M-Net declines to give media screeners for season 2 of Bomb Productions' Shaka iLembe on Mzansi Magic, says press can watch it on Sunday nights

by Thinus Ferreira

M-Net's publicity division has declined to provide South Africa's media with any screeners of episodes of the new second season of its Shaka iLembe produced by Bomb Productions for its Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) TV channel, saying journalists must watch it on Sunday nights.

M-Net's refusal to provide digital screeners of episodes ahead of time to the press, is in stark contrast to screeners provided on request for its other local content across its M-Net, kykNET and Mzansi Magic TV channels on DStv.

M-Net and Showmax also provide press with screeners for international shows on request through the intermediary screener platforms of Paramount, Warner Bros. Discovery's HBO and others. 

MultiChoice doesn't have its own proprietary screener platform that safeguards content but allows for content to be viewed securely, by for instance media, with watermarks and other security measures.

M-Net didn't provide a reason for why it doesn't want media to see Shaka iLembe episodes ahead of time and isn't doing screeners.

Portia Hlongwane, Mzansi Magic publicist, says "No screeners have been made available for either Shaka iLembe season 1 or 2. All media covering the episodes are watching them live and sending through requests".

A longtime journalist told TVwithThinus "It's M-Net's loss. Talk about a buzz-kill approach. The excitement to do work about something is gone before it even starts. Do they think I'm going to sit on a Sunday night to watch something to then send requests? Who's too stupid to realise they should tell you ahead of time what's happening or make it available before airing?"

Another writer covering television said "Their lack of even asking who wants a screener or sending out a link signals they probably have no media they actually trust. If you have relationships with journalists and actually know them, why can't you give them a screener to an episode?"

A third journalist noted "It's funny how they want all this coverage for Shaka and think it will happen with no effort but can't even get basics right like a screener or creating an actual media relationship over the course of this season".

MultiChoice sends out its own 'review' for Shaka iLembe that looks like it was done by AI, with its Playmakers PR agency saying Mzansi Magic's second season script 'resists the urge to rush'.

by Thinus Ferreira

MultiChoice and M-Net have sent out a "review", done by itself for its own TV show - and apparently written by artificial intelligence (AI) using effusive, flowery language - saying its second season of Shaka iLembe on Mzansi Magic "draws us into a world of simmering tension".

M-Net didn't respond to media queries about its "review" it sent out through its Playmakers PR agency for the second season of Shaka iLembe on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) produced by Bomb Productions.

M-Net and Playmakers were asked who wrote the "review" but none of the publicists bothered to respond after sending out the "Shaka iLembe season 2, episode 1 review".

Reviews of TV shows are done by TV and media critics, externally, independent of the producer or broadcaster. Nissan doesn't send out a self-written review of one of its own cars. Southern Sun doesn't send out a self-written review of one of its own hotels. 

M-Net and MultiChoice were also asked why a decision was made to send out a review of a TV show, why MultiChoice, Mzansi Magic and Playmakers issued a review about their own work, and whether AI was used in creating the review.

No answers were forthcoming.

Here is the "review", published in full, as received by Playmakers, for M-Net's Mzansi Magic channel.

Note how it looks like it was created by ChatGPT using tired review-language tropes that say and mean nothing:

"Shaka Senzangakhona returns to KwaNobamba in the Season 2 premiere, carrying the fate of a kingdom. Power fills his hands, yet so does doubt.

Episode 1 opens with an extended shot continuing directly from Season 1's finale: Sigidi (King Shaka) and his mother, Queen Nandi, return home. 

Their arrival sparks a mix of excitement, confusion, and resentment. Despite the high stakes, Shaka meets this moment with composed strength, no bravado, just a steady, commanding presence.

Nomzamo Mbatha embodies Queen Nandi with fierce elegance, delivering perhaps her most commanding performance yet. Thembinkosi Mthembu layers Dingiswayo with quiet wisdom, while Dawn Thandeka King returns as the ever-watchful, sharp Mkabayi kaJama, with her useful "iBhobhodlane" (young lover) lingering nearby.

The entire cast moves with assurance, each character aware of the stakes without overplaying them.

