Actress Dawn Thandeka King urges actors to have multiple streams of income
Award-winning South African actress Dawn Thandeka King has raised serious concerns about the state of the entertainment industry, warning that many artists are left financially stranded after years of hard work.
Speaking in a recent interview on DJ Sbu’s podcast, the Uzalo star did not hold back as she described the industry’s lack of structure and financial security.
According to King, one of the biggest issues is the absence of a regulatory framework that ensures creatives receive royalties for their work.
“In this industry, the sad thing is that we are not regulated, and there is no bill that has been signed, as we are still waiting for it, so we can get royalties for the work we have done all these years,” she said.
She added that many seasoned performers are now struggling to make ends meet, despite contributing to the industry for decades.
“Now people who have been in this industry before some of us got in are begging for money from the public because there is no money for the work they’ve done — dololo — and they have been unemployed for many years.”
Dawn emphasized the importance of diversifying income, encouraging her peers to explore additional ventures outside acting to avoid falling into financial hardship.
And she’s leading by example. Away from the screen, King has turned her passion for crocheting into a flourishing business, Izandla by Dawn Thandeka King.
What began as a hobby has grown into a brand with customers both locally and internationally.
