Activist and comedian Soli Philander and South African Guild of Actors (SAGA) are encouraging victims of sexual abuse in the entertainment to come forward for assistance.
This follows the shocking arrest of a high-profile Cape Town musician for the alleged rape of a teenage student over a period of seven years.
The 48-year-old was released on R1 000 bail in the Blue Downs Magistrates’ Court on 27 July.
This case sent shock waves through the arts industry and prompted Soli to reach out to victims.
He says: “When I found out about this case, my world collapsed. I immediately got on the phone and called around. I made contact with SAGA to take action on behalf of victims, to assist them.
“I saw posts of victims saying people are gunning them for speaking out, and this urged me even more to get involved.”
Chairman of SAGA, actor Jack Devnarain, said he was alarmed by the volume of reports of sexual harassment, sexual abuse and gender-based violence permeating the industry.
The former Isidingo star said: “More reports emerge on social media every day.
“It’s clear that our sector is a lair for sexual predators and that we are not doing enough to expose them or to offer a safe haven for survivors of these attacks.
“SAGA is working with other industry organisations like SWIFT, and personalities who champion the rights of survivors, to intervene, educate, and where necessary, to introduce counsellors to support the survivors who come forward.
“We wish to remind our colleagues and fellow performers that sexual predators are not the ones who should be shielded. It’s the survivors who are desperate for our support and we need to act with urgency and purpose.”
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