The scenic views are stunning. The KwaNobamba landscape is lush and expansive, offering a backdrop that is both grand and intimate.

Interiors glow with warm light, framing characters in spaces that feel lived-in and meaningful. The beauty serves the emotional core rather than distracting from it.

The first episode draws us into a world of simmering tension. Shaka is a reluctant warlord, caught between obligation and caution, surrounded by veiled threats and fractured loyalties. 

His vision seems anchored less in conquest and more in building and unifying—a drive to forge something lasting. Behind him are loyal warriors. 

Beside him are matriarchs like Nandi and Mkabayi, who are never mere observers. In front of him is a kingdom uncertain of its allegiance, watching and waiting.

Old enemies reappear, carrying the weight of past betrayals. Familiar allies return, some holding firm, others hiding intentions behind polite silences. There may be a love interest, or there may not be.

Glances, teasing touches, disrespect, and perhaps flirtation occur, but Shaka remains composed. Relationships are complex; nothing is offered simply. Everyone appears to be playing a longer game.

What makes the episode effective is its restraint. The script resists the urge to rush. There are no long speeches or dramatic outbursts. Power is felt in glances, pauses, and subtle shifts in tone. This quiet confidence gives the story depth and lets tension build without fanfare.

Season 2 sets the stage with precision. 

It establishes conflict, introduces new tensions, and reminds us of the burden Shaka carries, not just as a warrior or king, but as a man. There is promise here, and danger. 

The episode does not shout. It watches, listens, and draws us into a world where power constantly shifts and even the strongest must tread carefully. It remains to be seen whether Shaka will go to war in the second episode, as other parts of the story turn to the Xhosa, the Swati, and the kingdoms of Dingiswayo and Zwide. 

Stay tuned. It is certainly Shaka iLembe Season 2. Sibuye ngegiya eliphezulu nina bakaPhunga noMageba (We are back with a bang). Storytelling doesn’t get better than this!"

18 SAFTAs full winners list: Shaka iLembe clinches 12 Golden Horns

by Thinus Ferreira 

South Africa's most expensive TV show to date earned its hefty price tag with the first season of Shaka iLembe which won 12 awards at the 18th South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs), while Netflix's Yoh!, Christmas and Showmax's Outlaws both netted eight Golden Horns each.

Over the two-night craft and main awards ceremonies on Friday and Saturday night – again held at Gallagher Estate in Midrand, Johannesburg – MultiChoice and M-Net’s set of TV channels on DStv scooped 32 wins in total, followed by Netflix South Africa with 19.

MultiChoice's streamer Showmax won 10 awards in total, although its Canal+ co-production drama series Spinners got completely shut out and was snubbed with no wins.

Amazon Prime Video surprisingly grabbed seven trophies, five of which were for The Fragile King, which also won Best feature film.

The wins are both painful and ironic since Amazon Studios shocked and dismayed the local film industry when it abruptly decided to exit South African original production earlier this year.

The SABC won 12 categories for various content on the South African public broadcaster. eMedia’s e.tv won just four categories although it included a win for a second consecutive year for Ochre Media's Scandal! in the Most popular soap category, which is a public vote.

The 18th SAFTAs primarily belonged to three shows: MultiChoice and M-Net's first season of the Shaka iLembe drama series from Bomb Shelter seen on Mzansi Magic, Netflix South Africa’s Yoh!, Christmas comedy series from BBZEE Films, as well as the Outlaws telenovela on Showmax from Tshedza Pictures.

Shaka iLembe won 12 categories including Best TV drama.

Meanwhile Yoh!, Christmas pushed kykNET’s Taktiek (with just one win) out of the way to grab eight Golden Horns, including for Best TV comedy. Outlaws won eight awards, including for Best telenovela.

SABC1’s Skeem Saam won Best TV soap, while Best documentary went to !Aitsa. The late Mpho Sebeng won Best supporting actor in a telenovela for his role in SABC3’s The Estate.

The SAFTAs gave Lifetime achiever awards to Generations creator Mfundi Vundla, as well as to the actor and sculptor Arthur Molepo.

