film Festival. The session was led by Christopher Mack, who brings more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry across Hollywood and international markets.

As an added benefit, the WGSA wish to reinstate attendance to international filmmarkets for members, with the assistance offered by the DTIC, via their Sector Specific Assistance Scheme (SSAS). On 27 September 2025, the WGSA conducted an online information session about the specifics of the scheme, and how performance writers can take advantage of this opportunity. Flowing from this webinar, the WGSA has created a survey, with the purpose of establishing interest and compliance.

2023 WGSA MUSE AWARDS The 2023WGSA Muse Awards is now open for submissions. Here is the timeline for the 2023 WGSA Muse Awards as follows: Opening of submissions to the 2023 WGSA Muse Awards: 1 April 2023 to 31 May 2023 Adjudication first round: 15 June to 15 July 2023 Adjudication of final round: 20 July to 20 August 2023 2023 WGSA Muse Awards Ceremony: 16 September 2023 No extensions after 31 May 2023!

By entering the WGSA Muse Awards, you are already a winner, and we applaud you. Thank you so much for all those who submitted this year.

Sponsored by the NFVF PESP4 Program CALL FOR PROFESSIONAL WRITERS / SCRIPT EDITORS TO MENTOR AN ASPIRING WRITER The WGSA will take on ten mentees, pair each with a professional mentor (script editor/scriptwriter), and combine them all in a virtual writers’ room with a Showrunner. The team will develop a concept for a ten-episode limited series. Break it into episodes, and each mentee will write an episode of this series.

The 2025 Annual General Meeting of the Writers Guild of South Africa will take place on Thursday, 29 May 2025 at 18h00 via Zoom. This is your opportunity to: ✔ Review reports ✔ Elect your new council ✔ Ask questions, nominate yourself, and contribute to the future of the Guild. 📩 Zoom link, reports, and election details will be made available from 8 May 2025 🎓 All members are encouraged to attend — even if you can’t vote, your presence matters.