Film

Off-screen Generations drama gets industry hot under the collar

Rhodé Marshall 20 Aug 2014 14:45

The SABC1 prime-time soap actors want better salaries, extended contracts, royalties and syndication fees. (Delwyn Verasamy, M&G)

On Monday, MMSV Productions, the producer of South Africa’s most popular soap opera, terminated the contracts of 16 of the show’s cast members, leading to a larger industry dialogue about the rights of South African artists.

The ANC Youth League jumped on the bandwagon to express their disappointment, along with the rest of the country, at the SABC and MMSV Productions’s decision to axe the actors and held a meeting with the actors on Tuesday.

“The ANC Youth League informs media and the public in general that it will be meeting with the cast of the popular South African soapie, Generations.
As the ANC Youth League, we seek to get their side of the story on what happened to the supposedly well-resolved crisis and how we can be of assistance to these performing artists, who are dearly loved by our members.”

There was even a selfie after the meeting.

Hearing the case of the #Generations Cast it’s clear that creatives are dealt a raw deal owing to the structure of entertainment industry
— Shaka Sisulu (@shakasisulu) August 19, 2014

South African artists voiced their opinions on Twitter concerning the termination of Generations actors’ contracts.

#Generations //t.co/QZXCrfd1Q1 Finally some SA actors are realizing their worth.
— David Kau (@davidkau1) August 18, 2014

We can’t continue to take a dump on those who work in this country and then try to bully them when they stand up for themselves
— Loyiso MacDonald (@loyisomacdonald) August 19, 2014

Actors’ rights are limited by the Labour Relations Act first.
— Florence Masebe (@FloMasebe) August 19, 2014

So many “experts” on working conditions of SA actors missing this point. None of us have employee status. We are independent contractors.
— Florence Masebe (@FloMasebe) August 18, 2014

I’m sick of hearing about how hard it is to be an artist. It’s hard to be an accountant too, but they just shut up & get on with their work
— Deep Fried Man (@DeepFriedMan) August 19, 2014

No benefits. Not even UIF. Not even the right to strike.
— Florence Masebe (@FloMasebe) August 19, 2014

The actor is never remunerated For the further use of their image. #GenStrike that’s the way it works in the South African industry.
— Thami Mngqolo (@ThamiMngqolo) August 18, 2014

We pray this will begin to uncover the ugly reality behind the superficial glamour. Being an artist in SA is not easy.
— Kgomotso Christopher (@kgchristopher) August 19, 2014

SA’s ready for a star system. Let’s really test the mettle of star power & talent cos they hv monetary implicatns for channels & advertisers
— H (@HlomlaDandala) August 19, 2014

Minister of Sport and Recreation Fikile Mbalula tweeted about how unsettling he found the dismissal of the actors.

Guys the generations situation something must be done ,it doesn’t go down well with me to b honest. Actors don’t have any protection.
— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) August 19, 2014

Surely the should be negotiations before any dismissal, my assumption is that they were there but failed then what about mediation etc?
— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) August 19, 2014

You can’t just dismiss people enmasse when they demand more pay this is super exploitation. We can’t associate ourselves with exploitation
— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) August 19, 2014

This can’t be right I can feel it in my blood somebody somewhere is getting away with murder noways! Generations situation can’t be okay !
— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) August 19, 2014

On Monday afternoon, MMSV Productions released a statement to say that the contracts of the striking actors had been terminated. “MMSV Productions, following consultation with the South African Broadcasting Corporation [SABC], have today [Monday] terminated the contracts of the striking actors on the SABC1 soap drama, Generations. The termination follows calls by both parties for the actors to return for recordings, following the start of their illegal strike.”

The actors are demanding bigger salaries and extended three-year contracts. They also want royalties from episodes that have been rebroadcast, as well as syndication fees resulting from the sale of Generations outside of South Africa.

Media representative for the actors Marang Setshwaelo told the Mail & Guardian that the actors are exploring their legal options.

Mfundi Vunda, executive producer of SABC1’s prime-time soap opera, which attracts more than seven million viewers a night, says that fans of the show should not worry about the latest developments. “My creative team and I are working on ways to take the show forward.”

Vundla added that Generations will remain on television regardless of the outcome.

The actors who went on strike will remain onscreen until October: Anga Makubalo (MJ Dlomo), Atandwa Kani (Samora Lembede), Katlego Danke (Dineo Dlomo), Mandla Gaduka (Selwyn “Choppa” Maithufi), Menzi Ngubane (Sbusiso Dlomo), Nambitha Mpumlwana (Mawande), Patrick Shai (Patrick Tlaole), Slindile Nodangala (Ruby Dikobe), Sophie Ndaba (Queen Ndaba), Seputla Sebogodi (Kenneth Mashaba), Thami Mngqolo (Senzo), Thato Molamu (Nicholas Nomvete), Winnie Ntshaba (Khetiwe Buthelezi), Zenande Mfenyana (Noluntu Memela), Zikhona Sodlaka (Priska Nomvete) and Zolisa Xaluva (Jason Malinga).

Rhodé Marshall

Rhodé Marshall is the Mail & Guardian's arts, culture and entertainment content producer. She started as a radio reporter and producer in Cape Town, before jumping into online news. When there is chaos, she is the responsible, cool and calm one. With one hand glued to her phone and the other to a can of Coca-Cola, she is a pop culture junkie. And don't you dare write her name without the accent on the e, she will make sure that you know how to do it on every device. Visit her blog: rhodemarshall.co.za Read more from Rhodé Marshall

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Off-screen Generations drama gets industry hot under the collar

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