The 18th SAFTAS once again suffered from some technical problems and mistakes like the opening of a wrong envelope too soon, revealing Natasha Sutherland as Best supporting actress in a TV drama too soon and before the category's turn.

Lebogang Mogoera, acting CEO of the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), said the SAFTAs is "immensely proud of the calibre of talent showcased this year and the hard work of all those involved in bringing these stories to life".

"A big thank you to our long-standing broadcast partners MultiChoice and SABC whose support enabled us to bring the awards to all South Africans."

Nomsa Philiso, MultiChoice CEO for general entertainment, said "This weekend highlighted the rich diversity and powerful storytelling that our creative industry offers viewers".

"As the leading investor in local content across Africa, MultiChoice is dedicated to supporting and expanding the continent’s film and television landscape. Congratulations to all the winners and to the teams who poured their talent and hard work into bringing these stories to life."

Here's the full list of winners of 2024's 18th South African Film and Television Awards:

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND - DOCUMENTARY

!AITSA | Simon Kohler, MED CINE, Encounters Festival

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN EDITING - DOCUMENTARY

Rise: The Siya Kolisi Story | Ebenhaezer Smal (Haezer), Orange Films and Star Films, Showmax, M-Net, SuperSport

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY - DOCUMENTARY

Rosemary's Hitlist | Sims Phakisi, Idea Candy, Showmax

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN DIRECTING - DOCUMENTARY

Music Is My Life - Joseph Shabalala and Ladysmith Black Mambazo | Mpumi "Supa" Mbele, LifeOfJS, SABC1

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT

Faces of Fortune, Red Coat Films, Encounters festival

BEST MADE FOR TV DOCUMENTARY OR DOCUMENTARY SERIES

Pale Ya Kosa, Full Circle Productions, SABC2

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

!AITSA | MED CINE, Encounters Festival

BEST CHILDREN’S PROGRAMME

Baking With the Rey's | Rey Music, SABC3

BEST EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME

The Khoekhoe Saga | On Set Images, SABC2

BEST FACTUAL PROGRAMME

Outopsie | 7EVENTY9 Films, VIA

BEST COMPETITION REALITY SHOW

Kokkedoor: Vuur & Vlam | Homebrew Films, kykNET

BEST STRUCTURED SOAPIE REALITY SHOW

Young, Famous and African S2 | Urban Brew Studios & A Pop Media, Netflix

BEST STRUCTURED OR DOCU-REALITY SHOW

Reno Race | RHT United T/A RichCon, SABC1

BEST YOUTH PROGRAMME

MTV Shuga Down South S3 | Burnt Onion Productions, BET Africa

BEST ONLINE CONTENT

The Adventures of Noko Mashaba - Struggles of SA Youth | Rams Comics, YouTube/Facebook

BEST LIFESTYLE PROGRAMME

Die Argitekte | Thank you kindly, Bobby, VIA

BEST CURRENT AFFAIRS PROGRAMME

Checkpoint | eNCA

BEST MADE FOR TV MOVIE

'n Tyd van Waterpere| Sonvelt Media, M-Net, kykNET

BEST INTERNATIONAL FORMAT

The Masked Singer SA | Rose and Oaks Media, SABC3

BEST ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME

Koppestamp | Just Ad Production, kykNET

BEST VARIETY SHOW

Sport@10 | SABC Sport, SABC1

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKE-UP AND HAIRSTYLING - TV COMEDY

Roomies | Yonela Nombewu, 32Done Productions, 1Magic

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN WARDROBE - TV COMEDY

Roomies | Thembelihle Buthelezi, 32Done Productions, 1Magic

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND - TV COMEDY

Yoh! Christmas | Themba Mashinini, Guy Steer, BBZEE Films, Netflix

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN ART DIRECTION - TV COMEDY

Magaeng | Kagiso Malefane, Burnt Onion Productions, Mzansi Magic

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN EDITING - TV COMEDY

Yoh! Christmas, Tessa Verfuss, Quinn Lubbe, Miriam Arndt, BBZEE Films, Netflix

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN SCRIPTWRITING - TV COMEDY

Yoh! Christmas | Tiffany Barbuzano, Zoleka Monare, Johny Barbuzano, Gillian Breslin, BBZEE Films, Netflix

