The independent black producers behind the new drama Tjovitjo on SABC1 has come out to say that is is not the public broadcaster's fault that cast, crew and suppliers have not been paid - but its own - and that those who haven't been paid their money will get it.
Despite initial record ratings on SABC1 for the Sunday night show of 5.7 million viewers for the first episode in August that then levelled off, the show has been struggling to pay everyone involved in the making of it.
Puo Pha Productions in a statement says it's not the SABC's fault that people have gone unpaid and that they will still get their money due.
"The outstanding payment due to cast, crew and suppliers will be paid as per our communication to the affected parties, which we have been in constant communication with," says the production company in a statement. "The last communication was as recent as a week ago."
"Some of our cast, crew and suppliers are understandably upset about how this issue has affected their lives," says Puo Pha Productions.
The company isn't explaining why it hasn't paid people and where the money it received from the SABC has gone. The company is also not giving any payment date.
Puo Pha Productions says "a lack of funds" is preventing the "outstanding final payments to all those involved in the making of Tjovitjo".
Puo Pha Productions says "we'd like to upfront correct the misinformation that the delayed-payments are as a result of the SABC, when in fact the SABC have been the most supportive stakeholder of Tjovitjo."
"It has been more than outstanding and demonstrated incredible understanding to us as black independent producers. This is a relationship we want to grow and cement."
Pou Pha Productions slams the department of trade and industry (DTI) and its Black Filmmakers Rebate Scheme.
"Tjovitjo was a perfect opportunity for the DTI to truly empower small black business but it failed us".
