Connie Ferguson to launch the Ferguson Foundation in August dedicated to late husband-producer Shona with a film school for students to build South Africa's film industry.

by Thinus Ferreira

Connie Ferguson will officially launch her and her late husband Shona's Ferguson Foundation in August which will be a new South African film school to help disadvantaged students to enter the film and TV industry as producers as well as in front of the cameras as actors.

The Fergusons' plan to launch their Ferguson Foundation was postponed following the unexpected death of Shona (47) in late July a year ago.

Under their Ferguson Films banner launched in 2010, the couple produced series like Rockville, iGazi, The Throne, The Herd, The Imposter and The Queen for M-Net's Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) channel and Kings of Joburg for Netflix South Africa.

Now the Ferguson Foundation will be officially launched with a gala dinner on Friday evening 5 August, in memory of co-founder Shona, at The Venue at the Houghton Hotel in Johannesburg where the actress, businesswoman and producer will dedicate the couple's philanthropic endeavour to her late husband.

"The official launch of the Ferguson Foundation is on the way, thank you for your patience and support in the build-up to the big day and all the activities we have been undertaking," Connie says in a statement, with the Ferguson Films owner noting that it marks "new beginnings".

"The Ferguson Foundation gala launch, in loving memory of our co-founder Shona Ferguson, will be held on Friday 5 August 2022. I am looking forward to having you join us in the fruition of this vision and celebration of the life of a true visionary of empowerment and upliftment."

The aim of the Ferguson Foundation is to help "create tomorrow's dreams today by promoting young entrepreneurs, funding the education of disadvantaged youth, and nurturing film enthusiasts".

"We also aim to create balanced and equal opportunities for women who have been dealt a disadvantage in life."

Similar to the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), beneficiaries will get to attend two annual mentorship workshops with Ferguson Films, with students - through internships - who will also get work experience and networking opportunities alongside film and TV professionals. 

At the same time, the foundation says it also aims to sponsor the university fees of five children from disadvantaged families who will be funded throughout their undergraduate programmes until they graduate.

The vision of the Ferguson film school is to equip students "with the tools they need to know about film production and functions related to film, with the aim of building future film industry leaders, producers and actors".

In regards to female empowerment, the Ferguson Foundation will support selected women around Southern Africa living with HIV/Aids, struggling with the effects of being widowed, and the consequences of the recent Covid-19 pandemic to "provide them with funding for their start-up businesses, and assist them in elevating their skills and thus creating sustenance".

The Queen from Ferguson Films on Mzansi Magic cancelled after shortened 7th season, Lingashoni to end with a second season on 1Magic as Mzansi Magic also shifts focus to limited series with higher production values.

by Thinus Ferreira

The Queen from Ferguson Films on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) and Lingashoni from Stained Glass TV on 1Magic (DStv 103) have both been cancelled, M-Net confirmed on Friday.

The Queen from Ferguson Films has been renewed for a 7th and final, shortened season of 125 instead of the usual 250 full season order. The Queen will be replaced by a new local South African telenovela.

The 7th and final shortened season of The Queen will start in July 2022 on Mzansi Magic and broadcast its final episode on 13 January 2023.

Lingashoni from Stained Glass TV, that starts for a second season on 21 March has also been cancelled. Lingashoni will start its second season broadcast on 21 March 2022 and end its second season with a series finale that will be broadcast on 13 January 2023.

The Queen made its debut on Mansi Magic in August 2016 and reached 1 000 episodes by AUgust 2020 including a crossover episode with the 1Magic telenovela The River – a first for M-Net local productions and linking the two shows to exist within the same universe.

Lingashoni as the second telenovela for 1Magic made its debut in March 2021.

Similar to M-Net's kykNET division, Mzansi Magic is changing to stabilising the channel's content slate going forward and focusing on more limited series and reality series with bigger budgets and higher production values.

MultiChoice and M-Net are revising the channel strategies of Mzansi Magic and 1Magic "to keep abreast with changing audience preferences and the evolving competitor landscape".

Mzansi Magic says "The success of our local strategy depends on how well we adapt to what our viewers desire to see on screen".

"Telenovelas have been the crux of our weekday viewership and continue to be so on Mzansi Magic. A new telenovela will be introduced into the weekday 21:00-slot, replacing The Queen from January 2023."

"New content is still under development and will be announced in due course."

"While 1Magic is not traditionally known as the home of telenovelas, it houses one of our leading telenovelas, The River - a multi award-winning production that is popular with viewers. It has just been renewed for a 5th season. Our replacement for Lingashoni will be announced soon."

Shirley Adonisi, M-Net director of local entertainment channels, says "As the M-Net local entertainment channels, we would like to applaud the producers, cast and crew of The Queen and Lingashoni for their dedication to delivering riveting storylines and award-winning content in highly contested primetime slots".

"We maintain long-standing and positive relationships with Ferguson Films and Stained Glass TV, with both production houses having created other shows for our channels." 

"In the case of Ferguson Films they have given us hit shows including Rockville, Igazi, The Imposter and Unmarried; while Stained Glass TV is the studio behind our shows Ifalakhe, eHostela and the massively popular The Wife."  

"Our strategy is still focused on growing our local content offering. It is what drives our growth and our viewership figures and we are committed to giving our discerning audiences content that they can relate to and see themselves in".

'We look forward to the thrills of the next 12 months as both productions draw towards their respective finales."

