ACTORS in the popular SABC 1 drama series Tshisa claim that they have not been paid in three months.

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