The SABC Answers Questions About the End of Black Brain Pictures Telenovela: 'Paradys Didn't Connect with Enough Viewers in its Slot and That Reflects on the Show, Not on SABC2's Audience as a Whole'

by Thinus Ferreira

South Africa's TV and film industry is shocked about the end of the SABC's Paradys telenovela on SABC2.

The telenovela produced by Black Brain Pictures will wrap filming tomorrow, 23 October, with episodes that will play out on-air until February 2027.

TVwithThinus asked the SABC about what the end of Paradys means for the broadcaster's plans, announced earlier this year, to revitalise SABC2's content and programming and to relaunch this TV channel's ratings and ad income.

Mmoni Ngubane, the SABC's head of communications, says "We recognise that the end of a production is hard on the people who work on it, and we do not take that lightly".

"The SABC's contract is with the production house, not with the individual cast, crew or suppliers on the show. Those individuals are contracted by the production house, and how and when they are informed is managed by the production house."

"The SABC informed the production house of the decision not to renew well ahead of the season ending in February 2027."

"It's important to emphasise that Paradys is ending as planned, not early. It was commissioned for a full season of 260 episodes, and the production house is being paid for that full season."

"If filming ends on 23 October, that's because that is when production of the contracted season will be complete."

"No episodes have been cut and no one is being short-changed by the SABC."

Question 1

When the SABC announced Paradys earlier this year at the event, it was together with Pimville and other shows.

The broadcaster said these shows (and others) were part of relaunching SABC2's content drive and to lift ratings, bring viewers back, and increase advertising.

Given that Pimville ended after just a few months, and that Paradys didn't meet the ratings and revenue the SABC wanted, does it mean the SABC's start of a turnaround of SABC2 failed?

SABC response:

No. The SABC 2 turnaround is a multi-year programme, and it is measured on the channel's overall performance, not on any single title.

Renewing a schedule means launching new shows, keeping the ones that grow their audience and replacing the ones that do not. That is what is happening here.

Paradys was given a full season and assessed on the same audience and revenue measures as every other programme, and the result guides where SABC 2 invests next.

Pimville ended under different circumstances, which are dealt with separately.

Question 2

The SABC said that ratings and ad revenue decide whether a show returns.

As a public broadcaster, are all content in prime time on SABC1 and SABC2 as public channels subject to this or are there content that deserves to be on air and depicts certain people, languages, themes and stories that are shown regardless of whether its commercially viable content or have high or low viewership?

SABC response:

The mandate decides what we commission. Performance decides which programmes carry it.

As a public broadcaster, the SABC serves audiences in all official languages and carries news, education, children's content and local stories, much of it scheduled for its public value whether or not it is commercially viable.

That does not change, and Afrikaans drama remains part of what SABC2 will offer.

What audience and revenue performance decide is whether a particular programme is the right way to deliver that mandate.

The SABC earns most of its revenue from advertising and commercial activity, so a prime-time programme also has to attract an audience. When one does not, we replace it with something that serves the same audience better. We do not step back from that audience.

Question 3

The SABC said that Paradys in its 7pm timeslot got 275 000 viewers per episode and a 0.71% ratings and 2.2% audience share.

That seems very low for SABC2, and far lower than what 7de Laan, Muvhango, etc got when those shows were on air.

If Paradys couldn't get high enough ratings, does it mean that SABC2 has a viewership problem like SABC3 where there has been an erosion of ratings over years which can't be stopped?

SABC response:

One programme's ratings do not describe a channel.

Paradys did not connect with enough viewers in its slot, and that reflects on the show, not on SABC2's audience as a whole.

The comparison with 7de Laan and Muvhango also needs context. These shows built their audiences over many years, when viewers had far fewer choices.

Today, audiences split their time across more channels, streaming services and on-demand platforms, including SABC+. A new show has to win its audience in that environment, and that is the standard we hold it to.

Question 4

The SABC says Paradys will end in February 2027. Will a new programme immediately fill its/this timeslot after it concludes, or will there be a gap?

After 7de Laan ended, there was a substantial time where there wasn't a new show immediately, which likely led to audience drift, i.e. people who were in the habit of watching 7de Laan, didn't find or watch something new in that timeslot, fell out of the habit and never returned to SABC2. Is this an issue for the broadcaster?

SABC response:

SABC2 is already planning the programme that will take over the Monday to Friday 19:00 slot, with the aim of following on directly from Paradys.

Keeping viewers’ routine in that slot unbroken is part of the planning, which is why the work is being done now, four months before the final episode. We will announce the new programme in due course.

Question 5

Hundreds of people, including suppliers and service providers who worked on Pimville have still not been paid. What is the latest around this SABC production?

SABC response:

The SABC's contract for Pimville was with the production company, not with the individual cast, crew, suppliers or service providers, who were contracted by the producer.

Under that contract, the SABC paid the production company what was due. Paying the people and suppliers the production company contracted is that company's responsibility.

We are aware that some have not been paid, and we understand how difficult that is for them. The SABC's agreement with the producer has since come to an end.