M-Net revives Rockville for a 5th season on Mzansi Magic after DStv subscribers 'showed that there is still a longing' for the Ferguson Films drama series.

by Thinus Ferreira

M-Net has decided to revive the Rockville drama series after five years with a new 5th season of the Ferguson Films series that is set to return to Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) in 2021 promising a refreshed and expanded story with new actors joining some of the established characters.

"I can confirm that Rockville is returning. For now, we are still sorting out the contractual agreements," Philly Kubheka, the head of publicity at Mzansi Magic, tells TVwithThinus.  

Rockville executive produced by Connie and Shona Ferguson and who also both had on-screen roles, launched in May 2013 on Mzansi Magic and ran for 4 seasons until 2016, contrasting the worlds of Johannesburg's glitzy northern suburbs and the Bogatsus family, with the streets of Soweto where the working class Mabasos family lives.

Rockville was the first project from Ferguson Films and the first executive producing TV vehicle for the Ferguson showrunners pair, in addition to being the first drama series for Mzansi Magic.

Although Rockville was never officially cancelled, although ratings dipped over time, it was pushed from the Mzansi Magic schedule in favour of other newer projects over the past decade from Ferguson Films like iGazi, The Gift, The Throne, The Herd, The Queen and The Imposter. In 2020 they produced the drama series Kings of Joburg for Netflix.

About why Rockville is being revived, Philly Kubheka says that DStv subscribers "showed that there is still a longing for Rockville. That is precisely why we are bringing back this local content on our screens".

Filming on the new 5th season has started although some Rockville contractual agreements are still being sorted out. Several new faces are expected to join some of the actors who will be returning to familiar roles for an expanded new storyline.

"We’re looking forward to welcoming the squad that started it all back and introducing new and exciting characters and talent. More details about the cast of Rockville season 5 will be announced," says Connie Ferguson.

Ferguson Films responds after Vatiswa Ndara's open letter: Says the production company doesn't get money for repeats or licensing deals and that 'we're pretty much in the same boat as the artist'.

Following a scathing open letter by actress Vatiswa Ndara revealing alleged worker exploitation by Ferguson Films and "contributing to a rotten system" where she used to appear in two seasons of its iGazi produced drama series for MultiChoice's Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) channel, Ferguson Films now says her allegations "paints a false picture".

Ferguson Films said that the production company "does not reap the financial benefits through repeat broadcasts, licensing deals and repackaging of the show" and that Ferguson Films is "pretty much in the same boat as the artist".

On Wednesday Ferguson Films, owned and managed by the actor-producer couple Connie and Shona Ferguson, released a statement through their attorney Brendan de Kooker, saying that "As actors ourselves and producers we are aware of the challenges facing the entertainment industry".

"We support 100% a need for the industry to be regulated and for the Performance Protection Amendment Bill to be signed sooner rather than later. With that said, the allegations made by various actors do not reflect the true position of the industry and paints a false picture, that may mislead the public."

"We attempted to negotiate with the actress and her agent in good faith and within the scope of the applicable production agreement, however the agent subsequently recused himself from the negotiations," Ferguson Films said.

"Thereafter we dealt with her manager.  They made it very clear that Vatiswa Ndara would not accept anything less than R700 000 for the 5-week shoot. She absolutely had every right to decline our offer, which she did, and we on the other hand as we could not meet her financial demand, due to contractual restraints, had every right to move on amicably, which we tried to do."

Ferguson Films said that "Just like actors the production company is not guaranteed work, whether the show is performing or not. We do not own the shows we produce under commission, and therefore have no right or say in what happens with shows post final delivery to the broadcaster."

Ferguson Films was not the production company in question in relation to the sad passing of Vatiswa Ndara's mother and her having to resume work shortly after. Conveniently, Vatiswa Ndara neglects to mention this fact therefore insinuating it was Ferguson Films."

"Shona and Connie Ferguson have other business interests apart from their production company and do not owe anyone an explanation as to how they manage their finances and lifestyle. The jab from Vatiswa Ndara is petty, unnecessary and uncalled for."

"Producers are held 100% accountable by the broadcaster as to how a production budget is utilized. It needs to be clear that these funds do not belong to the producer."

"The producer is merely a middleman between broadcaster, artist and crew. The producer is held accountable for every single line item on the production budget. What is due to the producer is the production markup at the end of the production and on final delivery."

The allegations towards Ferguson Films are consequently misguided, misdirected and misleading and can be seen as a ploy to defame and tarnish our name and reputation."

"There have been other slanderous and false allegations made by Dieketseng Mphuti [an actress who appeared on The Throne produced by Ferguson Films] and Katlego Malele [a crew member who worked on The Throne] which are being addressed separately by our legal team."

"Ferguson Films prides itself in producing quality shows, providing much needed employment to new and old talent and contributing to the growth of the industry. We will remain steadfast in our endeavour to treat everyone who works with us fairly and with the utmost respect".


ALSO READ: Actress Vatiswa Ndara quits Mzansi Magic's iGazi and slams Ferguson Films over alleged exploitation and 'contributing to a rotten system'; says artists are not valued and calls for bigger industry practice oversight.

M-Net remains silent over 1Magic's involvement as 'official media partner' with 21st Century Group's now-dubious Women in Media Conference 2018.

