by Thinus Ferreira
Actress Fundiswa Zwane has exited and decided she's walking from e.tv's primetime series Imbewu: The Seed after a pay raise negotiation didn't work out, following 2 years of helping to build the Grapevine Productions show into a success.
Twitter and influencers on Tuesday fuelled fake news rumours on social media that Fundiswa Zwane was allegedly "fired" from Imbewu - something that's completely untrue. It's not clear where the rumours started.
Sources close to the show told TVwithThinus on Tuesday afternoon that it was the actress who decided she's out the studio doors after approaching show bosses for a pay raise to get what she felt she's worth and it didn't work out.
Fundiswa Zwane, who plays the character of Ka-MaDonsela, will have her last on-screen appearance on 29 July 2020 after she joined Inbewu since its inception two years ago in 2018. It's not clear whether the character is getting killed off or being recast.
While e.tv issued the obligatory "e.tv wishes Fundi well, in all her future endeavours" in a press statement on Tuesday which often happens when talent and production separate, sources tell me that everything isn't as flowery behind-the-scenes.
e.tv says that "Fundi has been a tremendous pleasure to watch. She brilliantly epitomized the role of Ka-Madonsela, a wife whose roots are deeply set in her culture. The past two years have served as a true testament to who Fundi is, a strong talent in the South African TV industry. She has navigated her time at Imbewu with unmatched professionalism".
e.tv says nothing in the press statement about the remuneration issue between the actress and the production that is the reason that led to the actress' exit from Inbewu.
"We will miss her big personality, dedication to her craft, and sense of adventure. e.tv and the cast and crew of Imbewu will always treasure the time spent with Fundi," says Marlon Davids, e.tv managing director, in the prepared statement.
Fundiswa Zwane, in the prepared statement, says "I am proud of what meaningful business and artistic collaboration has been able to achieve over the past 2 years. I echo Marlon’s sentiments, the past 2 years have bred beautiful relationships".
"It has been a great journey travelled and I, like millions of South Africans, am so excited with what Imbewu will continue to achieve through this beautiful story that so many enjoy."
