By Katlego Sekhu
Legendary South African actress Connie Chiume reveals that she was left feeling “very sad” after seeing the video of television legend Vusi Thanda asking for donations.
“That made me very sad. Our industry is so cruel guys.”
Connie Chiume told Podcast And Chill with Mac G that as actors, they are freelancers for the rest of their lives despite paying 25% of their earnings to the taxman.
“They still don’t classic us as workers. This means you can’t even claim UIF. We are being used.”
Connie disputes those saying that creatives can’t budget.
“I just want to know that if I am working today, even for the whole year for that matter and next year I am not working for another six months, how far would I be able to stretch that money? Until when?”
The Gomora actress adds that she has had periods in her career when she was without employment. She was able to survive because of her other streams of income.
“There is no way you can just look at one salary. Even if you are in a 9-5. I do voiceovers, I do inspirational talks – I have an events management company.”
She has sent the video of Vusi Thanda to a few people in power hoping it’ll inspire change.
“We don’t even have a union where somebody can speak on our behalf so that we can speak our rights. Can you manage how many jobs Vusi Thanda has done in his life? If he was to get royalties out of all those jobs at least he would be able to get by.”
Watch Connie Chiume’s interview on Podcast And Chill with Mac G.
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