Soapie salaries for SA actors revealed

Social media was set abuzz after entertainment commentator Phil Mphela dropped a tweet on South African soapie salaries.

The post has since thrust several actors into top trends as viewers try to connect the dots on how much their favourite stars earn for their on-screen characters.

ALSO READ: ‘Before deductions’: Hungani Ndlovu on SA actors R200 000 salary

PHIL MPHELA’S SOAPIE SALARIES TWEET SPARKS DEBATE

However, in the backdrop of the tweet, former Scandal actor Hungani Ndlovu best known for his on-screen character of Romeo Medupe, made it known that the amounts were misguided since top-tier actors earn less than the given amount after deductions. He also made it known that soapie actors’ salaries are also affected by deductions.

ALSO READ: ‘Generations: The Legacy’: More actors leave the soapie

TITBIT:

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.

Being a lead doesn’t… pic.twitter.com/SixADtXFyC

— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) August 21, 2023

Undoubtedly, this left many listing top-tier actors who reportedly earn a fortune from their on-screen characters.

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REMUNERATION FOR ACTORS WITHIN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY

Over the years, showrunners have remunerated their cast based on several variables, including role prominence, experience, time on scenes and craft competence.

The entertainment industry doesn’t work on a ‘one size fits all policy’ hence remunerations differ because of production houses’ policies, budgets, cast and viewership.

Despite production companies keeping their remunerations under wraps, fans have guessed some of South Africa’s highest-paid actors given the alleged remuneration criteria.

South Africans were more than convinced that Connie Ferguson, best known for her on-screen character of Harriet Khoza on the now-canned drama series The Queen, is one of the most paid actors in Mzansi.

ALSO READ: Salaries leaked – Generations: The Legacy accused of underpaying actors

MZANSI LISTS POSSIBLE HIGH EARNERS

Seasoned actors Siyabonha Twala, Leleti Khumalo, Connie Chuime, Sindi Dlathu, Sello Maake-ka Ncube, Vusi Kunene and Tony Kgoroge also dominate the list of star actors who are allegedly said to be top earners of small screens.

Over the years, several actors have rubbished the claims that say acting is one of the most paying jobs within the entertainment industry in South Africa. Several production houses have often hogged headlines for the wrong reasons in recent years.

Many have been accused of failing to pay their cast, while others have been accused of exploitation and poor working conditions.