The South African public broadcaster SABC says it has now caught up on its financial duties to Bakwena Productions, the company behind the SABC 2 telenovela Pimville, after a spell of payment tensions involving cast and crew, along with other issues that have not been specified.
The daily drama launched in February and rolled out a well-known lineup including Gail Mabalane, Matli Mohapeloa, Thapelo Mokoena, Keke Mphuthi, Mondli Makhoba, Clementine Mosimane, Michelle Mosalakae, Fulu Modibedi and Jesse Suntele.
Quick facts
- The SABC says it has met its payment obligations to Bakwena Productions, linked to Pimville.
- Pimville is an SABC 2 daily drama that premiered in February.
- The broadcaster says the production company was “in breach of its contract.”
- SABC says it put contingency measures in place to keep the show running.
- Communications head Mmoni Ngubane says the SABC is current on payments.
- The SABC says it engaged the cast on the matter on Wednesday.
In a statement, the SABC said Bakwena Productions is the party described as being “in breach of its contract,” and that it has already set contingency plans in motion to protect the continuity of programming on SABC 2.
Communications head Mmoni Ngubane said the broadcaster wanted to reassure viewers and industry stakeholders that it has “duly fulfilled” its contractual responsibilities. He added that the corporation is up to date with payments, describing this as evidence of its pledge to keep productions operating smoothly.
Ngubane also emphasized that the situation involves the production company’s contractual standing with the SABC. He said the broadcaster is actively working with Bakwena Productions to resolve the matter, while continuing contingency steps to maintain Pimville’s place on SABC 2, and considering other production options if that becomes necessary.
The SABC further stated that it reached out to the cast regarding the dispute on Wednesday. Ngubane said the broadcaster first became aware of concerns tied to the production company after commissioning Pimville and bringing Bakwena Productions on board through contracting.
He said risk-mitigation measures were then put in place to safeguard production and protect the SABC, but that developments since then suggest additional action is required. Ngubane added that the broadcaster remains focused on making sure productions meet high standards of governance, accountability, and fair treatment for all professionals in the industry.
For now, the SABC said it would not provide further details, noting that the issue is being handled through contractual and legal processes.
