SABC’s Hit Soapie Uzalo On The Verge Of Cancellation
SABC’s hit soapie and Mzansi most-watched drama series in South Africa, Uzalo on the verge of cancellation after losing more than 3 Million viewers between April and October.
Despite being the most-watched soapie in Mzansi, Uzalo has been threatened with cancellation. Earlier this year Uzalo made headlines when it reached more than 11 Million views but however, in the recent poll, the hit soapie is set to be axed.
Rumour has it that the SABC’s top management has issued a stem warming to Stained Glass, the producers of the drama series after Uzalo lost more than 3 Million viewers between April and October.
SABC’s Hit Soapie Uzalo On The Verge Of Cancellation
According to the recent Broadcast Research Council of SA viewership survey, the Uzalo’s viewership had a sharp decline. As of April Uzalo’s viewership was 11.4 million and dropped to 8.8 million as of October.
For late Uzalo viewers has complained about the ever boring storyline and the changing of characters. Rumour has it that Stained Glass was told to pay its casts decent salaries.
This came after it was discovered that the production crew was underpaying its actors despite making much from the soapie. The broadcaster also pointed out that the low payments impacted negatively on the storylines.
It is reported that the Executive was not pleased with the sudden slump.
Yes, there are issues of concern with Uzalo because of its dwindling numbers. We have received complaints from viewers who said the storyline was now boring. We urged the producers to come up with creative storylines to rescue the soapie because it was important to the SABC.
Another thing we emphasised was that actors need to be paid decent salaries for their work.”
Other board members also lashed out at the soapie for failing to meet their demands. Uzalo entitled to R179 million annual fee.