Drama as Muvhango stops production and fails to pay salaries. Barely a few months after SABC threatened to cut loose its most extended airing drama series Muvhango, it seems as if the show will be axed this year.
The drama series was given leverage earlier this year to air at least three times a week. This year Muvhango saw its time slot being reduced after the drama series failed to break even.
However, in the mix of things, Muvhango is making all sorts of headlines for the wrong reasons yet again. It has been revealed that Word of Mouth Production actors and crew have been on a production break since mid-August when the contract with the public broadcaster ended.
Muvhango actors and the entire production team are in limbo and without salaries after shooting in August due to an expired contract.
The drama series is patiently waiting for SABC to renew its contract. Rumour has it that the drama series submitted all the required documents to the broadcaster to renew their contract in May. Speaking on condition of anonymity, one of the actors revealed that the situation is terrible.
“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 bonds and insurance are to be paid at the end of the month. It is a difficult situation.
Troubled Muvhango stops production and fails to pay salaries
When the show has been performing well, you start asking yourself 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 Muvhango lead 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.”
SABC spokesperson Gugu Ntuli revealed the show wouldn’t be dismissed.
“The SABC is finalising negotiations with Word of Mouth Production. The SABC can confirm that Muvhango will continue to be broadcast on SABC2.”
Word of Mouth Production spokesperson Thanduxolo Jindela however, said otherwise.
“We are waiting for the SABC to conclude the process.”
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