The Queen cast. Image: The Queen Mzansi Magic
‘R1m for a five-week shoot’: Who are the highest-paid actors in SA?
Several actors have hogged headlines with their rumoured salaries, but who are the highest-paid actors in South Africa?
The Queen cast. Image: The Queen Mzansi Magic
Over the years, the South African film industry has fast become one of the biggest in Africa, leaving many to connect the dots about the salaries of their favourite actors.
Who are the highest-paid actors in South Africa?
HOW MUCH DO ACTORS GET PAID IN SOUTH AFRICA?
In 2023, entertainment commentator Phil Mphela revealed the salaries of top-tier actors in South Africa. Mphela noted that top-tier actors earn between R150 000 and R200 000 monthly.
Taking to X, he posted, “TITBIT: Top tier actor in South Africa can earn between R150k and R200k per month. Unfortunately, in South Africa, experience still trumps role prominence.”
He added, “So, that margin is reserved for select actors who have been in the industry for some time. Being a lead doesn’t guarantee those figures to everybody.”
However, against his post, celebrated actor Hungani Ndlovu said actors earn less after deductions. In 2014, Generations fired cast members after they demanded better working conditions and salaries.
No doubt, this left many trying to connect the dots on how much the cast was earning, given that the drama series was one of the most-watched shows in the country.
REMUNERATIONS
In 2019, iGazi actress Vatiswa Ndara turned down an R110 000 contract from Ferguson Films for a five-week shoot. Surprisingly, the actress was hoping for a one-million contract. The actress also proposed an R700 000 contract, which was rejected.
According to reports, Connie Ferguson, Katlego Danke, Thembi Seete, Sindi Dlathu, and Motshidi Motshegwao are some of the highest-paid actresses in South Africa.
Rumour mill has it that the actresses earn over R100 000. Their rumoured salaries have often thrust them into top trends, but they have not openly confirmed their salaries.
On the other hand, Sello Maake-ka Ncube, Vusi Kunene, Mduduzi Mabaso, Tony Kgoroge, and Rapulana Seiphemo also dominate the list of highest-paid actors in South Africa.
However, reports show that several actors earn between R18 000 and R60 000, depending on the roles and the time spent on the scenes. Actress Omhle Gela once revealed that actors are underpaid in South Africa.
Role prominence, experience, and time on scenes determine the salaries of actors. The entertainment industry doesn’t work on a ‘one size fits all policy.’ Variables such as budgets, cast, and viewership also affect salaries.
Despite production companies keeping their remunerations under wraps, fans have guessed some of South Africa’s highest-paid actors given the alleged remuneration criteria.
