The South African Guild of Editors (SAGE) ACRONYM is the highest professional recognition bestowed upon editors who demonstrate sustained excellence in their craft and significant contribution to the South African film + TV industry. 

 

The acronym is not simply a reward for past achievements or career longevity. It recognises ongoing excellence, dedication to mentorship, and meaningful contribution to the advancement of editing craft in South Africa. Recipients are consummate professionals who consistently deliver exceptional work while actively shaping the future of our industry. It is important to note that the acronym should not be thought of as a rite of passage for an editor, but rather a special accolade to celebrate excellence within the craft. The application process is rigorous and does not guarantee a positive result. 

 

This is a SAGE-decided acronym and is in no way related or weighted to other awards and achievements, such as the SAFTAs. The acronym process also seriously considers the applicant's ability to articulate their editing process in a way one would with a director or a producer when discussing creative intention. So the written submission allows the judging panel to understand the reasoning behind the editing and creative decisions exhibited in the creative work submitted. The judging committee will need to understand the applicant's thinking around the creative choices made in the examples provided. The judging committee will also consider the applicant's ability to demonstrate a commitment to uphold the craft of editing and SAGE as an organisation. The Guild has 38 active Acronym-accredited editors. 

 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA 

Membership: Active SAGE membership for a minimum of 5 years, with a minimum of 1 year as a full member 

Participation in guild activities and initiatives, displaying a commitment to the Guild and its aims. 

Professional Requirements: Professional editing experience in a senior position with 10 screen and/or festival credits. Still working within the industry – completed works 

 

For more details click here

 

We do an annual call out for acronym applications in September to invite our members who feel they meet the rigorous criteria to apply. For any further questions to write to acronym@editorsguildsa.org.

 

The Difference between SAGE and S.A.G.E.

The correct abbreviation for the South African Guild of Editors is SAGE. The SAGE acronym is awarded only to eligible applicants who have been approved by the acronym committee. Recipients are allowed to write S.A.G.E. (in a slightly smaller font if possible) after their names. Being a SAGE member does not automatically entitled someone to use the acronym, or write it behind their name.

 

The following members are acronym holders, as of 2024:

Stephen Abbott       

Dinah Arnott 

Kerryn Assaizky

Tracy Clayton     

Rowan Cloete     

Nikki Comninos   

Yoav Dagan 

Kirsten de Magalhaes   

Eva du Preez

Babette du Toit 

Jack Esterhuizen   

Tanya Feyt   

Uta Frey 

Megan Gill

Melanie Jankes Golden   

Tanja Hagen

Floris Kotze

Maryke Kruger       

Jackie Le Cordeur 

Catherine Meyburgh     

Este Nortje

Candice Odgers     

Ula Oelsen     

Melissa Parry       

Kathy Pienaar   

Susan Scott       

Khalid Shamis 

Andrea Shaw   

Gugu Sibandze 

Edgar Sibaya     

Ashley Smith 

Richard Starkey     

Micki Stroucken 

Jolene van Antwerp

C.A. van Aswegen

Juli Vandenberg 

(Please note that these are active members for 2024. Acronym holders who haven't renewed their membership for 2024 aren't allowed to use their acronyms.)