SHOCKER. SABC Abruptly Cancels Afrikaans Coloured Community Paradys Telenovela from Black Brain Pictures on SABC2 After Single Season, Shocked Cast and Crew Have 10 Days to Wrap

by Thinus Ferreira

The SABC has abruptly cancelled the very popular Afrikaans telenovela Paradys on SABC2 set in a coloured community, produced by Black Brain Pictures, with the cast and crew who got just 10 days notice that filming will end on 23 October.

When the SABC relaunched SABC2 in February and gave Paradys the prime 19:00-timeslot, it cited Paradys and the now-imploded Pimville as cornerstones of new TV shows that the broadcaster would be launching as part of its overall plan to rebuild SABC2, which is struggling in the ratings, and to lure back viewers and advertisers.

The shocking cancellation of Paradys is searing, especially given that it was a brand-new show depicting South Africa's coloured community and their stories and struggles on the public broadcaster.

The axing of Paradys also leaves the Afrikaans TV news bulletin as the sole piece of regular Afrikaans content left on the channel.

Paradys replaced the cancelled 7de Laan in the 19:00 timeslot after two years and two months.

Paradys has a stellar cast of Lorcia Cooper, Ilse Klink, Zane Meas, Elton Landrew, Chantal Stanfield, Vaughn Lucas, and a supporting cast including Vuyo Ngcukana, Johny Klein, Obed Baloyi, Cindy Jantjies, Reginald Hufkie, Sasha-Lee Kelly, Dillan Park, Sharne Coetzee, Anton Jeftha and Shemane B. Harris.

Paradys is executive produced by Mpumelelo Nhlapo, Mandla N and Annelie van Rooyen, with Joanne Downing and Mamello Ngoepe as creative producers, and Piet Matipa as head writer.

The Paradys shuttering leaves hundreds of people without work, as well as support services being used by the production. Jacqui Achilleas is the SABC commissioning editor and Robyn Verweij the acting SABC2 channel head.

Paradys was one of the most watched shows on SABC2 and did was it supposed to: Pull in new viewers to the channel and bring in advertisers.

SABC2 has been struggling heavily with viewership since the axing of 7de Laan and Muvhango, with Paradys that was commissioned specifically as a heavy-hitting new Afrikaans telenovela to rebuild and anchor the channel's primetime, together with Pimville.

Paradys was highly praised for its authentic cultural representation and for bringing fresh Afrikaans storytelling back to a free-to-air public broadcaster channel, and for setting it in a coloured community like kykNET's Suidooster.

With the financially struggling SABC for whatever reasons, not able to sustain its own flagship telenovelas in primetime - both new shows on SABC2 are now gonners after months - it signals to the rest of South Africa's production industry that doing multi-episode series for the public broadcaster is a massive financial risk.

Paradys' absence will once again leave a massive gap for viewers who rely on the SABC for local content in their own language without having to pay for expensive satellite or streaming.

Insiders tell TVwithThinus that the shocked Paradys cast and crew got told last week, 13 October - just two weeks before the production ends filming - that Paradys is done and the SABC doesn't want to do more episodes.

"This came as a major shock, as the SABC launched Paradys as part of new turnaround strategy earlier this year," a source says.

Another insider notes that the "Paradys cast and crew were kept in the dark until the last minute and people are shocked that they are jobless in less than a week, especially around this time of the year."

It is also said by an insider that the SABC allegedly "had known for quite some time that they are not renewing Paradys for season 2".

"On their last review of the show they were quite positive and were apparently very happy with the telenovela and its performance, and the commissioning for a second season seemed imminent," says a source.

Says another person: "Let it be noted that they spent the minimum on publicity and marketing of the show".

Another insider said, "Paradys isn't getting a second season and we've not been told why not. The SABC apparently doesn't want a second season although the show performs well in the ratings. Paradys is doing great on SABC2 and is number 6 out of all of the SABC shows across its channels."

"Paradys is the SABC's only Afrikaans and coloured TV series. It makes no sense that a show doing so well for the SABC is getting pulled. The production company apparently tried everything possible."

The SABC was asked for comment on the cancellation of Paradys, which will be added here when received.

UPDATE Monday 19 October 2026 17:19: The SABC in a press statement says "SABC2 confirms that the Afrikaans telenovela Paradys will conclude its first season with its 260th episode in February 2027, and will not be renewed for a second season".

"Every programme we commission is given a full season to find its audience," the SABC says.

"As that season draws to a close, it is reviewed against two measures: the audience it attracts and the revenue it generates for the channel."

"Those results decide whether a show returns and where we invest next. This is how renewal decisions are made across the broadcasting industry, and it is how we make sure public and commercial resources go into content South Africans choose to watch."

"Paradys joined SABC 2 in February as part of the channel's new schedule. Between its launch on 23 February and 9 October 2026, the 19:00 broadcast averaged about 275 000 viewers per episode, with an audience rating of 0.71% and an audience share of 2.2%."

"Unfortunately, the show did not reach its audience or revenue targets for the slot, and on that basis it will not be renewed."

"Afrikaans remains part of the SABC's mandate to serve audiences in all official languages, it continues to be served across our platforms and the SABC is already working on how it will continue to deliver Afrikaans drama and entertainment."

