The cast and crew of new BET Africa daily drama series, Queendom, have reportedly stopped working following non-payment issues.
‘QUEENDOM’ CAST AND CREW NOT PAID THEIR SALARIES
According to ZiMoja, Clive Morris Productions (which is the company behind the series) sent out letters informing the actors and crew about payment delays.
“They sent out letters saying payments were delayed, but this is nonsense,” said a source.
“Why do we always have to go to the media to expose them for us to be paid? We worked so pay, it’s that simple.”
The source revealed that executive producer Khayelihle Dominique Gumede and Clive Morris visited the set of Queendom to explain.
“Clive was crying there. But we don’t understand the story. We last got paid before Easter and we are relying on the weekly salaries for our families.”
According to the source, Queendom is not the only show by the production company that has missed payments. One of the other shows, which is yet to premiere, is called Empini.
“It’s two shows on Mzansi Magic and one on BET. It doesn’t make sense that two channels can miss
payments.”
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER RESPONDS
Speaking to ZiMoja, Gumede said that there was a slight delay after the Easter break but they have sorted all payments out.
“There are some outstanding payments on our third production, it’s a cost timing issue but the production needs to just match expenses. We are in conversation with the client, and we are trying to communicate robustly. But there is also a sense that one is resolving the problem as easily as possible,” Gumede explained.
However, the source denied this claim, saying they were still not paid.
“Multichoice is in very good standing, they paid us. Empini specifically had nothing to do with the broadcaster. Payment delays are being sorted,” Gumede said.
WHO ARE THE CAST MEMBERS OF THE BET AFRICA DAILY DRAMA?
Rooted in destiny and centred around the life of Nthandokayise Mthombeni, played by Linda Mtoba, Queendom presents a world in which women rise, flip patriarchy on its head and reign.
The story explores themes of cultural heritage, tradition, fate, ancestry, power struggles, identity and survival. It tells the story of Nthandokayise (Linda Mtoba), a maverick community leader in Tsakane, who discovers that she is the rightful heir to the throne of Khahlamba Kingdom. Her mother, Tholakele
Mthombeni, played by Sindi Dlathu, has been keeping this secret from her for 30 years.
Queendom brings South African acting royalty to TV screens with a distinguished cast including Hamilton Dlamini as King Banzi Khahlamba, Mduduzi Mabaso as Prince Andile Khahlamba, Pallance Dladla as Prince Mcebo Khahlamba, Dawn Thandeka King as Queen MaNdlovu and musician Sjava as Prince Mkhuseli Khahlamba, the firstborn son of King Banzi.
Other prestigious cast include Silindile Nodangala, Themba Ndaba, Mike Mvelase, Lehasa Moloi, Nhlanhla Kenene and Patrick Mofokeng.