Former Generations actress Sophie Ndaba has extended an olive branch to the show's producer Mfundi Vundla.
She has also pulled out of the 16 Generations actors who took Vundla to court to challenge their dismissal after a protracted salary dispute last year.
This fuelled speculation that she was worming her way back into the revamped soapie Generations: The Legacy, which has reportedly lost the original's ratings.
The actress, who had been with the original soapie for more than 15 years, is the second to retreat from the war against Vundla.
Ndaba and Royal Soapie Awards architect Winnie Ntshaba chickened out of the battle and extended an olive branch to Vundla.
In her explanation for dumping her former colleagues, Ndaba said: "He [Vundla] not only gave me an opportunity to be part of the old Generations, he is an expert in what he is doing."
The actress said she would work with the producer again if an opportunity presented itself.
"It's a small world, you never know what the future holds for you," she said.
"I have now ventured into production. Because he is an expert and a veteran producer, I might call and ask him a thing or two because I'm still new in the field,"
Ndaba, who said she was also trying her luck in mining, pulled out of the court battle against Vundla after he changed the name of the show to Generation: The Legacy.
Not bothered
"I didn't see the reason to continue fighting because he had introduced a new thing all together. We were fighting for the exploitation of actors in the original show called Generations. I don't regret doing so, but now he has introduced a new thing to which I don't belong. So what would be the reason to continue fighting?"
Ndaba said she was not bothered by critics who accused her of being a Judas.
"I'm unapologetic about my decision. People are entitled to their opinion and I will respect it. They must too respect my decision."
Bulelani Mzamo, the lawyers representing the fired actors, confirmed Ndaba was no longer part of their court bid against Vundla for unfair dismissal.
"Yes, I can confirm that. But I don't want to comment on her issue," he said.
"What I can say now is that we have served the production company and the SABC with summons, and the matter will be heard probably in August.
"Remember the matter is not only about challenging their dismissal, but to force them to pay royalties and render the new soapie unconstitutional and invalid.
"We think they have flouted their own procurement policies by producing another show when they still have running contracts with the previous cast."
Vundla did not reply when we called him but when we sent him SMSes, he repied with a one word answer, "No".
ngwakom@sundayworld. co.za
Sophie Ndaba bails on Vundla court bid
Former Generations actress Sophie Ndaba has extended an olive branch to the show's producer Mfundi Vundla.
She has also pulled out of the 16 Generations actors who took Vundla to court to challenge their dismissal after a protracted salary dispute last year.
This fuelled speculation that she was worming her way back into the revamped soapie Generations: The Legacy, which has reportedly lost the original's ratings.
The actress, who had been with the original soapie for more than 15 years, is the second to retreat from the war against Vundla.
Ndaba and Royal Soapie Awards architect Winnie Ntshaba chickened out of the battle and extended an olive branch to Vundla.
In her explanation for dumping her former colleagues, Ndaba said: "He [Vundla] not only gave me an opportunity to be part of the old Generations, he is an expert in what he is doing."
The actress said she would work with the producer again if an opportunity presented itself.
"It's a small world, you never know what the future holds for you," she said.
"I have now ventured into production. Because he is an expert and a veteran producer, I might call and ask him a thing or two because I'm still new in the field,"
Ndaba, who said she was also trying her luck in mining, pulled out of the court battle against Vundla after he changed the name of the show to Generation: The Legacy.
Not bothered
"I didn't see the reason to continue fighting because he had introduced a new thing all together. We were fighting for the exploitation of actors in the original show called Generations. I don't regret doing so, but now he has introduced a new thing to which I don't belong. So what would be the reason to continue fighting?"
Ndaba said she was not bothered by critics who accused her of being a Judas.
"I'm unapologetic about my decision. People are entitled to their opinion and I will respect it. They must too respect my decision."
Bulelani Mzamo, the lawyers representing the fired actors, confirmed Ndaba was no longer part of their court bid against Vundla for unfair dismissal.
"Yes, I can confirm that. But I don't want to comment on her issue," he said.
"What I can say now is that we have served the production company and the SABC with summons, and the matter will be heard probably in August.
"Remember the matter is not only about challenging their dismissal, but to force them to pay royalties and render the new soapie unconstitutional and invalid.
"We think they have flouted their own procurement policies by producing another show when they still have running contracts with the previous cast."
Vundla did not reply when we called him but when we sent him SMSes, he repied with a one word answer, "No".
ngwakom@sundayworld. co.za
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