"SABC2 thanks the production teams, the cast and crew of Paradys for their commitment and dedication throughout the season. SABC2 will announce the programme that will take over the Monday to Friday 19:00 slot in 2027."

ALSO READ: The SABC Answers Questions About the End of Black Brain Pictures Telenovela: 'Paradys Didn't Connect with Enough Viewers in its Slot and That Reflects on the Show, Not on SABC2's Audience as a Whole'

Pimville Non-Payment Scandal: Crew and Cast Told 'This is Not Netflix. We're Not Shooting Lion King' as Bakwena Productions Claims SABC Cut Budget 38% while SABC CEO Nomsa Chabeli is Set to be Hauled Before Parliament Committee

by Thinus Ferreira

As cast and crew members are evicted over unpaid rent and fume over a lack of toilets and even water on set although an executive producer allegedly brandished his own liquor and bodyguards, the mudslinging between the SABC and Bakwena Productions over the implosion of Pimville continues to escalate and could soon end in court.

As more and more Pimville cast, crew and suppliers who have gone unpaid for months by Bakwena Productions come forward with harrowing stories - one detailing the miscarriage she suffered, while several claim food poisoning - the SABC is facing a staggering and growing TV scandal and a multi-million rand production loss that's been months in the making.

Amidst several suspended content executives at the public broadcaster, SABC CEO Nomsa Chabeli - who was aware of Bakwena Productions' bad production record and previous non-payment problems but allowed the SABC's contract and filming for Pimville to proceed - will soon be hauled before parliament's portfolio committee on communications to account for the growing TV show non-payment scandal. 

Ironically, Pimville - from actor Kagiso Modupe and the married couple Rashaka "Rush" Muofhe and Brenda Muofe's Bakwena Productions - was supposed to, and positioned by the SABC to be the new TV gem in the SABC2 crown to revitalise the moribund channel's ratings.

Nomsa Chabeli proudly told parliament last year that Pimville set to replace the cancelled Muvhango, is destined to turn around the flagging fortunes of the ratings-challenged SABC2. 

Instead, Bakwena Productions, which has failed to pay the show's cast and crew, caused Pimville to implode - damaging the planned revival plan of SABC2 and also once again miring the SABC in a production scandal the broadcaster can ill afford.

The SABC ran out of completed episodes to air on SABC2.

After the telenovela's last available episode - number 75 in a commissioned order of hundreds - was shown this past Friday, it left the SABC to hurriedly slot in repeats of Amalani Awafani on SABC2 in a move that angered advertisers and viewers.

The SABC will now be forced to do so-called "makegoods" to advertisers - ad-buys who booked ad spots weeks and months ago but aren't getting their paid ads flighted during the content, audience and demos that tey were promised, in a timeslot now filled with reruns.

While the SABC, which was warned before cameras started to roll on Pimville to stay away and choose another production house, is now taking legal action against Bakwena Productions months later, the Muofhes are now likewise threatening legal action against the SABC.

Meanwhile, the SABC has suspended SABC head of content Lala Tuku, along with SABC executives like genre manager for drama, Nirvana Singh and commissioning editor Reatlegile "Ree" Mampa.

The SABC admits that certain approved oversight mechanisms were "not implemented consistently and to the required standard".

According to the SABC, "an internal consequence management process has been initiated in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, and labour law requirements".

The SABC notes that "In addition, a legal process is currently underway regarding the production company, including the issuing of a notice of breach in April 2026. Any further action will be guided by ongoing contractual, legal, and governance processes."

Bakwena Productions now claims that the show imploded after the SABC abruptly cut the production budget by 38%.

'Not Netflix'

Roughly 124 people and suppliers are out of work and haven't been paid.

Pimville drivers who were contracted by Bakwena Productions say they had to pay for petrol themselves, and were not paid for their work. Wardrobe and make-up staffers say they were forced to bring their own clothing items from home for the actors.

Some Pimville actors were also forced to bring and wear their own private clothes, from home, to film scenes.

An affected Pimville worker speaking out now, notes that "Over 100 families have been affected by what has happened on this production. People are going to bed anxious, ashamed, overwhelmed and hungry".

"Some are facing eviction. Some can't provide for their children. Some have exhausted every cent trying to remain patient and professional while waiting for dignity to be restored."

Another staffer who used to work on Pimville and has been left unpaid, says "As someone who has worked in different productions, I must say this is the worst I've ever engaged myself in - no toilets, no proper water and sanitation, food poisoning, and salaries always late".

A Pimville staff member adds: "For a long time, many of us remained silent because we truly believed things would get better".

"We believed that if we worked harder, sacrificed more, pushed through the discomfort and remained patient, eventually everything would come together. Instead, many people were left carrying exhaustion, uncertainty, delayed or outstanding payments, and emotional burdens that quietly followed them home every night".

Another worker notes: "We would raise concerns about working conditions, resources, pressure or operational challenges and be met with comments like: This is not Netflix. We are not shooting Lion King".

A young female crew member who started working on the production in October 2025 shares that she suffered a miscarriage while working on Pimville and is now being evicted due to her inability to pay rent. She alleges that she was "threatened physically by a colleague and watched formal complaints disappear into silence."

