Production on the popular drama series Pimville, which airs on SABC 2, has been disrupted after actors allegedly downed tools over unpaid April salaries.
Sources close to the production say cast members have refused to report for work, accusing production company Bakwena Productions of failing to pay them. The company has previously faced criticism within the television industry, including allegations linked to the shutdown of another show, Pound4Pound, reportedly due to similar payment issues.
Pimville, which took over the long-running timeslot previously occupied by Muvhango, features a star-studded cast including Gail Mabalane, Thapelo Mokoena, Jesse Suntele, Keke Mphuthi, and Mondli Makhoba.
However, Bakwena Productions owner Rashaka Muofhe has denied the claims, dismissing reports of financial trouble. Meanwhile, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) stated that, according to its records, payments to the production company were made on time. The broadcaster added that it is unclear why actors have allegedly not been paid.
The situation has raised fresh concerns about payment practices within the local television industry, as uncertainty continues over the future of the show’s production schedule.