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY - TV COMEDY

Yoh! Christmas | James Adey, BBZEE Films, Netflix

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN DIRECTING - TV COMEDY

Yoh! Christmas | Johnny Barbuzano, Lauren Chengan, Sanele Zulu, Zolani Phakade, Chris Beasley, BBZEE Films, Netflix

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKE-UP AND HAIRSTYLING - TV DRAMA

Shaka Ilembe | Queen Motlatle, Bomb Shelter, Mzansi Magic

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN WARDROBE - TV DRAMA

Shaka Ilembe | Shirley Masondo, Bomb Shelter, Mzansi Magic

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN ART DIRECTION - TV DRAMA

Shaka Ilembe | Dylan Lloyd, Bomb Shelter, Mzansi Magic

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN SPECIAL EFFECTS (SFX) IN HAIR AND MAKE-UP- FILM/TV

Do Your Worst | Nicola Roodt, Ronwyn Jarrett & Cassidy Lombard, Blingola Media, Netflix

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND - TV DRAMA

Shaka Ilembe | Athanasios Koundouris, Vaughan Phillips, Andries Scholtz, Bomb Shelter, Mzansi Magic

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN ORIGINAL MUSIC/SCORE - TV DRAMA

Shaka Ilembe | Philip Miller, Bomb Shelter, Mzansi Magic

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN AN ORIGINAL SONG – TV DRAMA

Classified | Zethu Mashika, Diprente, Netflix

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN EDITING - TV DRAMA

Shaka Ilembe | Sibongeleni Mabuyakhulu, Llewellyn Rice, Megan Gill, Bomb Shelter, Mzansi 

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN VISUAL EFFECTS (VFX) – FILM/TV

Shaka Ilembe | Eugen Olsen, Gerhard Painter, Bomb Shelter, Mzansi Magic

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY - TV DRAMA

Shaka Ilembe | Zeno Petersen, Bomb Shelter, Mzansi Magic

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN SCRIPTWRITING - TV DRAMA

Shaka Ilembe | Thishiwe Ziqubu, Paul Grootboom, Catherine Stewart, Andrew Peterson, Daniel, Bomb Shelter, Mzansi Magic 

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN DIRECTING - TV DRAMA

Shaka Ilembe | Angus Gibson, Zeno Petersen, Adze Ugah, Bomb Shelter, Mzansi Magic

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKE-UP AND HAIRSTYLING - TV SOAP/TELENOVELA

1802-Love Defies Time | Lungelwa Mildred Hela, Hela Media, 1Magic

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN WARDROBE - TV SOAP/TELENOVELA

House of Zwide | Bevely Mogorosi, Teddy Geldart, Bomb Shelter, e.tv

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN EDITING –TELENOVELA

Outlaws | Natalie Varoy, Ebenhaezer Smal, Bongi Malefo, Siwelile Mbanjwa, Nandi Mehlomakulu, Tshedza Pictures, Showmax

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN ORIGINAL MUSIC/SCORE – TELENOVELA

Outlaws | Brendan Jury, Tshedza Pictures, Showmax

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN AN ORIGINAL SONG – TELENOVELA

The River | Brendan Jury, Sindi Dlathu, Tshedza Pictures, 1Magic

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY – TELENOVELA

Outlaws | Ntobeko Dlamini, Tshedza Pictures, Showmax

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND – TV SOAP

Binnelanders | Eric McKechnie, Barry Gillot, Stark Films, kykNET

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND –TELENOVELA

Outlaws | Geoff Kock, Clark Fivaz, Tshedza Pictures, Showmax

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN ART DIRECTION - TV SOAP/TELENOVELA

Outlaws | Waldemar Coetsee, Tshedza Pictures, Showmax

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN SCRIPTWRITING – TELENOVELA

Outlaws | Gwydion Beynon, Phathutshedzo Makwarela, Tshedza Pictures, Showmax

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN DIRECTING - TELENOVELA

Outlaws | Tebogo Malope, Thembalethu Mfebe, Nthabi Tau, Menga Nhlabathi, Tshedza Pictures, Showmax

