Zuko Komisa

“Cast Actors and not Models” – Dr Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha tells producers and directors at the SAFTAs17
Over the weekend, at the 17th annual South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs17), iconic South African actor Dr Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha offered an important message to producers and directors.
Mofokeng has had a very long career as an actor which has seen him star in iconic South African films such as Cry The Beloved Country, Mandela and de Klerk, as well as Oscar Award-winning film Tsotsi.
He advised the entertainment business to prioritize actual talent over online popularity.
While accepting an award on behalf of Scandal! at the South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas), the actor stated that they should stop employing people based on their number of followers and instead focus on their art and talent.
“We do our best for the awards, the awards are there to assert our professionalism. May I beg, producers and directors, cast actors not models. Because we want to act and we respect our craft. it is not about the number of followers you have. it’s about the craft you have.”
Also Read: SAMA Awards announce nominees and Kwa-Zulu Natal as host province
He went on to encourage his fellow thespians to take their profession seriously through diligence and attention to detail.
“Those of us who are actors, bafowethu nothing less than discipline and professionalism, we can’t negotiate for that. Well done Scandal and Thank you, South Africa.” said Dr Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:
Finally it had to be said 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼#SAFTAs17 #SAFTAs pic.twitter.com/o24rfyQy5k
— Tsitso🇿🇦 (@Tsitso_Msomi) October 1, 2023
“The influencer arrives 2-hours late and it’s no issue:
Following his speech at the SAFTAs17 Mofokeng wrote about his experience with working with influencers on set and how they are allowed to “arrive 2-hours late and it’s no issue”.
“You get on set ready to rehearse. The influencer arrives 2-hours late and it’s no issue. They saunter into the dressing room and then the make-up artists have to work around the phone that is glued to their hand.
“They finally get on set and the director has to be careful not to cross them. The producers and the channel must always be happy. The scene is blocked and you feature prominently when they are not in a close-up.
“Then the cherry on the cake is when you are told to tone-down your acting because you are not number 1 on the call sheet. “You dare not upstage or upset the ‘Lead’. This is not an exaggeration. Acting is like playing a tennis game. It’s a give and take.”wrote Mofokeng