M-Net has so far chosen to remained silent over the involvement of its 1Magic (DStv 103) channel, billed as the "official media partner", with 21st Century Group's now-dubious Women in Media Conference 2018.

The event announced to take place on 5 and 6 September in the Sandton Convention Centre, derailed on Wednesday after stars like Taraji P. Henson and Halle Berry who were announced as being part of it, said they won't attend and are not involved with it, and slammed the organisers over "fake advertising", saying it's "shameful that 21st Century Group would advertise this way".

Bonang Matheba has also bailed on the event and Webtickets told TVwithThinus that it has halted all sales.

Taraji P. Henson, who visited South Africa previously as part of a publicity blitz in mid-2016 for Fox Networks Group UK & Africa’s FOX (DStv 125 / StarSat 131 / Cell C black 201) channel, said that she is working on Empire, isn't part of the conference, and that she wants her name and likeness removed from it.

The 21st Century Group in a statement said it is suing and starting a "legal lawsuit" against  42West, a well-known PR firm in the United States, and something called "Superstar Agency".

21st Century Group said that "Superstar Agency is the agency that booked Taraji P. Henson through her management, which is 42West PR. The engagement contract was signed by Susan Bymel on behalf of Superstar Agency. We also have a contract that was signed by John on behalf of 42West (Taraji’s management) confirming the booking. A deposit payment of $120 000 was paid to Superstar Agency."

An internet search couldn’t find a website for Superstar Agency. 

The American talent agent Suzan Bymel does exist, but her first name is spelled with a “z” and she is the co-founder of the Management 360 talent agency in the United States.

It's not clear whether 1Magic, one of the M-Net channels supplied to MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform, remains the official media partner because M-Net has so far refused to publicly distance itself from the organisers and the event or to affirm its ongoing involvement.

The 1Magic channel logo appears on 21st Century Group's marketing material for the Women in Media Conference 2018, giving the event its "seal of approval".

In the past week M-Net was asked questions specifically pertaining to 1Magic and the Women in Media Conference, as well as the pay-TV broadcaster's attachment as the event's official media partner.

Nondumiso Mabece, head of publicity at M-Net for local entertainment channels, didn't want to respond to the specific questions and instead referred media enquiries, although made specifically about M-Net and 1Magic and its involvement, to the organisers 21st Century Group.

Nondumiso Mabece said M-Net and 1Magic will not be issuing any statement on the conference.

As the South African public is wondering what exactly is going on, the pay-TV broadcaster was asked how M-Net checked and what steps were taken to verify that it's a legitimate event and what 1Magic's involvement in and with the event is.

M-Net was asked whether 1Magic will continue to be the official media partner of 21st Century Group's Women in Media Conference 2018, and whether M-Net is now looking into what went wrong.

M-Net was also asked whether it helped to secure talent for the event and whether M-Net and 1Magic is still fine for some of the talent like the Carte Blanche presenter Claire Mawisa and Mzansi Magic producer and actress Connie Ferguson to appear and be attached to the event.

M-Net was asked what M-Net and 1Magic wants to communicate and say to the public in regard to the Women in Media Conference 2018 over its involvement with the event and what has transpired so far.

Meanwhile the fallout and public reputation damage around 21st Century Group and its Women in Media Conference 2018 continues.

This reputational damage is also impacting M-Net's 1Magic as an attached partner, with the channel also incurring brand damage as the pay-TV brand remains unwilling to tell the public where it stands and what is going on regarding its involvement.

Webtickets halts ticket sales of the controversial International Women in Media Conference 2018, still includes Taraji P. Henson's name.

Webtickets tells TVwithThinus that it has now halted all ticket sales for the controversial International Women in Media Conference 2018 organised by the 21st Century Group that saw Bonang Matheba bail after Taraji P. Henson slammed the event that listed her inclusion as fake and false advertising, and with Halle Berry also disappearing after her initial top billing talent inclusion.

The Women in Media Conference 2018 that announced Bonang Matheba, the Empire star Taraji P. Henson, Halle Berry, Amanda du Pont, Connie Ferguson, Ashanti, Carte Blanche’s Claire Mawisa, Salamina Mosese and Thabile Ngwato as some of the headliners for the 2-day event purported to take place on 5 and 6 September at the Sandton Convention Centre, imploded on Wednesday following Taraji P. Henson's shocking revelation that she doesn't have any knowledge of the event.

Taraji P. Henson, who visited South Africa previously as part of a publicity blitz in mid-2016 for Fox Networks Group UK & Africa's FOX (DStv 125 / StarSat 131 / Cell C black 201) channel, said that she is working on Empire, isn't part of the conference, and wants her name and likeness removed from it.

Taraji P. Henson on social media said "False! I will not be there. Never heard of this event and was never invited. Please remove my name from this event because it is false," and that "I am working on Empire. It is impossible for me to be there. I hate that this organisation is misleading my fans." 

She said her "team would never agree to anything on my behalf without me knowing. That is not how I run my business."

Amidts growing public embarrassment, the organisers then removed Taraji P. Henson's name, followed by Halle Berry’s disappearance without any explanation. 

Bonang Matheba then pulled out, saying she "had been attracted by the event's apparent women's empowerment principles" but that "as there has been no official feedback or clarity from the organisers following today's allegations", she will no longer be participating.

Tickets with an eye-watering price of R1250 went on sale for the conference that said it want to help women in the business of film and TV production, the art of acting and presenting and "how to make it in Hollywood", with M-Net's 1Magic (DStv 103) channel listed as the event's official "media partner".

