Lebo Mashile Praises South African Crews After Starring with Chloe Bailey in Strung

July 11, 2026 5 min read

Lebo Mashile has publicly celebrated the work of South African film crews following her appearance alongside American actress Chloe Bailey in the new film Strung. The Johannesburg-born poet and television presenter, who is also an accomplished actress, took to social media to highlight the technical skill and professionalism of local production teams who worked on the project. The praise comes as South Africa's film and television sector seeks to position itself as a destination for international co-productions. Industry observers say the visibility of local talent in a high-profile project could open doors for South African crews seeking work on global productions.

Lebo Mashile's Message About South African Crews

Mashile, known for her work as a presenter on SABC 3 and her published poetry collections, shared her appreciation for the local crew members who contributed to Strung. The actress, who has built a following across Southern Africa, emphasised that the success of the production rested heavily on the expertise of South African technicians, lighting specialists, and production assistants. Her comments drew significant attention on social media platforms, with the post accumulating thousands of engagements within hours of publication. The gesture marked a rare moment of public recognition for the often-overlooked technical workforce that powers film productions.

Chloe Bailey, best known for her music career with duo Chloe x Halle and her acting roles in films such as Girl Trip, stars as the lead in Strung. The production marks one of several recent international projects filmed partially or entirely in South Africa. Mashile's co-star has a substantial social media following, with her posts about the production reaching audiences far beyond South Africa's borders. The cross-continental collaboration has generated interest in both the film's narrative and its production backdrop.

South Africa's Growing Film Production Sector

The South African film industry contributes approximately R5.3 billion annually to the national economy, according to the most recent figures from the National Film and Video Foundation. The sector employs tens of thousands of people across production companies, post-production facilities, and related service industries. Cape Town has long served as a preferred filming location for international productions due to its diverse landscapes, favorable exchange rates, and established production infrastructure. Studios in Johannesburg and surrounding areas have similarly expanded their capabilities to accommodate larger-scale projects.

Strung joins a list of recent international productions that have chosen South Africa as a filming destination. The country's Film and Television Incentive, administered by the Department of Trade and Industry, offers cash rebates to qualifying productions that spend a minimum threshold in the country. The incentive programme has attracted projects from major studios seeking to maximise production budgets. Industry bodies argue that productions like Strung help sustain a skilled workforce that might otherwise seek employment opportunities abroad.

What This Means for Local Crews and Production Companies

For South African film crews, visibility in an international project carries practical benefits beyond prestige. Crew members who demonstrate their capabilities on high-profile productions often build portfolios that attract future employers. Several South African cinematographers and production designers have used international collaborations as springboards to secure contracts on projects filmed in other countries. The exposure generated by Mashile's public praise could accelerate this pathway for the specific crew members she highlighted.

Production companies based in Johannesburg and Cape Town also stand to benefit from the renewed attention. When international audiences see South African locations and crews featured in a production starring a recognizable American performer, it reinforces the country's credentials as a serious film production hub. Marketing materials produced by the South African Tourism Board frequently cite film locations as factors influencing travel decisions among international visitors.

Economic Outlook for South African Creative Industries

The creative sector, which includes film, television, music, and digital content production, forms part of South Africa's broader cultural economy. The government has identified creative industries as potential drivers of employment growth, particularly for young South Africans entering the labour market. Data from Statistics South Africa indicates that the youth unemployment rate remains stubbornly high, making sustained investment in labour-intensive sectors like film production a policy priority. Productions like Strung that create opportunities for entry-level workers offer a template for how the industry can contribute to employment goals.

Exchange rate dynamics continue to make South Africa an attractive location for dollar-denominated productions. A favourable exchange rate means international producers can access highly skilled local labour at a fraction of the cost they would incur in their home markets. This cost advantage has to be weighed against infrastructure limitations and the logistical challenges of operating far from Hollywood decision-making centres. Industry executives note that consistent participation in international co-productions helps local companies maintain the equipment and expertise needed to compete for higher-value projects.

Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges

The South African film sector faces ongoing competition from countries like Morocco, Kenya, and Namibia, all of which are actively courting international productions with generous incentive packages. Sustaining South Africa's market position will require continued investment in training programmes, studio infrastructure, and government support mechanisms. The success of individual productions like Strung contributes to this broader objective by building the reputation of South African crews and cementing relationships with international casting directors and producers.

For Lebo Mashile, the Strung collaboration represents another milestone in an already distinguished career spanning poetry, presenting, and acting. Her public advocacy for local crews adds a new dimension to her public profile, positioning her as someone who uses her platform to highlight industry issues beyond her own career advancement. Whether this visibility translates into measurable economic benefits for South African film workers will depend on how industry bodies and government agencies capitalize on the momentum generated by the production's release.