Contract Crisis: Muvhango Faces Uncertainty Amidst 7de Laan Cancellation
The corridors of Muvhango’s production company, Word of Mouth, are reportedly echoing with anxiety as the specter of uncertainty looms over the long-running soapie. Whispers of contract negotiations with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and the recent cancellation of another popular show, 7de Laan, have left the Muvhango team on edge.
With their contract with the SABC set to conclude soon, the Muvhango production team is allegedly feeling the pressure to secure a new deal. The abrupt ending of 7de Laan, a soapie that, like Muvhango, boasts a rich history, has cast a shadow of doubt over Muvhango’s future. The SABC has a history of discontinuing long-standing shows, a fact that has heightened concerns at Word of Mouth.
Sources within the company revealed that the news of 7de Laan’s cancellation ignited a sense of panic among the Muvhango team. The source emphasized the shared longevity of the two shows and the channel’s previous decisions to pull the plug on established series.
Word of Mouth’s current contract, signed in 2021 for a two-year term, is set to expire soon. However, the customary process of re-signing in May or June has yet to occur, fueling apprehension within the company. The delay in contract negotiations has exacerbated the worries that Muvhango might be facing the same fate as its fellow soapie.
When approached for comment, Word of Mouth publicist Nondumiso Zungu remained tight-lipped about the situation, while Dichaba Phalatse, SABC2’s marketing manager for video entertainment, provided reassurance that Muvhango’s departure from the channel is not on the horizon. Phalatse hinted at forthcoming changes to the network’s programming lineup without confirming specific details.
Muvhango has been navigating a series of challenges, including payment disputes with cast and crew over the past two years. Tensions escalated in 2021 when actors reportedly stopped working for months due to contract disputes. This period marked the beginning of a downhill journey for the show, culminating in the alleged firing of Sydney Ramakuela and Macdonald Ndou, who portrayed the characters Mulalo and KK, respectively.
As the fate of Muvhango hangs in the balance, the production company remains hopeful that a new contract will be secured. Fans and industry insiders await updates on the show’s future as it navigates these uncertain waters.
