Striking soapie actors fired

Published Aug 19, 2014

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Loyal viewers of Generations have vowed to boycott the hit soapie if their favourite actors are not re-hired.

Incensed fans took to social media networks on Monday after it was announced that 16 of the series’ most popular actors had been sacked, after a wage dispute.

“MMSV Productions, following consultation with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), (has) today terminated the contracts of the striking actors on the SABC1 soap drama, Generations,” spokesman Kaizer Kganyago said on Monday.

“The termination follows calls by both parties for the actors to return for recordings, following the start of their illegal strike.”

In a tweet shared by Katlego Danke, who plays the role of Dineo Mashaba, Brady Combrinck said: “If your contracts are terminated, my TV doesn’t go near SABC 1 at 8pm ever again!!”

Zethu Mpungose said via Twitter: “Mfundi (Vundla) is biting the hand that feeds him… We won’t watch. Bring back our lead actors.”

Dee Karma Booysen tweeted: “You deserve better. You ARE Generations. I shall not watch if Dinny ain’t there.”

Another fan, tweeting under the name, Zoliswa Arika, said: “I will be one of the millions that will stop watching, no leading actors. No #generations.”

President of the Creative Workers Union, Mabutho “Kid” Sithole, said that while the union sympathised with the plight of the actors and their families, they could not take action because the cast had not been members of the union.

He said his “biggest fear” was that the move might set a precedent for the future dismissal of actors.

“If we do not speak as a group, we will always be vulnerable. If they were members, we could have assisted in the bargaining process… We need to be as organised as teachers’, mine workers’ and factory clothing workers’ unions are. They are united and organised.”

The 16

went on strike last week, claiming the broadcaster and the production company had failed to deliver on promises made during their strike last year.

They said they had been promised three-year contracts which had not materialised. They had also wanted salary adjustments.

Earlier on Monday, the actors wrote an open letter to viewers and fans explaining why they had embarked on a strike.

Despite the show being the most popular in South Africa, the cast were paid rates well below what was understood to be the industry norm, the actors said.

“There has been a great deal of talk from the SABC that we want to be paid extravagant salaries, this is simply not true.

“Our actor colleagues on the same platform, SABC, are paid at much better rates, so it is possible.”

The actors who have been fired are Anga Makubalo (MJ), Katlego Danke (Dineo), Mandla Gaduka (Choppa), Menzi Ngubane (Sibusiso), Nambitha Mpumlwana (Mawande), Patrick Shai (Patrick Tlaole), Slindile Nodangala (Ruby), Sophie Ndaba (Queen), Seputla Sebogodi (Kenneth), Thami Mngqolo (Senzo), Thato Molamu (Nicholas), Winnie Ntshaba (Khethiwe), Zenande Mfenyana (Noluntu), Zikhona Sodlaka (Priska), Zolisa Xaluva (Jason) and Atandwa Kani (Samora Lembede).

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What the fans said

Masechaba Lekalake said on Facebook:“#?POWER to these revolutionaries for doing what is necessary to change the status quo. This industry will only change if WE stand up. We’re no longer fighting a political battle, ours is an economic WAR. Pay the actors their worth dammit! ?#?Generations.”

Mongezi Treasure Malgas said via the social network:“Popular soapie ?#?Generations has fired leading actors like Menzi Ngubane, Katlego Danke, Sophie Ndaba and a dozen others. How do you kill 16 #Generations characters in one episode? I guess they will try and put EBOLA in the script.”

On Twitter, fans exchanged similar theories.

“Mass shooting at Tsalanang (bar and restaurant on the programme)? Massive fire during a random party? Serial killer? Maybe it’s all a dream?”

Others offered support.

Stanimir Stoykov tweeted: “The quality of the product that is #Generations is not the debate we should be having. Actors should be able to afford a home.”

Pule Selepe said via Twitter: “Those members can leave and start their own show.”

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