Generations producer Mfundi Vundla has at last spoken out after the infamous dismissal of the entire cast of the soap opera more than a decade ago.
At 79 years old, he is participating in interviews as the show marks its 32nd year on-air. Its popularity has transcended South Africa, resonating throughout the African continent.
During a conversation with Thando Thabethe on her 5FM program, she inquired about the events leading to the firing of the entire original cast of Generations.
“I’m shooting a scene with Menzi Ngubane, and right in the middle of the scene, while the scene is being shot, Thato [Molamu] walks into the scene… whispers something in Ngubane’s ear. Menzi drops everything and walks out,” begins the Generations producer.
“It becomes clear that the issue is that they’re not happy with the fact that they’re not getting royalties.”
“And my response is… that’s a legitimate issue, but there’s no line item in my budget that says ‘actor’s royalties’. Royalties are paid by the broadcaster… I don’t own the show. It’s owned by the broadcaster, so the onus with royalties lies with the broadcaster,” Vundla explained.
“So basically, what they were doing, given my name and maybe my stature, they wanted me to go fight their battle, and I refused,” Vundla added.
‘Fight your own battles as actors’
“Why did you refuse, baba?” Thabethe pressed him.
“You are actors, you go and fight your own battles. I have my own battles to fight as a producer… I have a contract I have to deliver to the SABC, and them being on strike puts me in breach of contract,” Vundla clarified.
“So I said ‘I’m not gonna be in breach’… I gave them a deadline to return to work… they didn’t turn up, and I said, ‘Well, bye.’”
“I created a show that I was extremely proud of. It’s my dream. Nobody’s gonna mess my dream… ” Vundla concluded.