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN SCRIPTWRITING – TV SOAP

Skeem Saam | Khomotjo Aphane, Myrah Molokomme, Metsa Makhwidiri, Joseph Senosi, Kelton Sinyosi, Sibusisiwe Manqele, Siphamandla Madondo, Zola Hlungwani, Peu, SABC1

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN DIRECTING – TV SOAP

Skeem Saam | Mmoni Moabi, Percy Maboane, Ricardo Klassen, Peu, SABC1

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKE-UP AND HAIRSTYLING - FEATURE FILM

iNumber Number: Jozi Gold | Theola Booyens, Quizzical Pictures, Netflix

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN COSTUME DESIGN – FEATURE FILM

Hans Steek die Rubicon Oor | Marné van der Burgh,  Red Letter Day Pictures, kykNET

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN PRODUCTION DESIGN – FEATURE FILM

iNumber Number: Jozi Gold | Bathoni Robinson, Quizzical Pictures, Netflix

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND DESIGN - FEATURE FILM

Blindelings | Tim Pringle, 17 FILMS, kykNET

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN EDITING – FEATURE FILM

Runs in the Family | Eva Du Preez, Giant Films, Netflix

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN ORIGINAL MUSIC/ SCORE - FEATURE FILM

Runs in the Family | Charl-Johan Lingenfelder, Giant Films, Netflix

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN AN ORIGINAL SONG - FEATURE FILM

Big Nunu's Little Heist | Zandile Patrick Nyathi, Diprente, Netflix

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY – FEATURE FILM

iNumber Number: Jozi Gold | Tom Marais, Quizzical Pictures, Netflix

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN SCRIPTWRITING - FEATURE FILM

The Fragile King | Tristan Holmes, The Ergo Company, Amazon Prime Video

BEST STUDENT FILM - ANIMATION

By Two | The Animation School

BEST STUDENT FILM - LIVE ACTION

Anguish | AFDA

BEST ANIMATION

Kizazi Moto Generation Fire: Herderboy | Triggerfish Animation Studios, Disney+

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A TV SOAP

Marlee van der Merwe (Binnelanders) | Stark Films, kykNET

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A TV SOAP

Kabelo Thai (Scandal!) | Ochre Media, e.tv

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A TELENOVELA

Mmarona Motsegoa (Redemption) | Burnt Onion Productions & Seriti Films, BET Africa