Bakwena Productions claims the SABC Does owe it money

Bakwena Productions in a new statement, says it notes "with serious concerns the public statement issued by the SABC on 25 May 2026 regarding the production status of Pimville that was airing on SABC2, notably the discontinuation of the series due to an alleged contractual breach".

The Muofhes say the implosion of Pimville isn't their fault or that of Bakwena Productions, nothing that "The documentary evidence submitted to the SABC executive committee, board structures and legal division presents a materially different account of events".

"On 12 May 2026, Bakwena’s legal representatives delivered a comprehensive legal notice to the SABC leadership detailing repeated contractual breaches, delayed approvals, operational challenges, governance inconsistencies, and payment defaults committed by the SABC that significantly impacted the sustainability of the production, resulting in funding shortfalls."

"This correspondence was supported by extensive documentary evidence, including approved budgets, payment schedules, production records, operational reports, financial reconciliations, invoices, correspondence and proof of continued delivery by Bakwena".

The Muofhes say "Substantial outstanding payments remain due to Bakwena, including unpaid milestone obligation, contrary to the SABC’s claims of up-to-date payments."

"These outstanding payments have created operational constraints and a severe strain on the broader production ecosystem, which the SABC statement fails to acknowledge and address."

"Despite these increasingly difficult circumstances, Bakwena diligently delivered episodes."

"A production of this magnitude, with a star-studded cast, becomes unsustainable when the commissioning broadcaster withholds agreed contractual funding necessary to sustain operations - particularly where the approved production budget was materially reduced by approximately 38% without due process, and in circumstances where Bakwena was informed that such reductions were being implemented to support new productions at the SABC."

Bakwena Productions further says it notes "with deep concern the negative impact the discontinuation of Pimville will have on the livelihoods of its cast and crew members who depend on Pimville."

"Equally concerning are threats from the SABC to remove Bakwena and appoint another producer while the existing production agreement remains in place and legal processes are still ongoing. In the interests of continuity and stability, Bakwena urges the SABC to reconsider any decision to remove Bakwena as producers of Pimville, for the sake of the cast, crew and the long-term integrity of the production."

It says Bakwena Productions "will pursue all legal remedies available to protect its contractual rights and the future of the production".

SABC CEO summoned to parliament

Meanwhile, SABC CEO Nomsa Chabeli and other SABC officials and execs will have to appear before parliament's portfolio committee on communications to answer about what happened to Pimville, the show's implosion and the missing millions, before the end of June.

The chairperson of parliament's portfolio committee on communications Khusela Sangoni-Diko wrote to South Africa's minister of communications, Solly Malatse, asking for a comprehensive report from the department on the SABC and the production implosion of Pimville.

"Affected workers report ongoing non-payment and limited recourse, with some indicating that they have been redirected repeatedly without resolution," the letter notes.

"The Committee notes with concern that these allegations are consistent with earlier complaints concerning Bakwena Productions during the production of Pound 4 Pound, where workers were reportedly unpaid for extended periods, resulting in CCMA intervention and outstanding claims that remain unresolved."

The committee further notes that "Despite these concerns, the SABC proceeded with the appointment and, through its CEO Nomsa Chabeli, acknowledged awareness of the risks".

The committee now wants to know if the department of communications is considering "a formal inquiry into the disbursement and management of funds allocated to Pimville".

According to Sangoni-Diko, they want Nomsa Chabeli and SABC executives to appear before the committee in person "rather than send a letter back".

ALSO READ: Pimville Non-Payment Scandal: Producer Rashaka Muofe Keeps Telling Crew and Cast the SABC Didn't Pay and Isn't Communicating as He Threatens 'to Fold the Show', as SABC Says Payments Are Fully Up to Date and it is Trying to 'Stabilise the Situation'

ALSO READ: After SABC Was Warned It Would Happen Again, Bakwena Productions Failed to Pay Pimville Cast and Crew

ALSO READ: SABC Head of Content Lala Tuku and Other Execs Suspended as Bakwena Productions' Pimville Non-payment and Exploitation Scandal Grows

Pimville Non-Payment Scandal: TOLDJA! SABC Confirms Pimville Abruptly Going Off Air Tonight After 75 Episodes After Bakwena Productions Runs Out of Episodes and Disrupts SABC2 Schedule

by Thinus Ferreira

The SABC has no choice but to finally end the derailed Pimville, causing massive SABC2 schedule disruption after the implosion of Bakwena Productions and its months-long failure to pay the crew and cast working on the show.

On Monday, the South African public broadcaster said that it "regrets to announce that Pimville will be discontinued from tonight, due to unresolved obligations and breaches identified and communicated formally to Bakwena Productions".

Pimville is abruptly gone from SABC after just 75 episodes that aired by 22 May, with millions sunk into the production by the SABC and with 124 people who worked on it who are out of jobs and waiting to get paid.

Yet again, many people lured to a failed local South African TV production with fake promises have been left unemployed, unpaid, unable to pay for living expenses for months, forced out of rental accommodation and forced to sell belongings to survive.

