Fresh allegations of sexual favours being demanded in exchange for acting opportunities have placed South Africa’s television industry under renewed scrutiny.
Uzalo actress Nelisa Mchunu has now joined the conversation. She addressed the alleged practice during an appearance on the News Avenue Podcast with Sizwe Blose.
Nelisa, who plays Fikile on Uzalo and previously appeared in My Brother’s Keeper, said she had heard troubling stories about women facing inappropriate demands while searching for television roles.
The actress did not claim that anyone had personally approached her with such an offer. However, she warned aspiring performers against allowing desperation to place them in vulnerable situations.
When asked whether she had experienced it herself, Nelisa laughed before responding: “Angibhayizi phela mina,” which loosely means she does not entertain such behaviour.
Her comments have reignited a difficult conversation about power, access and exploitation behind the glamour of the Mzansi television industry.
Penny Ntuli’s acting dream allegedly ended after audition
Nelisa’s remarks follow claims made earlier in 2026 by radio personality Penny Ntuli.
Penny revealed that she once wanted to become an actress and attended workshops while chasing television opportunities. According to her account, everything changed after an encounter at an audition around 2017 or 2018.
She alleged that a well-known actor, who was reportedly involved in judging the auditions, requested sexual favours in exchange for helping her receive a callback.
Penny did not publicly identify the man. Therefore, her claims have not been independently tested against a named person’s response.
Still, she said the experience made her abandon acting. She feared that giving in to one person could open the door to similar demands from others in positions of influence.
Her story struck a nerve online because many aspiring actors enter the industry without agents, reliable contacts or knowledge of formal casting procedures. That uncertainty can make it difficult to distinguish a genuine opportunity from exploitation.
Another aspiring actress alleges she was threatened
In July, a Facebook user named Khonzie Mbalenhle also shared allegations about her experience after auditioning for a popular television production.
She claimed that one of the judges contacted her after the audition and asked her out. When she refused, the man allegedly warned that she could continue attending auditions but would never secure a role.
Neither the judge nor the television production was publicly identified in reports about the claim. Moreover, no official findings have confirmed her allegations.
Nevertheless, the accounts from Penny and Khonzie have fuelled fears that some people may abuse their influence over young performers desperate for their first break.
These remain allegations, and no court or formal investigation has established wrongdoing in the cases described. However, they raise serious questions that the entertainment industry cannot simply dismiss.
Nelisa warns aspiring actors about fake promises
Nelisa also addressed another problem she regularly encounters. She said aspiring actors often contact her and ask for help securing television jobs.
However, she reminded them that she is an actress, not a casting director. Therefore, she cannot hire performers or promise anyone a role.
According to Nelisa, legitimate acting opportunities come through auditions. Her message highlights an important warning: established actors, producers and casting officials should never use private access as leverage for sexual favours.
Aspiring performers should also treat anyone promising a guaranteed role in exchange for money, intimacy or secrecy as a major red flag.
A genuine audition should connect to a traceable production company, casting agency or broadcaster. Moreover, communication should remain professional and clearly explain the project, role and audition process.
Calls grow for safer casting spaces
South Africa’s film and television industry already has guidelines designed to address harassment and workplace abuse.
The Code of Good Practice for Handling Sexual Harassment in the Film and Television Industry promotes workplaces that respect dignity, privacy and equality. It also encourages employers to adopt and enforce clear reporting procedures.
Meanwhile, Sisters Working in Film and Television operates a Safety Contact Officer programme. The initiative offers guidance when harassment or other safety concerns arise during productions.
However, policies only protect performers when companies enforce them and workers know how to report misconduct without losing future opportunities.
Production houses also need independent complaint systems. Aspiring actors should not have to report abuse directly to the same person who controls their employment prospects.
In addition, casting teams should document auditions, clearly identify decision-makers and avoid conducting private meetings in inappropriate locations. Performers should keep audition notices, messages and emails whenever someone makes a suspicious request.
The latest conversation shows that Mzansi’s entertainment industry needs more than warnings to young women. It requires transparent casting processes, enforceable consequences and safe reporting channels.
Talent should decide who gets a role. No aspiring performer should have to choose between protecting their dignity and pursuing a career on television.