With the Sandton Convention Centre’s events calendar that by Thursday afternoon showed no entries on 5 and 6 September for the conference, Webtickets continued to list the event by Thursday afternoon on its website as including "international media mogul Taraji P. Henson".

 While 21^st Century Group in a statement late Wednesday night said "no tickets were sold, and no tickets will be sold, it's strictly by invitation", several people said they had already bought the expensive tickets.    

On Thursday Webtickets told TVwithThinus that "sales have been closed in the interim".

Webtickets didn't want to say how many tickets had already been sold and said "we cannot disclose this information as it is confidential between us and our client".

Asked why Webtickets continues to list and include Taraji P. Henson's name and if Webtickets is going to remove her name, Webtickets said "this will be removed upon client confirmation of the scheduled attendees and keynote speakers".

Asked what happens if someone buys a ticket and an event turns out to be a scam or if it doesn't take place, Webtickets said "our policy in the event of cancellation of the event is to provide all purchasing customers with full refunds of their tickets purchased. In the event in question, we also operate under client instruction".

M-Net's 1Magic was asked about its involvement as official media partner of the event but referred enquiries to the 21st Century Group.

On Thursday morning 21st Century Group in a statement posted on Twitter said "Superstar Agency is the agency that booked Taraji P. Henson through her management, which is 42West PR. The engagement contract was signed by Susan Bymel on behalf of Superstar Agency. We also have a contract that was signed by John on behalf of 42West (Taraji's management) confirming the booking. A deposit payment of $120 000 was paid to Superstar Agency."

21^st Century Group said that "a legal lawsuit" has now been lodged against Superstar Agency and Henson's 42West management "to be able to verify who has misled 21stst Century Group in confirming that the booking was made".

An internet search on Wednesday and Thursday couldn't find a website for Superstar Agency.

Suzan Bymel whose first name is spelled with a "z" is the co-founder of the Management 360 talent agency in the United States.

The Queen telenovela extended to 5 days per week as Mzansi Magic adds a Friday episode; Rami Chuene, Thato Molamu joining the cast.

Its proven to be true South African television royalty and from August Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) is extending its telenovela The Queen from 4 to 5 days a week, adding Fridays on the back of boffo ratings.

With the additional weekday episode the cast is expanding with Rami Chuene joining in the role of Gracious, and with Thato Molamu added in the role of up-and-coming lawyer, Bakang.

The Queen - a fascinating local telenovela produced for one of the M-Net's channels provided to MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform - remains a hugely under-reported success story in South Africa's television industry, although it typifies everything that the new generation of South African television production can and should be.

The Queen - with its most watched episode in June that pulled 955 891 viewers to Mzansi Magic in its 21:00 timeslot - is the little TV locomotive that could, produced by the wife and husband team Connie and Shona Ferguson and their Ferguson Films outfit.

The Queen made its debut on Mzansi Magic at the beginning of August 2016 and the past few months production and production capacity has been ramped up to adjust for the additional weekday episode that will see the telenovela enlarge to 5 days per week from 31 July 2017.

The Queen is not just a South African TV rarity because it's done by black producers, who are married to each other, and with one of them also having a starring on-screen role (Connie plays Harriet).

It is also that the show, revolving around the fictional Khoza family, also continues to receive both critical and widespread popular acclaim. 

Usually what the TV critics like, viewers don't - and vice versa - yet The Queen has proven to be the rare TV gem everybody likes to watch.

"The Queen has become one of Mzansi Magic's most popular shows," says Reneilwe Sema, M-Net's director of local channels.

"As it stands, it broadcasts from Monday to Thursday, but its immense acclaim demands that we make it a full five-day a week show. Viewers just can't get enough of the twists and turns in the story, so we are giving them more."

The Queen has added seasoned actress Rami Chuene to the cast in the role of Gracious, with Thato Molamu added in the role of up-and-coming lawyer, Bakang. Magic Hlatshwayo returns as Kwanele's supportive dad, Alpheus.

Meanwhile viewers can't get enough of the flamboyant character Kgosi (played by Sello Maake ka-Ncube) who has created a new iconic South African TV character for the ages.


A Queen building out the TV biz
While shows like The Queen - and the process of how it is now being produced - is actually what the struggling South African public broadcaster should be doing, investing in, and nurturing in terms of exposing and training new talent in front of and behind-the-scenes - it is M-Net's Mzansi Magic that took the risk.

Being bold and spearheading the effort on this "new type" TV drama making, it is now Mzansi Magic that is getting the rewards with a show like The Queen that is produced on a much smaller budget than a mega-show like the KwaMashu set Uzalo of SABC1.

While drawing sizeable audiences to Mzansi Magic - which is what ultimately matters to the bottom-line - The Queen is also working and building out South Africa's TV-industry with novel re-invention. 

The popular show is both enlarging and upskilling the local TV production industry, while at the same time training and giving new people a change to learn and get experience as they go along for the ride.

It is something that the SABC is actually supposed to be doing - like the BBC - but is something that has steadily shifted to South Africa's pay-TV sector that doesn't need to, but that has picked up a large part of the responsibility with The Queen as a great example.

The Queen also does a lot of on-location shooting - for instance filming at rented homes multi-purposed as the set instead of paying for costly studio space - and using rooms, doors and exteriors of one property for instance to cleverly create numerous in-story locations.

