Sombre end to Mzansi’s Generations
Generations’ last show lacked the intensity viewers were accustomed to over the past four weeks, with notably only a few cast members featured.
Mzansi’s soapie Generations screened for the last time on Tuesday evening, September 30, after 16 principal cast members were fired from the soapie on August 18.
The news came as a shock to many South Africans as they wondered which direction the show would take after the actors were fired. According to creator Mfundi Vundla, the actors were fired after they went on an unprotected strike and refused to come back to work.
A week after their dismissal, the axed 16 gathered to tell their side of the story. During the press conference, they spoke of ill treatment, racism and unfairness on the Generations set.
Several of the actors broke down in tears as they called for the public protector to investigate the Generations syndication fees that the show has amassed over the years.
The last episode featuring the axed cast aired on SABC 1, on September 30.
The last days of Generations
31 August – City Press reports Mfundi Vundla takes a break to the US where he will rest, enjoy jazz and reconceptualise the new Generations.
Vundla claims that after the 16 held their press conference where they aired their dirty laundry – he would not consider taking them back.
9 September – Cosatu issues a call to boycott Generations by ignoring the soapie from September 15. “What you cannot win through negotiation, you have to win on the streets,” said Cosatu.
14 September – Bulelani Mzamo, the lawyer representing the actors, sends a letter to MMSV, asking for the reinstatement of the axed 16.
“Our clients are grateful that you agree to pay the rates agreed to in November 2013. They are also grateful that you agree to three-year contracts.
“In light of these developments, our clients immediately tender their services without any conditions. Should you agree to the unconditional tender of their services, you can directly contact them as to when they can resume work,” read the letter.
19 September – The axed cast announce they have turned to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to fight for their reinstatement.
“Throughout this process, we have engaged with our former employer and been clear about the fact that we are open to negotiation and discussions – but we are resolute in our commitment to transforming unfair industry practices.”
19 September – A report emerges: Bongi Ndaba, the Generations head writer and co-producer, has resigned.
19 September – SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago sends out a statement which includes the public broadcaster’s intention to take Generations off air until December. The Sepedi drama Skeem Saam, will replace its 8pm timeslot.
21 September – City Press reports that Mfundi Vundla will definitely not take the 16 back. He has sent out an SMS asking crew to remain silent about the new Generations.
