Cape town: Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau says he remains committed to investigating issues related to governance and malfeasance as they relate to the Film and Television Production Incentive. The Minister led a delegation of senior officials from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), including Deputy Ministers Alexandra Abrahams and Zuko Godlimpi, and Director General Simphiwe Hamilton, during a briefing to Parliament following recent protests by industry players.

According to South African Government News Agency, the Minister informed members of the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition that the department was actively working towards solutions to the challenges faced by the industry. Godlimpi provided the committee with responses to the demands made by industry and outlined a way forward to resolve those demands.

He stated that to address some challenges, the department will secure urgent interim funding for current claims and applications, with measures to disburse any additional funding that may be received. The department aims to reprioritise allocations and is in discussions with National Treasury to increase future allocations.

Additionally, a national industry working group with key stakeholders will be established to tackle industry challenges. Other incentives, such as tax breaks for foreign productions and blended financing options with the Industrial Development Corporation and National Empowerment Fund, are being considered. An automated system will be implemented to enhance processing efficiency and reduce administrative burden, while additional human resources will be provided to handle increased applications and claims.

Hamilton reported that the programme’s contingent liability was approximately R2 billion as of March 2021. Despite suspending adjudication meetings, the department continues to process and pay valid claims, reducing the liability from R679 million to R473 million as of September 2025. It is expected that this amount will decrease further, strengthening the financial position of the incentive scheme.

Minister Tau emphasized the department’s focus on co-creating solutions with the industry to foster sector growth and enhance its economic contribution through job creation.