‘Muvhango’ boss defies Hlaudi

Last year SABC chief operating officer (COO) Hlaudi Motsoeneng issued a strict instruction that all production companies working with the SABC give their main actors three-year contracts; a rule some Muvhango actors say the soapie’s creator Duma Ndlovu has not adhered to.

According to Sunday World, the main actors in the soap, including Sindi Dlathu (Thandaza), Gabriel Temudzani (Chief Azwindini), Sydney Ramakuwela (Mulalo), Lesley Musina (Ndalamo), Dingaan Mokebe (James) and Liteboho Molise (Tebogo) have not signed three-year contracts, and three of them who do not want to be named have confirmed this to the paper.

“We didn’t get those three-year contracts, and I doubt we will get them,” said one of the actors.

“Nobody wants to go to Hlaudi to tell him about our contracts because we are all scared of that man (Ndlovu). We don’t want to lose our jobs. He doesn’t take criticism lightly,” said another actor.

Meanwhile, Muvhango publicist Amanda Ngudle told the Sunday paper that Motsoeneng’s instruction would be obeyed once the active contracts expired in August.

“Our contract with the SABC expires at the end of August, after which it will be renewed for three years. The company plans to sign new contracts with our actors after this happens, and as stipulated by SABC COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng,” Ngudle explained.

“I’m not aware that the actors at Muvhango have not signed three-year contracts. I have instructed all production companies doing business with the SABC to give their actors three-year contracts. But if they are main actors, Duma must make sure that those people have three-year contracts. That’s not negotiable,” a displeased Motsoeneng said, adding that “Duma can’t defy the SABC. There’s no way.”