The South African Broadcasting Corporation has placed three high-ranking executives on suspension due to growing discontent regarding unpaid salaries associated with the soap opera Pimville, which is a production of Bakwena Productions.
The executives under suspension include Nirvana Singh, Reatlegile Mampa, and Lala Tuku. The broadcaster has reportedly initiated an internal probe concerning how the production and its associated payments were managed.
This situation arose after weeks of complaints from both cast and crew, alongside suppliers, who have expressed that they have not received payments for their work over an extended period.
BuzzLife News has noted that production on Pimville has been suspended, with the last completed episode being broadcast on May 7, amid rising tensions among staff.
Bakwena Productions, managed by Rashaka Muofhe, his wife Brenda Muofhe, and business partner Kagiso Modupe, is at the center of these issues.
The company faces increasing backlash from employees who have accused the management of neglecting payment obligations to both staff and service providers.
Additionally, some employees have pointed out what they perceive as excessive spending by company leaders during this payment dilemma, although these claims have not been verified through independent sources.
An insider revealed a worrying atmosphere among the production team.
“Everyone is scared of Rashaka. He is making threats in the chat group. He must just pay people and stop with the threats,” the insider claimed.
There are also ongoing allegations that luxury cars, real estate investments, and other business pursuits were being pursued while staff reportedly went unpaid.
Reports have emerged suggesting that the production company received approximately R60 million in funding, but the specifics regarding how this money has been directed remain unclear.
As frustrations mount, many of those impacted are calling for accountability from both the production company and the broadcaster, as inquiries increase over how the situation could have deteriorated to this extent.
