Tshedza Pictures Under Fire: Actors Expose Non-Payment and Ill-Treatment on Gqeberha Telenovela
It seems like Mzansi Magic’s promising telenovela, Gqeberha: The Empire, might be reaching its final destination.
Word on the street is that this first-ever isiXhosa telenovela shot in the Eastern Cape has been hit by controversy.
The folks at Tshedza Pictures, the production house behind the show, are facing accusations of non-payment from some of the actors and actresses involved.
Interestingly, the chaos began even before the show premiered in January this year. Now, the actors have reached their breaking point and are speaking up about their grievances, as it appears that the first season is coming to an end.
Tshedza Pictures Under Fire
Ever since the show started, the actors have been complaining about the mistreatment and “dismal pay” they receive from this highly acclaimed and award-winning production company.
One actress revealed to ZiMoja that when she first arrived in Gqeberha, she was living in deplorable conditions.
“They put us up in a dump basically. The place was not liveable, especially for an established actor,” she expressed.
Fearful of losing their jobs, the actor refrains from sharing further details about the mistreatment but hinted, “Things seem better but they are worse for others.”
Production Company Explains Itself
When questioned earlier this year about whether actors were provided accommodation while in Gqeberha, Tshedza Pictures Management claimed they had made arrangements.
One actor complained about not receiving any money for food while on set and had to rely on the generosity of colleagues. A proposal sent to the funders, which ZiMoja obtained, stated a daily allowance of R186,260.
“Imagine working for one of the biggest production companies that created shows like The River and struggling to eat on set,’ the actor said.
In response, Tshedza informed ZiMoja that per diems are not paid when a shoot lasts for an entire year, as it is not considered an off-site shoot since the entire main cast and crew reside in Gqeberha for the full year. They claim to have offered advances to actors facing financial difficulties prior to the payroll date.
Another actor mentioned that after being cast for the role in Johannesburg, they had to arrange their own transportation to Gqeberha and find accommodation.
Gqeberha: The Empire Coming To An End After One Season
Rumours suggest that the show is approaching its end and will not be renewed for a second season. One actor learned about this through the grapevine.
“We were not told by the production, after having to reshuffle our lives around and move to PE for a year. Now we have to leave again,” he said. “There have been more bad things happening on this production than good. We have tried to cover up the mess but it is too much now. Actors are underpaid and some starve on set.’ A few months ago, management met up with the actors to try and resolve their queries. “But things are worse now,’ the actor concludes.