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A TELENOVELA

Mpho Sebeng (The Estate) | Clive Morris Productions, SABC3

BEST ACTRESS IN A TV SOAP

Elizabeth Serunye (Skeem Saam) | Peu, SABC1

BEST ACTOR IN A TV SOAP

Germandt Geldenhuys (Binnelanders) | Stark Films, kykNET

BEST ACTRESS IN A TELENOVELA

Zikhona Sodlaka (Gqeberha - The Empire) | Tshedza Pictures, Mzansi Magic

BEST ACTOR IN A TELENOVELA

Presley Chweneyagae (The River) |Tshedza Pictures, 1Magic

BEST TV SOAP

Skeem Saam | Peu, SABC1

BEST TELENOVELA

Outlaws | Tshedza Pictures, Showmax

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A TV DRAMA

Natasha Sutherland (Lioness S2) |  Ochre Media ADO Arena Holdings, M-Net

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A TV DRAMA

Nat Ramabulana (Fatal Seduction) | Ochre Media ADO Arena Holdings, Netflix

BEST ACTRESS IN A TV DRAMA

Shannon Esra (Lioness S2) | Ochre Media ADO Arena Holdings, M-Net

BEST ACTOR IN A TV DRAMA

Thembinkosi Mthembu (Shaka iLembe) | Bomb Shelter, Mzansi Magic

BEST TV DRAMA

Shaka iLembe | Bomb Shelter, Mzansi Magic

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A TV COMEDY

Dorothy Anne Gould (Yoh! Christmas) | BBZEE Films, Netflix

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A TV COMEDY

Kagiso Modupe (Yoh! Christmas) | BBZEE Films, Netflix

BEST ACTRESS IN A TV COMEDY

Marion Holm (Taktiek) | Nagvlug Films, kykNET

BEST ACTOR IN A TV COMEDY

Prev Reddy (Miseducation) | Burnt Onion Productions, Netflix

BEST TV COMEDY

Yoh! Christmas | BBZEE Films, Netflix

BEST SHORT FILM

Father's Day | Bunzi Bear Pictures, The Film Festival Doctor

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A FEATURE FILM

Jennifer Steyn (The Fragile King) | The Ergo Company, Amazon Prime Video

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A FEATURE FILM

Adrian Alper (Seconds) | Free Women Films, Amazon Prime Video

BEST ACTRESS IN A FEATURE FILM

Antoinette Louw (The Fragile King) | The Ergo Company, Amazon Prime Video

BEST ACTOR IN A FEATURE FILM

Vusi Kunene (Seconds) | Free Women Films, Amazon Prime Video

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN DIRECTING – FEATURE FILM

The Fragile King | Tristan Holmes, The Ergo Company, Amazon Prime Video

BEST FEATURE FILM

The Fragile King | The Ergo Company, Amazon Prime Video

BEST NATURAL HISTORY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMME

Legends of Venom: Viper | Earth Touch | National Geographic

BEST TV PRESENTER (public vote)

Laconco (Forever Thina) | Urban Brew Studios, Mzansi Magic

MOST POPULAR TV SOAP OR TELENOVELA (public vote)

Scandal! | Ochre Media, e.tv

LIFETIME ACHIEVER AWARD

Arthur Molepo

Mfundi Vundla

YOUTH ACHIEVER AWARD

Kenneth Vuyani Mbalula

OUTSTANDING PERSON WITH DISABILITY CONTRIBUTOR AWARD

Tebatso Mashishi

OUTSTANDING PROVINCIAL CONTRIBUTOR AWARD

Sizwe Shabangu

EMERGING FILMMAKER AWARD

Josh Crickmay

ALSO READ: TV REVIEW. Wrong envelope syndrome and mistakes remain but 18th SAFTAs finally looked smoother

Becky Casting owner admits she lured hundreds to kiddie tent camps with fake promises to star as Shaka iLembe extras.

photos: The Devi Show/e.tv

by Thinus Ferreira

Casting agent Becky Dube who plunged production of MultiChoice and South Africa's most expensive TV show into scandal admits that she lured hundreds of people from across the country to horrific kiddie tent camps with fake promises of getting roles as Shaka iLembe extras.

Devi Sankaree Govender of The Devi Show on e.tv tracked down the notorious Becky Dube (watch the episode here) who claims that the exploited extras - lured from three provinces hoping for Shaka iLembe walk-on roles only to live in squalor in tents - "consented to that".

The background actors casting scandal led to change, prompting MultiChoice, M-Net and Bomb Productions to implement a code of conduct document it demanded that casting agents working for Shaka iLembe now sign and that it hopes will be adopted through the wider local industry.

Shaka iLembe, produced by Bomb Productions for M-Net's Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) channel, is busy with production on its second season, with a third season that will be filmed in 2025.

Earlier this year before principal photography of the second season started, Becky Dube exploited and demanded that hundreds of people pay her R2000 each - only for them to be set up in tents surrounding Bomb Productions' base camp where filming of scenes in Muldersdrift took place.

Becky Casting demanded that prospective extras pay must pay a R350 "membership fee". 

Becky Casting then also demanded that they pay for two so-called "workshops" at R150 each, supposedly to "orientate extras on how things would be" when they get roles on Shaka iLembe. 

Over 300 people from Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape then had to cough up an additional R1250 each, only to discover they're getting flimsy kiddie tent accommodation surrounding the Bomb Productions show, without clean water, no food, no electricity or proper ablution facilities. 

This was after they had to pay for their own transport to get to Johannesburg.

It means that Becky Dube made over R500 000 from all of the people who paid her - although people who get roles as extras are not supposed to pay a cent and are supposed to get paid for their work.

Thabisile Xulu who wanted to be a Shaka iLembe extra said Becky "was rude and didn't respect us. She treated us as if she had picked us up off the streets. It was as if she had dumped us because she didn't check on us". 