TVwithThinus can also report that earlier today the Democratic Alliance (DA) political party requested that SABC executives be summoned to appear before parliament's portfolio committee on communications, to explain what is going on with the Pimville scandal. 

The local biz was shocked when TVwithThinus reported earlier this month that Pimville will be going off the air, after insiders said no further episodes are available and have been produced to air.

The SABC says Pimville going off air due to a lack of available episodes "is deeply regrettable, particularly considering the dedication and hard work demonstrated by the cast, crew, as well as the unwavering support received from audiences, partners, and all stakeholders who contributed to the programme's success".

The SABC will now fill the Pimville timeslot at 21:00 with repeats of the telenovela Amalanga Awafani - not the content that advertisers were promised in the timeslot with the broadcaster that will have to do make-goods.

The SABC has no idea when, or if, Pimville might return and be shown again. Since it's an SABC-commissioned show, meaning that it belongs to the SABC, Pimville could possibly be handed to a new production company.

It's a disastrous implosion for a show, from a disreputable production company, that the SABC knew beforehand was a problem, but that SABC CEO Nomsa Chabeli told parliament would bring ratings and viewers back to SABC2 as the Muvhango replacement.

The SABC will now once again be forced to do makegoods to advertisers which is bad for the finances of the broadcaster.

Advertisers book ad slots months and weeks in advance against content deliverables and future ratings promises and audience demo guarantees around that content. 

Advertisers booked and paid for Pimville audiences to see their ads. Now not only is SABC2 not showing Pimville and not luring those viewership demographics, but the timeslot is padded by repeats.

Bakwena Productions is owned by actor Kagiso Modupe and the married couple Rashaka "Rush" Muofhe and Brenda Muofhe - notorious for not paying casts, crew and other service providers.

Bakwena Productions is also embroiled in a nasty legal battle with Black Brain Pictures after its founder Mandla Ngcongwane, known as Mandla N., borrowed Bakwena Productions R4.2 million in order for Bakwena to allegedly pay casts and crews. 

Bakwena has allegedly failed to pay back this loan.

One affected worker on Pimville says "Over 100 families have been affected by what has happened on this production. People are going to bed anxious, ashamed, overwhelmed and hungry".

"Some are facing eviction. Some can't provide for their children. Some have exhausted every cent trying to remain patient and professional while waiting for dignity to be restored."

Another Pimville worker notes "As someone who has worked in different productions, I must say this is the worst I've ever engaged myself in - no toilets, no proper water and sanitation, food poisoning, and salaries always late".

Yet another production crew member said "I'm unable to pay rent, my credit score is affected because debit orders are bouncing. It is shaming and embarrassing."

Another writes to Brenda "once a symbol of possibility", noting "you were one of the few black women in the industry who showed us that dreams could stretch far beyond the camera lens" and asking why she failed to do anything in ensuring "suppliers were paid? To ensure background artists received what they earned? To remember how difficult this industry is for struggling actors trying to survive one call sheet at a time?"

"You of all people should understand the weight of being unseen."

"Not only were people exploited, but their dignity was stripped away in the process. Human beings were expected to pour themselves into a vision while being denied basic necessities - functioning toilets, accessible drinking water, decent meals, timely payments."

Another notes: "The food provided has caused widespread, violent illness. To expect a crew to show up, give their best performance and maintain safety standards while battling severe physical sickness from the meals provided on-site is both unsustainable and unsafe."

Yet another crew member explains that "For a long time, many of us remained silent because we truly believed things would get better".

"We believed that if we worked harder, sacrificed more, pushed through the discomfort and remained patient, eventually everything would come together. Instead, many people were left carrying exhaustion, uncertainty, delayed or outstanding payments, and emotional burdens that quietly followed them home every night".

Another Pimville worker wants to know from Rashaka "Rush" Muofhe that "while crew members could not access basic necessities like proper water and sanitation, yet alcohol could somehow stil appear. Do you understand how painful and degrading that felt to witness?"

When you step into your flashy car surrounded by bodyguards, do you ever think about the crew member wondering how they will get home? The parent staring at an empty fridge? The small business owner drowning in debt because they trusted your production? The supplier now unable to pay their own employees because Bakwena Productions never honoured its commitments?"

Another says "We would raise concerns about working conditions, resources, pressure or operational challenges and be met with comments like: This is not Netflix. We are not shooting Lion King".

A young female crew member who started working on the production in October 2025 suffered a miscarriage while working on Pimville and is now being evicted due to her inability to pay rent, says she was "threatened physically by a colleague and watched formal complaints disappear into silence."

The SABC meanwhile, notes that the "acquisition and commissioning of Pimville followed the broadcaster's standard approval and commissioning processes applicable to SABC productions. These processes included the necessary editorial, operational, commercial, and governance approval mechanisms".

Unfortunately, what the SABC did obviously didn't work and neither did the promises that Nomsa Chabeli and SABC head of content Lala Tuku made beforehand that a supervising producer would be appointed to make sure that the Pimville cast and crew get paid.

The SABC has suspended Lala Tuku, along with SABC executives like genre manager for drama, Nirvana Singh and commissioning editor Reatlegile "Ree" Mampa.

The SABC admits that certain approved oversight mechanisms were not implemented consistently and to the required standard".

