Axed actors prepared to return to work
AUCKLAND PARK- Axed ‘Generations’ actors are now prepared to return to work, following a strike over a contractual dispute that resulted in the cast being fired.
Generations main cast members that were fired last month said they were prepared to go back to work on 15 September.
City Press reported that Bulelani Mzamo, who is representing the axed cast, sent a letter which details an agreement by the actors to return to work based on the acceptance of the demands that were made and agreed upon in November 2013.
The actors were axed subsequent to boycotting work as a result of a wage dispute.
This statement came after the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) and the Creative Workers’ Union of SA (CWUSA) called on South African viewers not to watch the daily weekday show in support of the actors’ demands.
Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi urged actors thinking of replacing the 16 who were fired from the soapie not to consider it.
“Don’t cross the picket line. Don’t make yourself scab labour. Don’t add salt to the (wound),” he told reporters in Johannesburg.
“What you cannot win through negotiation you have to win on the streets,” said the determined Vavi.
“The reason Mfundi Vundla developed so much arrogance is because he knows he can (easily replace) actors,” he added.
While the return of the 16 is seemingly a possibility, Generations executives are said to be exploring the possibility of bringing back former cast members such as Connie Ferguson who played the role of Karabo.
The fired cast demanded higher salaries, three-year contracts, royalties and syndication fees.
Show creator Mfundi Vundla had previously called the actor demands “outrageous”. Commenting on whether they will take back the actors, he had previously said: “It’s finished and klaar; we are running a business here, there has to be resolve…we have to bring certainty to the production; we can’t be playing ping pong, ping pong. It is a final decision.”
The 16 cast members fired are:Sophie Ndaba (Queen), Menzi Ngubane (Sibusiso), Seputla Sebogodi (Kenneth), Katlego Danke (Dineo), Thami Mnqolo (Senzo), Zolisa Xaluva (Jason), Winnie Ntshaba (Khetiwe), Slindile Nodangala (Ruby), Zenande Mfenyana (Noluntu), Thato Molamu (Nicholas) , Anga Makubalo (MJ), Mandla, Gaduka (Choppa), Patrick Shai (Patrick), Atandwa Kani (Samora), Nambitha Mpulwana (Mawande), Zikhona Sodlaka (Priska).
