Actor and Bakwena Productions co-founder Kagiso Modupe has addressed allegations of financial mismanagement surrounding Pimville, a series currently airing on SABC2. In a lengthy Instagram statement titled “The Truth,” Modupe insisted he was not responsible for the show’s money matters, describing his role as strictly creative once contracts were finalized.
SABC statement versus Modupe’s version of events
On May 6, the SABC said the broadcaster is fully caught up on payments and that Bakwena Productions is in breach of contract.
Modupe responded by arguing that the core issue being discussed—payments to cast, crew, and suppliers—was never within his remit from the start of the production. He said his responsibilities were limited to directing and maintaining the standard of the final product for viewers.
Contract changes and Modupe’s claimed responsibilities
In his Instagram post, Modupe explained that he and the show’s concept owner, actress and producer Brenda Mukwevho, worked together through Bakwena Productions.
He said that after the contracts were signed, his position shifted from executive producer to head director. He then outlined what he claims his job involved, and what he says he was not tasked with.
- Modupe said that from the beginning of the series, he was never involved in the financial operations of Pimville.
- He claimed that responsibility for payments and financial management rested with the channel, the executive producer, the producer, and the line producer.
- He added that he was not involved in decisions about hiring or firing personnel.
- He said his duty as head director was to ensure delivery of a quality production for audiences to enjoy.
Alleged payment problems during production
Modupe said that during the filming process, financial issues began to surface—specifically that payments were not being made to key parties involved in the production.
He described raising the concerns with his partners, saying he was initially told to “stay in [his] lane” and was shut down. He claims he continued bringing the issue to the channel after that, and was given the impression that it was being handled.
- He alleged that actors and crew were not paid.
- He also claimed suppliers were not being paid.
- He said he flagged the problems to partners, but was told to stop and was shut down.
- He said he then escalated the concerns to the channel and was led to believe the matter had been resolved.
Modupe further stated that he tried to encourage the team to bring in a supervising producer to help address the problem, but said the suggestion was not taken up.
He then questioned the public narrative, saying that while many people claim he is accountable, he believes he is not the person responsible for the financial breakdown.
- He said the current situation is one where actors, crew, and suppliers remain unpaid.
- He added that he himself has not received payment in his capacity as head director.
- He insisted that the story being circulated—that he is to blame—is incorrect.
- He said he is fully supportive of the cast, describing himself as a thespian.
Sympathy for the team, Bakwena rebrand, and public support
Modupe said he empathizes with the crew and claimed that the channel and the production are working toward a solution, emphasizing that people need to be compensated for the work they have done.
- He said individuals should be paid for their hard work and talent.
- He stated that he continues to support efforts to ensure payment for those who contributed to making the show successful and bringing it to where it is now.
He also revealed that over the past year he has been rebranding Bakwena Productions to Modupe Studios, describing it as part of a pledge to make an impact in the film and TV industry and to ensure people receive compensation that reflects their value.
Finally, Modupe addressed the backlash he said he faced after earlier social media reports and allegations. He expressed gratitude to actors and producers who have supported him privately and publicly during the controversy.
- He thanked producers, actors, colleagues, and crew members who sent messages of support.
- He said he is grateful to everyone who stood by him during this period.
