People who reside in the suburb were hit Mzansi Magic telenovela Umkhokha is being filmed are not happy.
The popular telenova, which delves into the lives of two families fighting over a church after the leader dies, is being filmed at a rented property in St Kilda Avenue, Durban North, and is the bane of residents.
The production crew has gone as far as ordering homeowners not to use their lawnmowers or power tools when the camera is rolling.
Panicked neighbours recently called police when they heard what they believed was someone being attacked, only to discover a “crime” scene was being filmed.
Ward councillor Shontel de Boer has received “countless complaints” from residents.
“The complaints range from non-consultation, noise, traffic, parking of vehicles on the corner, rudeness of people to residents making enquiries, instructing gardeners to switch off lawnmowers, asking residents to stop drilling — but, most important, concerns about safety, due to different people coming and going,” she said.
Many neighbours are angry they were not consulted about the filming and feel their peaceful neighbourhood has been “invaded” without their consent.
But in a statement, Mzansi Magic said the production company previously issued a formal letter that served as a notification to all affected residents.
“On Thursday, the Umkhokha: The Curse production, Durban Film Commission and City Parks held a meeting in Durban North Athlone West, to address the complaints. An agreement was reached by all parties and action points are being implemented as per the meeting resolution.”
Residents said they were unaware of the meeting or the letter.
A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said the property’s owner, Mazwi Shongwe, informed residents of the filming in his house via the community Whatsapp group.
“He didn’t ask us permission. He simply informed us that a TV crew would be arriving and posted the schedule. We are all fed up with the constant noise and disruption.”
Shongwe lives in a house opposite his property. When the Sunday Times visited the street this week his home was abuzz with the production crew and cast. He referred queries to the Durban Film Office, which in turn redirected queries to the municipality.
Some residents are more patient. “I am not there [during the day] so I can’t say the noise is bothering me. When I get home there is a lot of movement from 7pm to 9am when the crew are still shooting or getting ready to leave. I am not bothered by any of it. It won’t go on forever,” said one.
After De Boer contacted the Durban Film Office, officials met the production company late last week and resolved some issues around traffic flow.