"Consequently, an internal consequence management process has been initiated in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, and labour law requirements."

"In addition, a legal process is currently underway regarding the production company, including the issuing of a notice of breach in April 2026. Any further action will be guided by ongoing contractual, legal, and governance processes."

"The SABC has also engaged with cast and crew representatives regarding concerns raised. The SABC remains committed to stabilising the production environment, ensuring continuity of content, protecting the interests of affected stakeholders, and exploring all appropriate operational options relating to the future of the production."

The SABC says it "extends an apology for the inconvenience caused by the disruption in the schedule".

While the SABC has paid and is up to date with payments to Bakwena Productions, Rashaka Muofhe as late as last week claimed to the cast and crew in messages that the reason they haven't yet been paid is because the SABC allegedly isn't paying.

"Please note, SABC hasn't paid and hasn't communicated a way forward, with nobody answering calls," he told cast and crew in messages.

"We only have one option and that is for the SABC to pay so we can pay cast and crew. Unfortunately it is not in our hands ... If SABC doesn't pay, we unfortunately have to fold the show."

Neither Rashaka Muofe nor Kagiso Modupe has yet commented on Pimville's disappearance from SABC2.

Tsholofelo Katlego Bodlani, the DA member who is part of the portfolio committee on communications and who raised the concerns around Bakwena Productions last year, on Monday wrote to the chairperson of the committee, requesting that SABC executives be summoned to account for the shocking Pimville production implosion and to explain what is going on.

"The Democratic Alliance has noted the public concern around the dispute between the SABC and Bakwena Productions over the non-payment for the production of the television series Pimville."

"Various reports indicate that actors and crew have not been paid, while the SABC has allegedly paid over R19 million to Bakwena Productions. This has left artists with unpaid bills and no clarity on the future of this production."

"We also note reports that senior executives at the SABC have been suspended on matters relating to this production."

"We write to request that the SABC appear before the committee before the end of this term (29 June 2026), to provide clarity on this matter and avoid further reputational damage to the SABC," Tsholofelo Bodlani, writes.

"The DA has important questions for the SABC, including: The status of the relationship between the SABC and Bakwena; the facts and details about payments made to date; an update by the SABC on the suspended officials, allegedly linked to this matter."

ALSO READ: Pimville Non-Payment Scandal: Producer Rashaka Muofe Keeps Telling Crew and Cast the SABC Didn't Pay and Isn't Communicating as He Threatens 'to Fold the Show', as SABC Says Payments Are Fully Up to Date and it is Trying to 'Stabilise the Situation'

ALSO READ: After SABC Was Warned It Would Happen Again, Bakwena Productions Failed to Pay Pimville Cast and Crew

ALSO READ: SABC Head of Content Lala Tuku and Other Execs Suspended as Bakwena Productions' Pimville Non-payment and Exploitation Scandal Grows

Pimville Non-Payment Scandal: Producer Rashaka Muofe Keeps Telling Crew and Cast the SABC Didn't Pay and Isn't Communicating as He Threatens 'to Fold the Show', as SABC Says Payments Are Fully Up to Date and it is Trying to 'Stabilise the Situation'

by Thinus Ferreira

Somebody is lying: Either Pimville producer Rashaka Muofe of Bakwena Productions who remains in failure to pay the cast and crew of the disastrously derailed show and who keeps telling cast and crew that he can't pay and claims the SABC hasn't paid or communicated while he threatens to "fold the show" - or the South African public broadcaster who says it's payments to Bakwena is fully up to date and that it is busy with crisis management to try and "stabilise the situation".

The SABC is dealing with an unmitigated local production disaster, totalling millions of rands, after it decided to commission Bakwena Productions to produce Pimville for the SABC.

Pimville on SABC2 was supposed to replace Muvhango as part of a plan to turn around SABC2's flailing ratings, but filming then flamed out as the show crashed and burned just a few months later, after Bakwena Productions, since February, failed to pay the show's crew and cast.

Bakwena Productions is owned by actor Kagiso Modupe and the married couple Rashaka "Rush" Muofhe and Brenda Muofe.

Bakwena Productions is also embroiled in a nasty legal battle with Black Brain Pictures after its founder Mandla Ngcongwane, known as Mandla N., borrowed Bakwena Productions R4.2 million in order for Bakwena to allegedly pay casts and crews. 

Bakwena has allegedly failed to pay back this loan.

After Bakwena Productions' non-payment erupted, the SABC has suspended SABC head of content Lala Tuku, along with SABC executives Nirvana Singh and Reatlegile "Ree" Mampa.

SABC CEO Nomsa Chabeli, Lala Tuku and the other SABC executives were all aware of Bakwena Productions deplorable production record before filming of Pimville started, but Nomsa Chabeli told South Africa's parliament that the SABC would manage it.

Lala Tuku in interviews said the SABC will ensure that Bakwena Productions pay the cast and crew working on the show and that the SABC will appoint a supervising producer to check payments.

South Africa's film industry bodies warned the SABC beforehand not to go ahead with using Bakwena Productions, and slammed the SABC's decision to make use of the production company.

