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STAYING MUM: Actress Mbali Mlotshwa. PHOTO: VATHISWA RUSELO

PERFORMERS: Tshisa cast members Bongani Masondo, Thandi Matlaila, Innocent Masuku and Yonela Duze at the third season launch party of the SABC1 show. PHOTO: BONGANI MNGUNI

The drama series, in its third season, has apparently been hit by financial woes. The production house, Moja Movie Factory, finished shooting the third season of the series in July. The current season, which is being flighted by the public broadcaster, will end in just over a month.

One of the established actors in the drama series, who wanted to remain anonymous, confirmed that he had not been paid.

"I am still waiting for my salary since July," the actor said. "I do not know what is happening with the production house. It is the first time we are experiencing such a problem."

Another actor - also speaking on condition of anonymity - told Sowetan she had been paid. "I am glad that I got my money, but others have not been paid."

One of the faces of the series actresses Mbali Mlotshwa refused to say whether she has been paid or not.

Tshisa executive producer and creator Stefanie Pickover confirmed in an SMS that actors were not paid, because the SABC owes the production house.

"They assured me yesterday morning (Monday) that we will be paid at the end of October," Pickover said. "We are actually in a process of a court order to rescue the company, since the SABC owes (us) more than we owe (others). Everybody will get paid. But it will take time."

SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago said: "SABC can confirm that it does not owe the production company for the payment of actors' fees. All payments with the production company are up to date."

Vukile Madlala, SABC1's publicity manager, explained that when the broadcaster commissions a programme, producers submit a budget.

"When a programme goes into production, the SABC releases cash as per agreed cash flow, and also in relation to meeting the date for delivery," he said.

"Thus, when a production wraps; it is supposed to have effectively used its budget to deliver quality for our audiences. - bamalelep@sowetan.co.za

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Fri May 24 05:49:30 SAST 2013 ::

Oct 3, 2012

Flemza

what do they want to be paid for , the whole acting of theirs sucks its useless I wouldn`t pay a dine to them
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Oct 3, 2012

MorenaWaPolelo

You guys are brave who does business with SABC, if they dont kick @ss, they give an unqualified fooool COO position or they still money or the ask for a bail out or they marinate news tjessses good luck!
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Oct 3, 2012

Mellow

Mbali thats just a lovely dress you have thetre gal and you just look fabuluzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz wow

Back to Tshisa, I'm really not a fan of the series but hell how do they expect actors to get by without their Monthly salaries? Some careers really risky ek se so SABC claims it doesnt owe anyone while the producer sings a diff tune while actors are being screwed...
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Oct 3, 2012

Pointman

Another business being s crewed because a government institution has not paid its debt. Not being paid can be so stressful. Does the SABC understand the hardship it is causing or do they care at all.
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Oct 3, 2012

Mellow

@Flemza like you can do better you old cow and sure you wouldnt pay a DIME or in your case a DINE like WTF is that anyways cause you can never afford them you just a cheap skate like this blood sucking SABC
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Oct 3, 2012

MAWARAWARA

@Pointman
Another business being s crewed because a government institution has not paid its debt
========================
which government institution? did you take your medication this morning?
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Oct 3, 2012

Flemza

@ Mellow you can insult me the way you like , I don`t care , I will never pay a cent for them , hence I have a DSTV so that I won`t be forced to see these useless actors moron
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Oct 3, 2012

warry

SABC is no longer a media institution but a mean to fight political battles.
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Oct 3, 2012

Intomb'omxhosa

Mbali - you looking good girl
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Oct 3, 2012

Mokwepa

love Mbali for myself
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