Muvhango actors and the entire production team are in limbo and without salaries after they stopped shooting in August due to an expired contract.
The popular show, which airs on SABC2 at 9 pm on weekdays, has been waiting for SABC to renew its contract.
The Word of Mouth Production actors and crew have been on a production break since mid-August when the contract with the pubic broadcaster ended.
At least four independent sources at the SABC said Muvhango had submitted all its required documents to the broadcaster for the renewal of their contract in May.
An actor who spoke on condition of anonymity since they are not authorized to speak to the media, said this was not a pleasant situation, which had left them confused.
“People are already overwhelmed because we have been at home for a long time and the contract is not coming forth. We are under duress because there are bonds and insurance to be paid at the end of the month. It is a heavy situation. When the show has been performing well you start asking yourself questions if the problem is with the production house or is the broadcaster just being punitive but for what?
“The biggest issue is that actors and the rest of the crew will still have to wait for the production house to decide if they get the contract or not. I am worried about the production guys who are always considered last. I mean they are breadwinners and the new actors who live from hand to mouth, how are they going to survive.”
Another actor said the wait was frustrating.
“We have been sitting at home for two months now and we are tired of it. We are crossing our fingers for the process to be concluded fast. I am concerned that the more I am sitting and not working, the situation will get worse.”
When asked for comment SABC spokesperson Gugu Ntuli only said: “The SABC is finalizing negotiations with Word of Mouth Production on another season of Muvhango. The SABC can confirm that Muvhango will continue to be broadcast on SABC2, Mondays to Fridays at 9pm.”
Word of Mouth Production spokesperson Thanduxolo Jindela could only say that they were waiting for the SABC to conclude the process and referred further questions to the broadcaster.
In other news – Somizi Mhlongo over Mohale
Former Idols SA judge Somizi Mhlongo is once again giving us vacation goals during a recent trip to Cape Town and it wasn’t just the views and the yacht that caught our attention but a new best friend.
The former Idols SA judge was seen living his best life in Camps Bay, all smiles with a man named Ndo Maleho. “Die kaap is lekker. Fun times with my ride @ndomaleho,” Somizi wrote. Learn More
