By Philani Mzila
Former SABC 1 Zone 14 and Yizo Yizo actor Thulani “Spinach” Didi is at the centre of a R5000 payment scandal for his role in an unreleased movie called Reclaiming Our Legacy.
The movie, which was shot early this year, has caused tension between Spinach, casting agency owner Mbongeni Khoza, and the movie’s director.
Scrolla.Africa has WhatsApp messages exchanged between the film’s director, Sibusiso Khumalo, and casting agency owner Mbongeni Khoza, who recruited Spinach for the project.
According to Khoza, the agreement between himself, Spinach, and Khumalo was that the actor would be paid R5,000 for a minor role.
The movie was shot in Johannesburg earlier this year.
“We agreed that once the movie had been filmed, Khumalo, the director, would pay us R5,000. I was to distribute R4,000 to Spinach and keep R1,000 for myself. It’s been three months now, and I’ve been trying to get our money, but he’s playing hide and seek. He keeps promising to pay but hasn’t delivered,” said Khoza.
Khoza said he considered taking Khumalo to the Small Claims Court, but others advised him to expose the matter publicly to prevent actors from working with him.
“I want him to face consequences because I had to beg Spinach to accept such a low fee. Spinach may not be busy on television, but he isn’t down and out, and he doesn’t deserve to be abused by another black man. Khumalo must pay us what we are owed. I run a casting agency that finds roles for actors, so I must be paid for my services,” he said.
When Spinach was contacted for comment, he declined to discuss the matter, calling it private.
“When you’re employed, you don’t go around discussing private contracts between the employer and the employee. I took part in the movie, and I’m still waiting for my payment,” he said.
When Khumalo was contacted, he angrily responded: “Mkhathini [referring to Khoza’s clan name] is hungry and thinks I’m his responsibility. I’m not paying him a cent. The only person I’m willing to pay is Spinach, not Khoza. He’s crazy and should go jump off the nearest cliff. I’ve worked hard to get where I am.”
Pictured above: Former Yizo Yizo and Zone 14 actor Thulani “Spinach” Didi.
Source: Supplied