The telenovela also gives a lot of young, and new, people opportunities in front of, and behind, the camera to learn and get a foot in the door of the TV biz - again something more in line with the remit of a public broadcaster but something that is clearly an important and integral part of making the show for The Queen's producers.

Black TV producer Shona Ferguson slams South Africa's TV industry; says 'you are disrespected'; 'white producers are never disrespected by black folks'.

The successful black TV producer Shona Ferguson has slammed South Africa's TV and film industry, saying black producers are "disrespected and ill-treated for doing good" and that "white producers are never disrespected by black folks".

It's not clear what prompted the actor-producer's statement on Friday evening on social media.

Shona Ferguson's public lashing over the perceived disrespect that black TV producers endure, however comes exactly a day after all of the highly rated productions from Ferguson Films were completely snubbed by the 11th South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas) that's set to take place in March at Sun City.

The 2017 Saftas is once again being embroiled in a boycott by South African TV producers who slammed the awards show organised by the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) for its apparent lack of transparency and problems with the judging process.

In addition, a very glaring snub is Ferguson Films whose top shows like The Queen, Rockville and Igazi on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) were all shut out.

While The Queen, Rockville and Igazi as premium locally produced programming draw huge ratings for MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform on the M-Net packaged channel - meaning they are shows that viewers love and watch in droves - none of these series, its crews or casts are included for any recognition this year in any of the nominee categories at the 2017 Saftas. 

In a series of tweets on Friday evening, with no indication as to why he's saying so, Shona Ferguson who co-own Ferguson Films with his actress-producer wife Connie Ferguson, highlighted race issues in South Africa's TV and film industry and perceived ill-treatment.

"Don't focus on the flash and think it's been an easy ride. In fact it gets harder every day. Being a black producer is not easy," said Shona Ferguson.

"You are disrespected and ill-treated for doing good, creating jobs and giving people opportunities to do what they love and earn a living.

"You work hard to contribute to the industry and grow it, but it's the very people that you give these opportunities to that spit in your face. White producers are never disrespected by black folks. It's sad that it's our brothers and sisters who wish you ill because you are doing well."

"It's about the work. Connie and I, through Ferguson Films, have been delivering A+, because we work hard. We love and appreciate what we do."

"We are very grateful. We are not asking for special treatment. All I ask is you give us the same respect you give the white producers."

"This is a very small industry. Be careful how you treat people and how you behave. When you are out of work tomorrow, just know it's all on you," said Shona Ferguson, adding that "I just want to make great TV and films".

Connie Ferguson is the queen in Mzansi Magic's new telenovela, The Queen, produced by Ferguson Films, that will 'strip bare the rich's insatiable lust for power''.

Connie Ferguson is proving why she's the queen of South African television; the soap star turned TV producer will appear next in her second role and producer credit in Mzansi Magic's The Queen from August.

The Queen, a new telenovela from Ferguson Films starting on 1 August on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) at 21:00 has Connie Ferguson in the lead role as the high-powered executive Harriet Khoza, together with stars like Senzo Ngqobe, Loyiso McDonald, Mbali Nkosi, SK Khoza, Themba Ndaba, Natasha Thahane.

The Queen also sees Connie Ferguson and Sello Maake Ka-Ncube reunite on-screen who thrilled viewers for years as the sister-brother pair Karabo and Archie Moroka in SABC1's Generations while Sophie Ndaba was Queen Moroka.

Now it's Connie Ferguson's turn to play the queen after producing and starring in seasons of her and husband Shona Ferguson's Rockville.

It is in fact the additional Mzansi Magic commissioning and workload of The Queen that saw Connie Ferguson dump Generations earlier this year where she took up her old role of Karabo again for two years after the SABC and Mfundi Vundla fired the principal cast.

In The Queen, Connie Ferguson will be seen as a successful business woman whose husband is hiding a big secret.

When his secret is revealed, it forces the character of Harriet - a dedicated wife and mother -  to "do the unthinkable" in this new telenovela that will "strip bare the insatiable lust for power among the rich and the victims who find themselves at their mercy".

Besides producing Rockville and The Queen for Mzansi Magic, Ferguson Films is also responsible for the channel's viewership hit Igazi.

Connie Ferguson dumps SABC1's Generations - again - as the actress says the productions of her Ferguson Films needs her 'undivided attention'.

Connie Ferguson is dumping SABC1's Generations - The Legacy - the second time she's exiting the Mfundi Vundla created weekday prime time soap.

Connie Ferguson who runs Ferguson Films with her husband Shona Ferguson, dropped Generations in April 2010 after 16 years but returned in late 2014 to help the relaunched Generations - The Legacy which never regained the soap's erstwhile popularity and viewership ratings.

Meanwhile Connie Ferguson who've started her own production company together with Shona Ferguson executive produced and starred in the drama Rockville for M-Net's Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) and is branching out with new Mzansi Magic drama Igazi.

Connie Ferguson basically returned for a year and a half to try and steady the retooled Generations - The Legacy but now she is leaving although exiting scenes have not been filmed yet.

Viewers, some fellow actors and industry insiders branded Connie Ferguson a so-called "sell-out" for returning to work on a South African TV production that they feel is exploiting actors and on-screen talent, after the firing of Generations' 16-actor principal cast in 2014 after they demanded better contracts.

