WGSA GETS FULL IAWG MEMBERSHIP

WGSA GETS FULL IAWG MEMBERSHIP The WGSA is proud toannounce that it is officially a full member of the International Affiliationof Writers Guilds (IAWG). The IAWG was established in 1986 to address theglobalization of the entertainment industry and improve the working conditionsof professional film and television writers worldwide through collectiveaction, mutual support and common representation internationally. Its memberguilds work on behalf of 50,000 writers in the areas of collective bargaining,standard contracts, credit disputes, government lobbying, and the promotion ofthe essential role of the writer as first creator in the filmmaking process.   The IAWG’s AnnualConference was held in Paris in October 2016. WGSA Chairperson Sihle Hlophe andVice-Chair Mamokuena Makhema attended as WGSA representatives. The duo was alsoinvited to be observers at the Federation of Screenwriters In Europe’s (FSE)first annual general assembly. The Chairperson gave a presentation to supportthe WGSA’s application for full membership. The IAWG deliberated on thepresentation and made a decision to accept the WGSA’s application for fullmembership. The work of previous council members also went a long towardsensuring the current council’s success.   The Vice-Chairpresented the African Federation of Writers’ Guild progress report. Theattendees were excited about the possibilities insofar as this initiative isconcerned. The FSE was so impressed with the WGSA’s membership applicationpresentation that they asked the Chairperson to give another presentation to membersof the FSE. The FSE congratulated the WGSA on its newly acquired IAWGmembership status and on its growth thus far.   Other full IAWGmembers such the Writers Guilds of Great Britain, USA (East & West),Canada, Israel and Ireland have given the WGSA their full support and expresseda desire to offer the WGSA guidance in order to help it get to the level whereit has serious legal muscle and is able to influence and implement policies ona governmental level so that one sweet day, the writers of South Africa canhave a future that possibly includes pension, maternity leave etc.