Striking cast of ‘Generations’ fired by SABC
THE SABC yesterday sacked the striking actors on its money-spinning soapie Generations after the cast refused to back down on their demands.
The long-running saga came to a head yesterday, when the Generations Actors Guild released an open letter to fans. In it they cited fears of joining a heap of those before them who had been “living and dying in a state of poverty, tragically never managing to earn what is their due, despite being associated with a number of successful projects”.
Among the cast’s concerns was that they were paid worse rates than other actors at the SABC. They also wanted to be paid royalties and syndication fees for episodes broadcast in other countries.
But the broadcaster, which had last week threatened to give the actors the boot, finally announced it had severed ties with the stars, including Patrick Shai (Patrick Tlaole), Sophie Ndaba (Queen Moroka), Menzi Ngubane (Sbusiso Dlomo), Nambitha Mpumlwana (Mawande Memela), Winnie Ntshaba (Khethiwe Buthelezi), Thami Mngqolo (Senzo Dlomo) and Katlego Danke (Dineo).
“The termination follows calls by both parties for the actors to return for recordings, following the start of their illegal strike,” a statement read.
The SABC said “measures have been put in place to ensure the future of Generations” – which has more than 7.4 million viewers. The channel still has about six weeks’ worth of episodes in the bag.
The Generations Actors Guild issued another statement yesterday afternoon, acknowledging the letters of dismissal. “The cast have made a decision to examine their legal options,” it said.
Attempts to get comment from cast members including Ndaba, Ngubane, Anga Makubalo and Zenande Mfenyana proved fruitless. SABC chief operations officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng asked to be called back after an hour, then did not answer.