Cape launch of writers union

SASWU is a trade union that represents the interests of working writers in South Africa.The union is dedicated to the upliftment of the working conditions of writers in film, television, radio and the theatre. The union is currently preparing for negotiations with the SABC on the development of a standard contract for television and radio writers.

According to Basil Dube, SASWU general secretary, “Cape Town is growing as an international film city on the continent. It is therefore important to cultivate a forum for the transformation of the industry in this part of the country. SASWU must lead this process by engaging all stakeholders including producers, broadcasters and organisations such as Sithengi – The Film and Television Market.

“Our strategy is also to garner international support in highlighting the plight and conditions of South African writers. As a member of the International Association of Writers’ Guilds (IAWG), we will be presenting the state of our writers to IAWG’s New York Summit in April and the International Congress in Montreal, Canada in November.”

The city of Cape Town is well-known as a tourism and film destination. One of the province’s townships, Khayelitsha shot to prominence with the award-winning film uCarmen eKhayelitsha, created in this once-forgotten township. Cape Town is also known for hosting the Cape Town World Cinema Festival and Sithengi.

Writers from all the regions of the Western Cape are invited to attend this historic gathering, including Gugulethu, Langa, Khayelitsha and Emfuleni.