Audiences might be enchanted by the sagas in Tshisa, SABC1’s ongoing tale about young people trying to make it in the entertainment business. But behind the scenes a much bigger drama is developing, as actors working on the popular show claim they have not been paid for as long as three months.

“I am still waiting for my salary since July,” one actor, who chose to remain anonymous, told The Sowetan. “I do not know what is happening with the production house. It is the first time we are experiencing such a problem.”

The sentiment was echoed by more performers working on the popular series, which had just recently completed its third season. Another anonymous source told the newspaper that they had been paid, but knew that much of the cast and crew have not. Actress Mbali Mlotshwa, one of Tshisa’s leads, would not confirm or deny that she had received her salary.

But according to the show’s executive producer and creator Stefanie Pickover, the rumours are true. Responding to questions by The Sowetan, she confirmed that many are still owed money and pointed fingers to the SABC, which commissioned the show.

“They assured me yesterday morning (Monday) that we will be paid at the end of October,” Pickover said in an SMS. “We are actually in a process of a court order to rescue the company, since the SABC owes (us) more than we owe (others). Everybody will get paid. But it will take time.”

But the public broadcaster has denied this, saying no money was owed to the Tshisa production.

The Sowetan quotes SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago as saying: “SABC can confirm that it does not owe the production company for the payment of actors’ fees. All payments with the production company are up to date.”

Vukile Madlala, SABC1′s publicity manager, also defended the broadcaster, adding that a program’s payment depends on the budget they present, as well as delivery of the product.

“Thus, when a production wraps; it is supposed to have effectively used its budget to deliver quality for our audiences.”

Tshisa chronicles the journeys of three young people working their way up the ranks of the entertainment world, encountering everything from love and success to drugs and sex along the way. Each weekly episode also features a popular local celebrity, which have included the likes of Mafikizolo, Lira and Toya Delazy.

By James Francis
Image via Facebook/Tshisa