"It is with great disappointment that we have to announce the departure of the much-loved Karabo Moroka, played by the talented Connie Ferguson," says the soap in a statement.

"She's working on a couple of projects that need her undivided attention and has asked to be released from her contract."

"Connie was a significant figure in the construction of Generations - The Legacy. I will be eternally grateful for that and her contribution to the growth of our industry," says Mfundi Vundla.

"Karabo is one character that set tongues wagging and her exit will be no different".

BREAKING. SABC launching its own digital magazine, Evoke from Bespoke Media; launch issue features SABC1's 'new' Generations.

The SABC is launching its own, new digital consumer magazine, Evoke, which will be available to readers on the internet and on their smartphones and tablets.

The SABC's Evoke is the South African public broadcaster's first attempt at a secondary marketing and communication tool to speak directly to consumers and viewers since it started its self-published, monthly TV Talk magazine in 1997 which it used to mail by post to SABC TV licence holders and which was freely available at Shell petrol stations.

TV Talk which had a print run of 1.6 million copies was then canned by the SABC and abruptly stopped.

Evoke, published as a new digital magazine by Bespoke Media for the SABC, features actors Connie Ferguson and Rapulana Seiphemo on the cover of the first edition ahead of the "relaunch" of Generations which will start on Monday on SABC1.

For the first issue of Evoke, besides being available as a digimagazine, the SABC also had a limited run of hard copies of the actual magazine printed which the public broadcaster is distributing to advertisers and media buyers and the press.

"We've launched several new websites for our radio and TV brands with more to come," says Elouise Kelly, the SABC's head of marketing in the first issue of Evoke. which readers can download at Google's Play Store or read at www.sabcevoke.co.za.

The frequency with which Evoke will be published it not yet known - monthly, quarterly, forthnightly or weekly.

"The launch of this publication aims to further expand our digital footprint, creating a single platform on which to entertain and share exciting information about the SABC and our house of media brands," says Elouise Kelly.

"Our hope is that this magazine becomes your not-so-guilty pleasure and first port of call for all things SABC. We remain committed to the future of media, advertising and broadcasting and hope you enjoy reading and interacting with Evoke magazine."

Rockville back for a 2nd season on Mzansi Magic from 9 February; 'will push boundaries to deliver an even better season,' says Connie Ferguson.

Rockville returns for a second season of 10 episodes to Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) from 9 February at 20:00 and will "push the boundaries to deliver an even better season," says executive producer Connie Ferguson.

"Rockville's second season is darker, edgier and sexy," says Shona Ferguson, who is again executive producing the drama series with his wife. "Everyone brought their best to the table from cast to crew."

Clint Brink from e.tv's soap Scandal! is joining the Rockville cast as Trevor, as well as Masego "Maps" Maponyane who plays TK. Tango Ncetezo, Owen Sejake and Stephanie Schildknecht are also new to the second season.

"The high calibre of acting talent that is joining the already acclaimed cast is testament to the show's impact within the acting community of Mzansi," says Yolisa Phahle, M-Net's director for local interest channels.

"We're thrilled to welcome back Rockville to Mzansi Magic and are confident that the second season will consolidate the channels commitment to taking South African television to the next level in terms of  relevance, compelling entertainment and production values."

The second season of Rockville picks up following the shooting of Shona Ferguson's character Jackson "JB" Bogatsu by Mavis Mabaso (Connie Ferguson).

Its an interesting twist on the final episode of M-Net's soap The Wild in which Shona Ferguson's character was also shot (but died) as Connie Ferguson's character held him in her arms.

JB is now however alive and is fighting for his life on the surgeon's table.                                                                                                                                       

BREAKING. Revealed! Strictly Come Dancing's 10 South African stars who will strut their stuff in the 6th season on SABC3 from 10 July.

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Connie Ferguson, Graeme Richards, Kuli Roberts, Lalla, Jay Anstey, Zakeeya Patel, Damon Kalvari, Mpho Popps Modikoane, L'Vovo and Thapelo Mokoena are the 10 South African celebrities who will be dancing in the 6th season of the floor format dance reality show Strictly Come Dancing starting in less than three weeks on SABC3 on 10 July at 20:00 TV with Thinus can be first to reveal.

The biggest battle for the ballroom floor awaits as the dance reality show shifts from SABC2 to SABC3 for the 6th season.

There's been no response from the broadcaster as to why Strictly Come Dancing is shifting channels. The 6th season of the popular live entertainment reality show was originally planned for the latter part of last year but was then shifted to 2013.

Strictly Come Dancing's 6th season will run for 10 weeks from the SABC's Renaissance Centre in Auckland Park on Wednesday nights between 20:00 to 22:00 as the dance couples compete against each other trying to impress a panel of judges and viewers who get to vote for who they want to help keep in the show.

Dance pairs will start to be cut from Strictly Come Dancing from the third episode.

Strictly Come Dancing is once again produced for the SABC by the format show powerhouse Rapid Blue, the production company behind reality entertainment shows which has already seen multiple seasons on South African television ranging from SA's Got Talent on e.tv and Come Dine with SA on BBC Entertainment, to The Bar-One Manhunt on SABC1.

The South African celebrities who will be stepping into their dancing shoes range from the darling TV soap queen Connie Ferguson currently on the Mzansi Magic channel in her own TV drama series and the socialite Kuli Roberts, to SABC3's fit morning breakfast show presenter Graeme Richards who can be seen on Expresso.

