7de Laan’s days on SABC numbered

Production company still waiting for contract

FANS of the popular Afrikaans soapie 7de Laan might want to catch the last episode – aired tonight – as production and script writing staff attached to Danie Odendaal Productions, the makers of the show, have not been paid.

This means the show might not play on SABC2 in the coming months. The SABC denied there was a wage dispute between the staff and the public broadcaster.

In an internal memo sent to staff, line manager and spokesperson Frances Maposa said salaries would be paid soon, “with no contract being in place”.

Maposa said that without a contract, the company was unable to invoice the SABC and, in turn, unable to receive payment.

“This ripple effects of this sees no end,” she wrote.

A draft script contract with notes was sent to the public broadcaster on October 3. The production company had still not received the revised contract to sign, the memo indicated. A draft contract for production was also forwarded on October 7, and that contract was also not revised and sent back to Danie Odendaal Productions to be signed.

“The SABC in its capacity is aware of the situation and the position we are in, and they are also doing their utmost best in getting these contacts out and finalised.

“They have also made special payment arrangements to process the payment as soon as the contracts are signed,” the memo stated.

Maposa advised staff to make alternative arrangements because it was unclear when new two-year contracts would be signed or, “more importantly”, when staff would receive their first payment. SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago denied that a wage dispute between the public broadcaster and the production company was under way.

“In addition, the SABC does not discuss or negotiate contractual issues in the public domain or through the media and therefore will not comment further,” he said.

Avid watchers of the show took to social media, calling for the staff’s contracts to be renewed and prompting the hashtag #Save7deLaan.

Tyrone Prins even appealed to Western Cape Premier Helen Zille to save the show.

“Can you help #7deLaan to get contracts from SABC @helenzille we might not watch it on Monday, just tweet something #Save7deLaan.”

Orian tweeted: “The SABC never loved #7delaan though. I’m so over this country and the double standards.”