As she readies to shake the industry with the release of her highly anticipated book called Unfiltered by Vatiswa Viola Ndara, the actress gave an unfiltered interview on the King David Studio. On the episode she spoke about her career and the obstacles she faced. One of those obstacles being The Fergusons.
Vatiswa wrote an explosive open letter to Minister of Arts and culture, Nathi Mthethwa. In it, she outed the Fergusons for allegedly exploiting her. She then got blacklisted in the industry and has been without an acting job for over 3 years.
On the episode, she speaks on the first time she learnt that there was beef between her and The Fergusons. She said she learnt from a friend who approached her at an event and asked what did she do to The Fergusons. This was after the friend, who according to Vatiswa is also a producer, saw numerous tweets by the late Shona Ferguson where she sub tweeted Vatiswa.
One of the tweets the host read out says:
"This is a very small industry be careful how you treat people and how you behave, When you are out of work tomorrow just know, it's all on you."
When Vatiswa was made aware of such tweets, she went on to read them and she immediately knew they were about her. After reading them, she wrote an email to the channel in a bid to make things easier for everybody. This email asked to be taken out from the contract with immediate effect. The drama started when she was on Igazi where she played the character Nomarussia.
"The owners of it feel like I am jealous of them, and I am just this problematic person. Everybody let's have peace, I'm willing to walk away. The channel comes back to me saying 'No, we will have this investigated.'
But she wanted nothing to do with that and she had cc'd Shona on the email saying she wants out of her contract. "I know that you have given me an 'opportunity' but it is one I am willing to walk away from," she said quoting the letter.
Even though she wanted to walk away from the show, she still had a lot of work and episodes to shoot so she came back for season 2. Vatiswa then spoke about how she got nominated for her role as Nomarussia but she did not get a congratulations from the Fergusons.
Watch the full episode below:
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Speaking to Zimoja last year, Vatiswa said she is aware that there are people who will be against the book but she is ready to speak her truth.
“I know there are people who will not be happy with what I have shared in the book, but it needs to be done. After three years of being unemployed due to being vocal, I have moved past thinking about money and income. Now, it’s about sharing my story.”
“I have taken quite a challenging step and dared to write this book. I am sure, you are as both as shocked as I am to put pen to paper and document my journey. But I also know how proud you are of me. This book is also dedicated to those whose hard work and dedication are never shown any appreciation, instead met with resistance and hostility mostly by those who benefit from it," she told the publication.