Lalla Hirayama, the Vuzu TV channel presenter who has a dance history, actress and reality star Jay Anstey, the Indian actress Zakeeya Patel seen in the SABC3 drama High Rollers and the comedian Mpho Popps Modikoane are also onboard the 6th season of Strictly Come Dancing.

The radioman Damon Kalvari from 5FM, musician L'Vovo Derrango and the actor and presenter Thapelo Mokoena round out the top 10 stars who are all paired with dance professionals and who will be dancing live in front of a studio audience as viewers watch at home.

With less than three weeks to go before Strictly Come Dancing starts on SABC3, the channel and its PR company has so far declined to release any names or photos.

While news about the upcoming season and the show's return to SABC3 has been known for quite a while now, SABC3's PR company only officially confirmed the show's return to the schedule late yesterday afternoon with an official announcement which including no celebrity contestants' names.

SABC3 said that the channel is in no doubt that the 6th season of Strictly Come Dancing will become the programme of choice on Wednesday evenings.

"Full of warmth, joy and the 'wow'-factor, we are thrilled to be bringing back Strictly Come Dancing, the most glamorous entertainment show in the world, for its 6th season," said Kee-Leen Irvine, the managing director of Rapid Blue and the executive producer of the show in the issued statement. "It's war on the dance floor and we can't wait to see this year's celebrities in action."

FIRST LOOK. Rockville on Mzansi Magic starting on Wednesday 19 June at 19:00 for a first season of 10 episodes.

Connie Ferguson told me last week in Johannesburg that Rockville, the new TV drama produced by her, her real-life husband Shona Ferguson and Bobby Heaney who all worked together on The Wild will start on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) on Wednesday 19 June at 19:00 for 10 episodes, and Mzansi Magic is now confirming this.

As I've reported last month Rockville was produced by Ferguson Films, Connie and Shona Ferguson's first foray into television as TV producers. Bobby Heaney is executive producer and Johnny Barbuzano is the director.

Last week Connie Ferguson told me that it was interesting and challenging to move behind the camera. "Suddenly you're the one everyone runs to with problems and challenges and unforeseen questions. 'How do I do this?' 'What happens with that?' and you have to come up with answers as quickly as possible to solve technical and production challenges," Connie Ferguson told me.

Rockville which would have been 13 episodes, will only have a first season of 10 episodes, but could be renewed for further seasons, depending on how viewers respond. The Rockville cast consists out of Trevor Gumbi, Mbali Mlotshwa, Bonnie Mbuli, Luthuli Dlamini, Minnie Dlamini and Boity Thulo.

"Rockville underlines Mzansi Magic's committment to producing quality entertainment, with a focus on story and production values," says Yolisa Phahle, M-Net's director for local interest channels in a statement.

"Mzansi Magic's mission is to provide a range of South African stories that present the diversity of life in our country today, whilst giving fresh talent the opportunity to work with industry stalwarts and learn from their experience. This partnership between Ferguson Films and Bobby Heaney is a prime example of this commitment," says Yolisa Phahle.

As I've reported, Rockville's setting is a middle class suburb in Johannesburg, as well as a working class Soweto and Club Venus in Rosebank, the nexus where the two worlds collide.

Rockville revolves around the student Lindi Mabaso (Mbali Mlotshwa) growing up in a poor Soweto household where the mother is Mavis Mabaso (Connie Ferguson).

On the other side is JB Bogatsu (Shona Ferguson) who lives in Waterfall Estate. Prostitution comes into play, and Lindi has to confront various difficult characters and situations.

Rockville will have a repeat on Mondays at 21:30 after every Wednesday's primetime episode.                                                                                                                   

Rockville will try to rock as a new drama series on Mzansi Magic as the first TV drama of Connie and Shona Ferguson's Ferguson Films.

Everybody is tight-lipped but Ferguson Films will try to rock with its new drama series Rockville set to start on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) within months with husband-actors-producers couple Shona Ferguson and Connie Ferguson not only producing the drama series but also appearing in it.

Don't look for an on-screen reunion after Shona Ferguson's character literally died in the arms of Connie Ferguson's character in the shockingly negative and tragic ending of The Wild on M-Net at the end of March - they made a conscious decision not to appear in any scenes in Rockville together.

Rockville which had the working title of Black Diamonds and which is being produced by Ferguson Films revolves around two feuding families living in different places, similar to the Mzansi Magic telenovelas isiBaya and iNkaba.

In Rockville one family lives in Soweto (where Rockville is of course to be found) and the other in a leafy suburb.

Rockville's cast includes Minnie Dlamini, Luthuli Dlamini, Gail Nkoane, Boity Thulo, Bonnie Henna and Trevor Gumbi. Filming of the first season of Rockville ended on 2 April.

Mzansi Magic currently isn't able to give me a definite starting date for Rockville, doesn't want to officially reveal any actors in the show, or talk about the show at all.

EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK! Connie Ferguson in M-Net's new soap The Wild with Ian Roberts, Tumisho Masha and James Alexander.

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I have the very first exclusive look at Connie Ferguson in M-Net's new soap The Wild that will start on M-Net on 4 April at 18:00.