Rashaka Muofe told the Pimville cast and crew in a latest string of messages that he is blaming the SABC for not being able to pay them, claimed that the SABC has not communicated with Bakwena Productions, and threatened that he would "fold the show".

The SABC disputes the claims in Rashaka Muofe's latest messages to the cast and crew, says it is aware of these messages he sent, categorically states that the SABC has paid Bakwena Productions and is up to date with payments, and that the broadcaster is busy with "legal processes" against Bakwena Productions.

Rashaka Muofe told the Pimville crew and cast "Please note, SABC hasn't paid and hasn't communicated a way forward, with nobody answering calls."

"We have three crew members who have become reliable sources to the media, and this has led to the SABC further distancing themselves from us. We urge those individuals to stop so we can reach an amicable solution with the SABC soon."

Rashaka Muofe further messaged that "We only have one option and that is for the SABC to pay so we can pay cast and crew. Unfortunately it is not in our hands ... If SABC doesn't pay, we unfortunately have to fold the show."

Mmoni Ngubane, SABC spokesperson, told TVwithThinus in response to a media query, "the SABC would like to reiterate that the broadcaster has duly fulfilled its contractual obligations to Bakwena Productions and remains up to date with contractual payments relating to the production".

The SABC says Bakwena Productions is in breach of its contract with the broadcaster.

"As previously communicated, the production company is currently in breach of its contractual obligations with the SABC, and formal contractual processes, including a notice of breach, have already been instituted."

About Rashaka Muofe's constinuing claims to the Pimville cast and crew that it is the SABC's fault that they're not getting paid, Mmoni Ngubane says the SABC "is aware of various claims and communications currently circulating regarding the matter".

"However, given the active contractual, governance, operational, and legal processes currently underway, the SABC is unfortunately not in a position to engage publicly on further detail at this stage."

"What we can confirm is that the SABC continues to engage directly with the production company, as well as with affected cast, crew and writers representatives, as part of ongoing efforts to stabilise the situation and determine the most responsible way forward."

The SABC says it is "focused on protecting the interests of affected stakeholders, ensuring continuity considerations are responsibly managed, enforcing contractual accountability, and assessing appropriate operational options relating to the future of the production."

Mmoni Ngubane says "At this stage, it would be premature for the SABC to speculate publicly on final production outcomes or timelines while these processes remain underway."

ALSO READ: After SABC Was Warned It Would Happen Again, Bakwena Productions Failed to Pay Pimville Cast and Crew

ALSO READ: SABC Head of Content Lala Tuku and Other Execs Suspended as Bakwena Productions' Pimville Non-payment and Exploitation Scandal Grows

After SABC Was Warned It Would Happen Again, Bakwena Productions Failed to Pay Pimville Cast and Crew With Show Set to Abruptly Disappear from SABC2 on 7 May

by Thinus Ferreira

After the South African public broadcasters top executives were warned in advance and knew of the notorious non-payment issues of Bakwena Productions but still commissioned this production company to produce Pimville, the show will abruptly go off the air due to non-payment of its cast and crew after the last completed episode is broadcast on Thursday 7 May on SABC2.

Production of Pimville abruptly stopped after cast and crew were not paid at the end of April, similar to them not having been paid at the end of March by Bakwena Productions.

This is the latest chapter in Bakwena Productions' non-payment scandal that is once again damaging South Africa's local TV and film industry.

Bakwena Productions has been mired in a string of defaulting payments for casts and crews of several TV productions that cause schedule and programming disruption to TV channels, along with severe reputational damage to their brands.

Bakwena Productions is also embroiled in a nasty legal battle with Black Brain Pictures after its founder Mandla Ngcongwane, known as Mandla N., borrowed Bakwena Productions R4.2 million in order for Bakwena to allegedly pay casts and crews. 

Bakwena has allegedly failed to pay back this loan.

Crews and casts working for Bakwena Productions are now calling for the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to launch a formal investigation into the notorious production company that time and again fails to pay people, while the owners live an extravagant lifestyle.

Bakwena Productions is owned by actor Kagiso Modupe and the married couple Rashaka "Rush" Muofhe and Brenda Muofe.

After doing shows like Pound4Pound for Paramount's BET channel where it failed to pay cast and crew what they were owed, it also got a contract from Netflix to produce the Losing Lerato series.

Around 500 background actors, represented by agencies like the Professional Background Artists (PBA) were allegedly left unpaid, leading to a CCMA ruling that ordered Bakwena Productions to pay and settle the outstanding money owed.

Service providers like a transport company, as well as photographers and a guest house operator who provided accommodation and changing areas for the cast and crew, also accused Bakwena Productions of not paying.

The SABC, aware that Bakwena Productions failed to pay and honour financial commitments as it should and promised, still went ahead and commissioned the production company to do Pimville for SABC2 to replace the cancelled Muvhango.

Nomsa Chabeli, SABC CEO, told parliament a year ago in May 2025 that Pimville will bring audiences back to SABC2. Now it won't because there are no further episodes for the SABC to broadcast.

