The previous stars of the renowned soap opera Generations, Zolisa Xaluva and Zikhona Sodlaka, contacted Thando Thabethe to share their version of events following Mfundi Vundla’s revelations about incidents that took place 12 years ago.
The producer appeared on 947 FM as the SABC’s flagship soap celebrates 32 years on the air.
The 79-year-old Vundla claimed the actors anticipated that he would advocate for their royalties, something he declined, eventually letting them go when they failed to appear for work.
“Zo, you were the first to reach out to me to ask, firstly, where’s the complete clip. And secondly, can we appear on the show,” Thabethe mentioned.
“Absolutely,” responded Zolisa Xaluva.
“…I stumbled upon something on your timeline, and I was naturally curious… I was worried about the false representation of the facts that were shared here,” Xaluva elaborated.
“You know the 16 of us never actually came forward and said anything because we didn’t want to engage in a conflict. But when someone appears on the show and presents a narrative that aligns with their perspective, and no one counters it… that narrative starts to become accepted as the truth,” Xaluva stated.
“What did Baba Mfundi Vundla say that you felt misrepresented the truth?” Thabethe inquired.
Xaluva clarifies they didn’t seek royalties from Vundla
“The royalties issue. We were engaged in a two-part discussion, a two-part struggle. You must recall that we retained legal representation. We didn’t embark on this out of emotion… Our legal advisors examined the contract and indicated that there were matters relating to Morula Pictures, as well as issues concerning the SABC. So when he asserts that we sought royalties from him, that is a gross misrepresentation of the facts,” Xaluva explained.
When Thabethe asked for the origin of the conversation, Xaluva responded.
“We began with MMSV because that was our workplace, but we made it clear these issues are connected to you, MMSV,” Xaluva stated.
Zikhona Sodlaka joined the dialogue to explain that the original ‘Generations 16’ were already in negotiations with the SABC before their departure.
“We were not fired; we left voluntarily,” Sodlaka affirmed, with Xaluva agreeing.
What was the actual issue then?
“This discussion is not about salaries. This is a matter concerning actors who were the most influential during that time, who found themselves in a legal confrontation with the SABC, advocating for the rights of all principal actors working under the SABC,” Sodlaka remarked.
Watch the video above for the rest of the interview.
