The 16 Generations actors who were fired after embarking on a two-week strike, have seemingly surrendered in their battle against the show’s bosses.
City Press reports that the actors agreed to return to work following negotiations facilitated by SABC Chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng.
It is believed that the group of principal actors on the soapie would receive an increase in pay, annual increases and longer-term contracts - which seems to be enough to overlook the fact that not all of their original demands will be met.
The Generations Actors Guild had previously sent a lawyer’s letter to Mfundi Vundla, saying they were willing to return to work.
“Our clients are grateful that you agree to pay the rates agreed to in November 2013. They are also grateful that you agree to three-year contracts. In light of these developments, our clients immediately tender their services without any conditions. Should you agree to their unconditional tender of their services, you can directly contact them as to when they can resume work,” the letter read.
A source at Generations told the newspaper that the actors had “thrown in the towel” and agreed to return “unconditionally”.
Soapie bosses are also said to be playing with the idea of hiring former cast members and recasting new faces in existing roles.
Whether the actors’ return will take place without a hitch remains to be seen, however, as Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi kept the flame of contention burning by issuing a strong warning to actors thinking of replacing those who were fired.
"Don't cross the picket line. Don't make yourself scab labour. Don't add salt to the [wound]," he told reporters in Johannesburg.
"The reason Mfundi Vundla developed so much arrogance is because he knows he can [easily replace] actors."
Vavi said actors thinking of auditioning for the roles should not allow themselves to be used.
"This is your struggle. Think of all the actors in South Africa. Don't be used by arrogant producing companies."
He said the names of those who auditioned for the roles would be made public.
"We will picket where the cast [works]. We will take it to their houses, shebeens," he said.
Patrick Shai, one of the 16, had previously stated that the strike was not only about wage disputes with Generations, but about the industry.
"This fight is for the benefit of every creative worker in this industry.
"It is to make sure each and every actor in this country... has contracts that offer you a sustainable life."
He had also urged other actors to join the strike.
"It is about time we unite as a sector... This is an industry issue."
The actors were fired on August 18 for going on strike in a pay dispute.
Vavi said the Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) and the Creative Workers Union of SA had agreed to campaign for the actors' demands.
These demands included a reduction to 10 working hours a day, social benefits, an end to inconsistencies in remuneration, payment of royalties by the SABC, and better working conditions.
Vundla has not yet commented on these reports. - Mpho Raborife of Sapa, and IOL