After Bomb Productions intervened and told Becky Casting to fix the situation, the hopeful extras were moved to a dilapidated church in Melvern where people slept 13 to a room and eat off the floor.

Extras were then threatened by Becky Casting and told they would not get any work if they spoke out about the conditions and their circumstances.

"She said we were wasting our time speaking to the media because we would be fired," Thabisile Xulu said.

Jack Devnarain, chairman of the South African Guild of Actors (SAGA) told The Devi Show that "having to pay your agent a commission, on top of a rental - it's not just a violation of industry rules - it's just crazy. Ultimately Bomb Productions is responsible for every single person who is going to be on that set".

"It would be right to look at this in the context of human trafficking. The conditions in which they were kept is a misrepresentation. It wasn't what people were told and they certainly didn't get work every day which is what they were promised."

Jack Devnarain said South Africa's TV and film industry "is still playing catch up, trying to establish basic rights for performers and for creatives. It means we are not protected under any basic conditions of employment". 

"We should be ashamed as South Africa and we should take full responsibility for the fact that the creative sector is not regulated. We are an anomaly. So we have created a system that punished the most vulnerable people within this sector."

Bomb Productions which is busy filming Shaka iLembe as the biggest and most expensive TV production ever made in South Africa, said it didn't make any promises to Becky Casting for extras to get work. 

Together with MultiChoice and M-Net, Bomb Productions has now implemented a strict new code of conduct for casting agents to sign, following the scandal, to prevent any similar occurrences and to prevent being blindsided again.

Thabo Boom, a Bomb Productions producer, told The Devi Show "We hope that the wider industry will take this code of conduct and utilise it so that we try, while we argue for more regulations, that we make sure that we protect extras". He said Bomb Productions will never work with Becky Casting again.

ALSO READ: Shaka iLembe: Bomb Productions extras threatened as Sasfed calls for full investigation over exploitation.

Shaka iLembe leads nominations in 2024's 11th Simon Sabela KZN Film & TV Awards that adds public vote reality category.

by Thinus Ferreira

The nominees have been announced for the 2024 Simon Mabhunu Sabela KwaZulu-Natal Film and Television Awards, with MultiChoice and Mzansi Magic's Shaka iLembe historical drama series grabbing the most nods.

The 11th edition of the awards has added two technical categories this year, as well as a reality TV category that will be decided through a public vote.

Thursday's nominee announcement took place at the Coastlands Skye Hotel in Umhlanga, with the awards ceremony, aimed at bolstering KwaZulu-Natal's TV and film industry, set for 20 July. 

The awards is run by the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, a newly-formed body following the merger of the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission and KZN Tourism. 

The new organisation has the combined aim to promote the KwaZulu-Natal province as a premier film destination for local filmmakers as well as under the international film industry.

This year the awards is adding two technical categories – Best use of Cinematography and Best production design. The public will also be able to vote for a winner in a reality TV category.

The Bomb! Productions series Shaka iLembe currently filming its second season for Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) leads with the most nominations, including nominations for Best Actor - TV, Best Actress - TV, Best Supporting Actress and Best Production Design just to name a few.

Nominated household names include Nomzamo Mbatha, Deli Malinga, Hope Mbele, Thembinkosi Mthembu, Wiseman Mncube and Kwenzo Ngcobo.

Notable films on the film festival circuit like Jacintha De Nobrega's London Recruits, Daudi Anguka's Mvera and Carolyn Carew's Music Is My Life – Joseph Tshabalala and Ladysmith Black Mambazo are also in contention in the various film categories.

"The introduction of the public voting category acknowledges the popularity of reality TV and allows the audience to actively participate in recognising their favourite shows and personalities," says Jackie Motsepe, executive project lead of the Simon Mabhunu Sabela KwaZulu-Natal Film and Television Awards.

About the nominees, she says "These individuals have displayed remarkable talent, creativity, and dedication to their craft. The 2024 surge in entries exceeded expectations and surpassed previous records, underscoring the immense enthusiasm and dedication of filmmakers and television producers in the province."