Nomsa Chabeli knew that Bakwena Productions has a problem paying people and companies. In April 2025, Nomsa Chabeli wrote to Tsholofelo Katlego Bodlani, the DA member who is part of the portfolio committee on communications, confirming that the SABC had contracted Bakwena Productions to make Pimville.

Nomsa Chabeli acknowledged awareness of the payment allegations against Bakwena Productions and gave her assurance that the SABC has appointed a supervising producer to ensure payment compliance to the Pimville cast and crew.

Nomsa Chabeli admitted that the SABC decided to appoint Bakwena Productions, knowing there are problems.

"The SABC contracted Bakwena Productions in 2024 for the delivery of a new production, Pimville, which is set to be broadcast on SABC2," Nomsa Chabeli wrote.

"While the SABC is not directly responsible for the payment of cast and crew — as this is the responsibility of the appointed production house — it is important to state that the SABC does not condone the exploitation of creatives and holds itself accountable for ensuring that all contractual obligations are met."

"As a public institution, the SABC has an interest in ensuring that funds allocated for productions are properly utilised."

"It is therefore crucial for the corporation to engage with production houses when issues of this nature arise in order to foster healthy working relationships across the production ecosystem."

Last year, even the South African Background Actors Guild (SABAG) officially wrote to Nomsa Chabeli and the SABC, demanding clarity, with Louise Setabole who wrote that SABAG is "writing to formally express our deep disappointment regarding the SABC’s decision to collaborate with Bakwena Productions".

"Our concerns arise from Bakwena Productions’ history of questionable business practices, particularly their failure to fulfil financial obligations to cast, crew, and background actors. In 2024, Bakwena Productions produced Pound 4 Pound but failed to make timely payments."

"Payments were only processed three months after the project concluded, and even then, some individuals received only partial compensation. To this day, background actors remain unpaid, despite multiple attempts to resolve the issue."

Now, after just a few months on the air, the Pimville cast and crew refused to work further after they were again not paid at the end of April.

Lala Tuku, the SABC's head of local content, told City Press in November 2025, "When we heard about the [non-payment] rumours, we were open and transparent about it. We intensified our discussions. We want to see them win. We want to see young black producers win. It was about how do we handhold."

Lala Tuku further promised in November that the SABC "had put processes in place to ensure Bakwena Productions would not fall behind on payments to cast and crew".

That obviously didn't work at all and the SABC in fact did fail to prevent a recurrence.

Rashaka Muofhe told City Press in November 2025 that Bakwena Productions would not repeat past mistakes with Pimville and that "This project will not be marked by any negative impact".

Several Pimville cast and crew say they were recently held hostage in Soweto for several hours after Bakwena Productions had failed to pay homeowners the rent due for on-location shoots.

The Bakwena Productions owners couldn't be reached for comment.

On Monday 4 May, Rashaka Muofhe sent the cast and crew a Whatsapp blaming the SABC for not paying them.

"Please note production shoot has been temporarily suspended until matters of payment has been resolved with SABC."

"Please note we do apologise for any inconvenience caused and matters are being handled with the necessary urgency required and we are confident that production will soon resume."

"Further communication in terms of payment dates will be communicated once we have confirmation."

The SABC however says it has paid everything it was supposed to, to Bakwena Productions. 

In a media query, TVwithThinus asked the SABC for comment specifically about what the broadcaster makes of Bakwena Productions now doing exactly what it did in the past, by starting a production and then ending it due to non-payment.

The SABC was aware before awarding a contract to Bakwena Productions that Bakwena did the same to other TV channels, and yet the SABC chose this production company - so why did the broadcaster choose this producer knowing that it is mired in non-payment issues to casts and crews?

Responding to the media query on Wednesday, the SABC says it "became aware of concerns regarding the production company following the commissioning of Pimville and the contracting of Bakwena Productions."

"Following this, a set of risk mitigation measures were put in place. While these interventions were intended to safeguard the production and protect the SABC, recent developments indicate that further action is required."

"We remain committed to ensuring that all productions adhere to the highest standards of governance, accountability, and fair treatment of all industry professionals."

About the Pimville cast and crew battling to just get paid by Bakwena Productions, the SABC notes that the latest non-payment is Bakwena Productions' fault and not the SABC.

"The broadcaster has duly fulfilled its contractual obligations to Bakwena Productions" says the SABC and adds that the public broadcaster "is therefore up to date with payments, underscoring its commitment to the smooth running of productions".

The SABC blames Bakwena Productions for the non-payment of the cast and crew who are now suffering.

"It must be noted, that in this case, the production company concerned is in breach of the contract with the SABC," the broadcaster says.

"In response to the current situation, the SABC is actively engaging the production company to remedy the situation." The broadcaster says it is "implementing contingency plans to ensure continuity of content on SABC2" for when the final Pimville episode it has left is broadcast on 7 May.

The SABC is "Exploring alternative production solutions, should this become necessary", noting that "We have engaged the cast of Pimville today" - meaning on Wednesday 6 May.

The SABC adds that "The SABC will not be providing further detailed comment at this stage as the matter is subject to contractual and legal processes."

While the SABC, as a public broadcaster, won't be giving further detailed comment, it is once again the workers within South Africa's TV and film industry, as well as viewers losing a TV show, who are left to suffer.