Johannesburg - THE GENERATIONS soap opera moved to Twitter on Tuesday as the popular soapie’s actors voiced their feelings regarding the termination of their contracts.
The actors showcased messages of support and solidarity from their fans and fellow actors.
A number of celebrities tweeted their support for the cast, and used the Twitter platform to highlight the struggles actors faced.
Entering stage left, TV soapie Scandal actress Florence Masebe was one of the first to highlight issues in the industry.
“It explains why entertainers (black) die paupers; because they have absolutely no cover or parity income,” she tweeted.
“One can only hope that the Generations cast and creators find another way to resolve this. That is, if there’s still room for this at all :(“
The current act of the drama opened with the actors claiming that the public broadcaster and MMVS Productions were the villains of the piece.
The crew members said the entities had not delivered on their promises to give the actors three-year contracts, better salaries, and royalties and syndication fees on episodes that are broadcast in other countries.
Generations’ producers gave actors an ultimatum to stop striking and to be on set on Monday morning, or be sacked.
The actors did not pitch for work, risking dismissal.
Sport and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula also showed his support
He tweeted: “You can’t just dismiss people en masse when they demand more pay. This is super exploitation.
“We can’t associate ourselves with exploitation.”
Later, he posted: “This can’t be right. I can feel it in my blood somebody somewhere is getting away with murder noways! Generations situation can’t be okay! (sic)”
Some of the cast members took their inspiration from the Bible.
Sophie Ndaba, who has been with the show for two decades, tweeted: “Happy Tuesday Angels! Always remember when God closes a door somewhere he opens a window!”
Zolisa Xaluva, who plays the popular Jason on the soapie, was already looking at future business ventures and prospects.
Perhaps, Nando’s had the last word, producing a poster reading: “Dear Mfundi, leave the firing to us, we have been grilling for generations.”
One thing you can bet your bottom dollar on is that the curtain has not yet fallen on this fascinating saga about money, power and their abuse. - The Star