By Linda Ximba
The filming of Muvhango ground to a halt after the cast and crew members staged a stay-away on Monday and Tuesday.
The award-winning cast members of the SABC2 Tshivenda soapie stopped working after their salaries did not reflect in their bank accounts on Monday.
It is understood they have been told their salaries will only be paid later in the week.
Speaking to City Press on condition of anonymity an actor confirmed that they had not been paid and had decided to take a break until their salaries had been paid.
“We were supposed to be back filming the new season on Monday but our salaries were not paid on the last day of the month so we decided to stay away,” said the actor.
Another actor confirmed non-payment.
“This is not the first time this has happened. In 2016 and 2019 we didn’t get paid for October and November and were told by our production that SABC did not have money to pay them,” said the veteran actor.
“This situation is hurting us. We have bills to pay.”
SABC spokesperson Mmoni Seapolelo has not responded to enquiries sent to her while Muvhango series producer Pumla Hopa declined to comment.
“I can’t comment. Please contact the executive producer of the show,” she said.
An internal staff communication notice directed to producers, which City Press said it had in its possession alerted staff of the Word of Mouth production house of the payment delay.
“This memo serves to inform you, the producer, of a delay in the end of October payments. Please be advised that payments will be effected on Friday, 4 November.”
The letter read in part: “Kindly accept our sincere apologies. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and we further note the level of stress that the late notification may cause.”
Muvhango celebrated 20 years of being on air three years ago. It was created by Duma kaNdlovu.
Pictured above: Muvhango cast
Source: Iharare and News365
