For nearly 30 years SASWA, the forerunner of WGSA, provided training, capacity building, mentorship, and skills transfer on beginners, intermediate, and professionals levels to its members. In 2006, when SASWA had 120 paid-up members, it was decided to investigate changing into a union to support scriptwriters and to uphold professional standards, with an overall aim to improve the quality of stories that were being told and to create a culture that was supportive of all stakeholders in the South African Film Industry.