Here is the full list of nominees:

1.Best actor - TV

Thembinkosi Mthembu (Shaka iLembe)

Wiseman Mncube (Shaka iLembe)

Wiseman Mncube (Uzalo)

2. Best actress - TV

Deli Malinga (Umkhokha the Curse)

Nirvana Nokwe-Mseluku (Outlaws)

Nomzamo Mbatha (SHaka iLembe)

3. Best supporting actor - TV

Ernest Ndlovu (uZulu no Mhlaba)

Khayelihle Dladla (House of Zwide)

Melusi Yeni (Sibongile and the Dlaminis)

4. Best supporting actress - TV

Dawn Thandeka King (Shaka iLembe)

Hope Mbhele (Shaka iLembe)

Slindile Nodangala (Outlaws)

5. Best actor - film

Kwenzo Ngcobo (Freedom Street)

Masoja Msiza (Dear Future Wife)

Mpho Sebeng (Ingoma)

Siyabonga Shibe (Blind Eye)

6. Best actress - film

Jo-Anne Reyneke (A Queen's Lobola)

Leleti Khumalo (Dear Future Wife)

Phumzile Puting (Why it Came)

7. Best supporting actor - film

Mbongeni Ngema (A Queen's Lobola)

Nkosinathi Keswa (Inkabi)

Muzi Mthabela (Inkabi)

8. Best supporting actress - film

Tumelo Nkwanca (London Recruits)

Nqobile Dhlomo (Amathambo)

Thembi Mtshali-Jones (Blind Eye)

9. Best director

Mengameli Nhlabathi (Blind Eye)

Obett Motaung (Dear Future Wife)

Tumelo Lekena (Father's Day)

Vivek Mehta (A Queen's Lobola)

10. Best pan-African film

Norman Maake (Inkabi)

Jacintha De Nobrega (London Recruits)

Daudi Anguka (Mvera)

11. Best isiZulu film

Joe Spirit (Amathambo)

Caroline Doherty (Dear Future Wife)

Zamani Mthiyane (Ingodusoyami)

12. Best micro-budget film

Zamani Mthiyane (Ingodusoyami)

Sanele Ndlovu (Intandokazi)

Lwazi Duma (Thulebona)

13. Best feature film

Ashish Gangapersad (A Queen's Lobola)

Joe Spirit (Amathambo)

Sans Moonsamy (Who's my Daddy?)

14. Best screenplay

Obett Motaung & Caroline Doherty (Dear Future Wife)

Tumelo Lekena (Father's Day)

Mli Dube (Freedom Street)

15. Best student film

Sithabiso Ndlovu (Cipher)

Sithabiso Ndlovu (hobo)

Lindani Msibi (Isibazi)

Jarnell Kisten (The Captive)

16. Best newcomer - actor

Bonga Mhlongo (Father's Day)

Ntando Zondi (Shaka iLembe)

Ntokozo Mthembu (Uzalo)

Ntokozo Vilakazi (uZulu no Mhlaba)

17. Best newcomer - actress

Nirvana Nokwe-Mseleku (Outlaws)

Zamuntu Khoza (Sibongile and the Dlaminis)

Ziya Zulu (Shaka iLembe)

18. Best use of cinematography

Tiyane Nyembe (A Queen's Lobola)

Jimmy Reynolds (Dear Future Wife)

Jimmy Reynolds (Freedom Street)

19. Best production design

Boitumelo Nhlapo (A Queen's Lobola)

Dylan Lloyd (Shaka iLembe)

Shalen Haluman (Who's my Daddy?)

20. Best use of KZN as filming location

Caroline Doherty (Dear Future Wife)

Gabhisa Khuluse (Ithesho Lami - My Hustle)

Christy Denn (Sibongile and the Dlaminis)

21. Best documentary short film

Sibusisiwe Buthelezi (Checkpoint)

Enver Samuel (Truth Be Told - Ntombi Kubheka - Bones of Memory)

Enver Samuel (Truth Be Told - Phila Portia Ndwandwe - The Breastfeeding Warrior)

22. Best documentary feature film

Jacintha De Nobrega (London Recruits)

Carolyn Carew (Music Is My Life - Joseph Shabalala And Ladysmith Black Mambazo)