As the Gauteng Film Commission resumes the process of transitioning into its regularisation to become a fully State-Owned Entity (SOE), the Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Morakane Mosupyoe, has assured the film industry of continuity.
This transition process entails the temporary migration of all GFC staff and operations into the Cultural Affairs Chief Directorate of the Department. Key amongst its priorities will be the granting of quarter 3 and 4 projects of the 2023/24 Financial Year. These have been identified for conclusion and disbursement during quarter 4 when the organisation has settled into the department’s PFMA processes to ensure compliance and the fulfilment of all governance requirements.
The Department begun the regularisation process in November 2023 following a court ruling, issued on the 14th of the same month by Judge Retief, that the 20-year-old Commission is a Non-Profit Organisation listed in the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) with no legal relation to the department. This has necessitated the urgent alignment with the court ruling where the department ensures the sole provincial Film Funder is correctly listed as a Section 3c SOE.
The process, which has been closely guided by the Provincial Treasury and overseen by Gauteng Premier, Mr Panyaza Lesufi is in full swing. As such MEC Morakane Mosupyoe has assured the film industry that all due disbursements shall be expedited by no later than end of January 2024.
“We understand this may not be an easy process, however, we are committed to its success and the fulfilment of our mandatory obligations to the film industry. The Film Industry is a key pillar in the development and growth of the Gauteng economy; therefore, its stability and success remain our top priority. This transition is aimed at ensuring that the entity is best suited to meet its objectives and diligently delivery on its mandate,” said MEC Mosupyoe.
“We continue to offer our gratitude to the industry that has showed enormous patience and support during this critical period.” concluded the MEC.
Furthermore, Premier Panyaza Lesufi has scheduled a stakeholder engagement meeting with Gauteng film makers between the 22- 24 January 2024, which will constitute an update and engagement opportunity for the industry to gain further insights on the transition process and status.
GFC CEO, Ms Keitumetse Lebaka added “We intend to meet all our quarterly targets as we look forward to finishing the financial year strong. We value the jobs created by the young people in our industry and rely heavily on their projects being fulfilled. The festive season came as an opportunity as it is the only annual industry downtime. This allowed us to conclude all governance requirements and adequately prepare for 2024.”
About The GFC
The Gauteng Film Commission (GFC) is the regional bedrock of the local film industry. Founded in 2002, the GFC’s mandate is to facilitate and enhance the contribution of the industry to the economic growth of the province. The GFC markets Gauteng, with its world-class infrastructure, recognised expertise, and wide range of locations, as a destination of choice for those seeking to engage in all aspects of filmmaking.
Acting as a centralised, industry-intelligence hub, the GFC also provides access to film throughout Gauteng through various screenings and initiatives, ensuring that film can be experienced by all.
Website: www.gautengfilm.org.za
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