The crew that worked for BET’s new show, Pound 4 Pound claims they haven’t been paid. The show premiered on 29 September, starring Enhle Mbali, Mduduzi Mabaso, Gabisile Tshablala, and other familiar faces.
Sources close to the production told the publication the crew was upset because the production company, Bakwena Productions, has been waiting to be paid since 25 September.
The company is owned by Rashaka Muofhe and Losing Lerato actor Kagiso Modupe.
“The series was filmed in a short space of time, and we were all booked for different times. Most people were booked for five weeks. We were then told we would get paid on 25 September. On 24 November, the managing director and executive producer of Bakwena Productions, Rashaka Muofhe, sent a message to our WhatsApp saying payroll would open on 25 September. He further said final payments would be cleared by 30 September,” they claimed.
Another source claimed they’ve been muted from complaining and this has upset everyone.
“When complaints started, the production company blocked us from sending messages to the (WhatsApp) group. Only they could send messages because they didn’t want us to complain, which made many of us angry. Then, the other executive producer, Kagiso Modupe, sent a voice note explaining what was happening. He claimed the issue was not with them,” the source revealed.
In the voice note sent on Wednesday, 2 October, the Losing Lerato actor blamed BET for not paying on time.
“This is beyond our control. The channel has its own processes of how it operates. And because it’s an international company, money is not readily available. There are processes that we need to follow, and it needs to go overseas to be approved before it comes to our account. We’ve been promised since last week that the money is going to come in. Our payment has been finally loaded and the money should be coming in this week.
“I know it’s stressful and we’re so stressed ourselves, but I want to apologise for that. The only reason we can never go to this channel and fight, throw toys out and put up the middle finger is because siyancenga (we’re begging). That’s the truth because we don’t want to piss off someone who’s opened the door for us,” he claimed.
Another source close to the production said the problem was not as Kagiso put it in the voice note.
“From what we’ve been told, Paramount has paid its dues. Bakwena also had to take some money from their pockets for the show, but they don’t have money. However, they’re blaming it on Paramount, claiming they’re the ones who haven’t paid,” they claimed.
When the publication reached out to Paramount, they first told the SunTeam all payments were done.
Senior Vice President & General Manager – Paramount Africa & Lead BET International, Monde Twala, said: “Bakwena Productions is up to date with all payments due to the cast, crew, and suppliers. Final payment to some crew is due 30 days after completion of the production, as per industry standards and Bakwena is on track to meet this deadline. Bakwena Productions is proud to have produced this compelling drama, which has created opportunities for creatives in the industry and puts a spotlight on female athletes.”
However, the publication sent them the voice note by Kagiso and they changed the statement.
“After speaking to Bakwena Productions, BET would like to make a correction on the statement shared by the production company. BET was made aware today that there are outstanding payments from Bakwena Productions to some crew. We have since engaged Bakwena Productions on the status of these payments. BET is up to date with payments to the production company,” they claimed.
When called for a comment, Kagiso was hard to reach. However, Rashaka responded and said the statement from Paramount is a joint response.
“I believe you’ve already called Paramount and we gave you a joint response,” he said.
-dailysun
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