by Thinus Ferreira
M-Net is slamming rumours that the TV series Gqeberha: The Empire has been cancelled or will end after its first season on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) and says planning is underway for the second season.
MultiChoice and M-Net are however investigating allegations of abuse at the Tshedza Pictures produced show done in the Eastern Cape province, with the production company that is investigating the allegations ranging from underpayment and a lack of catering and enough food, to the alleged ill-treatment of staff.
Tshedza Pictures is also responsible for series like The River on 1Magic and The Legacy on M-Net.
After social media rumours started that Gqeberha: The Empire has been axed and will to an abrupt end after just one season, MultiChoice and M-Net are refuting the social media chatter, saying it's not true and that planning is in fact underway on the second season.
Gqeberha: The Empire which made its debut in January to less than stellar ratings has improved somewhat over the past few months as Mzansi Magic's first isiXhosa telenovela to be filmed in the Eastern Cape.
The series follows polygamist businessman Luzuko Mxenge and a sprawling family empire story revolving around issues ranging from money and power, to lust, respect and love.
"The channel can confirm that Gqeberha: The Empire is
scheduled to remain on-air for the foreseeable future," Mzansi Magic told TVwithThinus on Friday.
"Plans are in progress
for the next season and further details will be communicated in due course. Mzansi Magic has just been made aware of the
allegations of mistreatment of cast, we take such allegations seriously and we
will be reaching out to the production house to verify the same."
"Gqeberha: The Empire has been welcomed by our
audiences, as a great avenue to connect with beautiful region of the
Eastern Cape and we are proud of what this project has achieved in this
province," Mzansi Magic says.
Gqeberha: The Empire lured 645 476 DStv subscribers in June as MultiChoice's fifth most-watched show of the month on pay-TV.