I already broke the news RIGHT HERE in December that Tumisho Masha is a part of the cast of The Wild, but I can now also reveal and show you that actors Ian Roberts and James Alexander are part of The Wild as well. This new M-Net weekday soap is set on a game farm. These are images I made of the actors' very first scenes in The Wild which will be breaking ground in South Africa as the first weekday soap that's filmed in location.

If you click on READ MORE below I'll give you one more image of Connie Ferguson on The Wild set.

TOLDJA! Real-life soap star couple Connie Ferguson and Shona Ferguson set for M-Net's soap The Wild starting in April.

M-Net just officially confirmed the news I broke last year already RIGHT HERE that soap star Connie Ferguson (who left SABC1's Generations) and her real-life husband Shona Ferguson (who left e.tv's Scandal!) are both attached to, and will be seen in M-Net's new soap The Wild that's set on a game farm and will start on the pay broadcaster in April.

M-Net has now changed the working title of the soap from Landmark to The Wild and confirms that Shona Ferguson will play a character called Ithumileng Tladi, ''a character wil dark complexities''. According to M-Net, Connie Ferguson will portray Marang Lebone, ''a wealthy mother figure from an affluent family who has an influential presence on all her family members''.

''Connie Ferguson and Shona Ferguson are TV - and soap - veterans,'' says Pierre Cloete, M-Net's channel head. ''The South African public loves these two charismatic and talentec personalities and their involvement in The Wild sets the tone for what will be an incredible and glamorous new series.'' The Fergusons released a joint, short statement simply stating that ''The Wild is a series unlike anything that has been done in South Africa and we are thrilled that we will be part of making television history in this way. We are both ready for this chapter in our lives and the fact that we have the chance to work together on-screen again is something we are extremely excited about.''

The Wild will start on M-Net on Monday, 4 April at 18:00 and run on weekdays.

ALSO READ: Connie Ferguson the big star in M-Net's new Landmark soap set to start in April 2011.
ALSO READ: COnnie Ferguson isn't working on her own TV talk show, but she is involved with a landmark TV production . . .

BREAKING. Connie Ferguson, Tumisho Masha the big stars in new Landmark soap starting on M-Net in April 2011.

I have the news to break that Connie Ferguson who ditched the SABC1's soap Generations after 16 years earlier this year and the former Isidingo soap star Tumisho Masha are the ''big characters'' in the new half hour weekday soap that will debut on 4 April at 18:00 on M-Net. I can reveal that the new M-Net soap - set on a South African game farm where its also being filmed - have the working title of Landmark. (I gave you a little clue before Christmas RIGHT HERE.)

I can also tell you that Connie Ferguson's real-life husband Shona Ferguson who left e.tv's Scandal a short while ago will also be seen in Landmark, most probably according to industry insiders as the brother of Tumisho Masha's character.

Although M-Net is filming Landmark on location I can tell you that sources close to the set is whispering to me that the game farm where production started is not yet the real one, with props and set pieces being used as stand-ins to make it look ''like the other place'' until the Magic Factory production is moved to the game farm that M-Net actually wants for use the show - apparently somewhere around Magaliesburg. I'm told there is still some administrative zoning and filming requirements that needs to be sorted out before the game farm production move in 2011.

''The big fish is Connie Ferguson,'' another source tells me. ''She's simply wonderful and this is going to be huge for Landmark.'' ''Although the soapie's name could still change, this is a big, big production for M-Net,'' says another. Lots of people are clamouring to get jobs on this show as well as in this show.''

Officially M-Net revealed only the bare minimum about Landmark, not even giving the working title yet. ''Instead of being studio-based, the new soap which has not been named yet will be filmed entirely on location, in a manner similar to the hugely successful South American telenovellas,'' said M-Net in a press release when it confirmed that the show is set on a game farm which I knew months ago, but was told isn't the case.

''The main backdrop to the story will be a stretch of land that is home to a five-star game lodge, presenting the opportunity to make the best of the breathtaking beauty of the African wild. Viewers can look forward to a high-end production shot in high definition which will be filled with drama, passion, feisty characters, wild animals and magnificent South African scenery.''

EXCLUSIVE. Connie Ferguson isn't working on her own TV talk show, but she is in a landmark production.

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I can exclusively first reveal that Connie Ferguson isn't working on doing her own TV talk show or interviewing the famous. But yes. She is definitely working in television and will be back on television soon in 2011. Like . . . April. And not to typecast here but, well, let me just say for now that Connie Ferguson is working on a landmark production.

TOLDJA! After ditching Generations, Connie Ferguson now wants to talk to (famous) people. On television.

I told you RIGHT HERE about her dreams to do a TV talk show and now Connie Ferguson - who ditched the SABC1 soap Generations and her decades old character of Karabo - has admitted she's trying to do a talk show/profile-esque TV production.

Of course Connie has no experience interviewing famous people, although she does have a lot of experience playing blind. Not that that's stopping the soap actress who just turned 40 on Friday. Connie Ferguson is working on The Evolution of Connie Ferguson, a talk show/profile type fame-sustain vanity vehicle in which famous South African celebrities would be profiled. Picture Dali Thambo's People of the South but without the handing out of comfy golden embroided cushions to guests.

Connie Ferguson is trying to sell The Evolution of Connie Ferguson to the SABC with the public broadcaster that might pick up the show for sometime in 2011.

ALSO READ: Blindness! Miscarriage! Love-triangles! And now goodbye. Connie Ferguson as Karabo leaves Generations tonight.