The announcement that Bakwena Productions will produce the SABC's new telenovela "Pimville" has intensified the ongoing conflict between the production company and the South African Background Actors Guild (SABAG).
The series is set to replace the long-running "Muvhango", but the move has raised significant concerns regarding the production house's past professional conduct.
The SABAG chairperson, Louis Setabole, expressed his disappointment in an open letter to the SABC. He criticised their collaboration with Bakwena Productions, citing the production company's alleged history of "questionable business practices".
Setabole's letter highlighted mounting frustrations, particularly their alleged failure to meet financial obligations towards cast and crew.
"Our concerns arise from Bakwena Productions’ history of questionable business practices, particularly their failure to fulfil financial obligations to cast, crew and background actors," read the letter posted on Facebook.
SABAG alleged that Bakwena Productions, who produced the series "Pound 4 Pound" in 2024, failed to make timely payments to the background actors who worked on the show.
Bakwena Productions are also responsible for productions like Netflix's "Losing Lerato", "Losing Lerato 2", Showmax's "Thando" and "Ingoma - The Song".
“Payments were only processed three months after the project concluded, and even then, some individuals received only partial payment. To this day, background actors remain unpaid, despite multiple attempts to resolve the issue. SABAG holds detailed records verifying these claims," it added.
SABAG stated that when they confronted the production company about these delays, Bakwena Productions responded with "hostility and accusations instead of offering a reasonable explanation or an apology".
“This matter has been publicly addressed, and it is deeply concerning that the SABC would choose to commission work from a company with such a track record of unprofessionalism and financial neglect.
“Given these circumstances, SABAG demands answers and guarantees from the SABC regarding its collaboration with Bakwena.”
According to email correspondence between SABAG, The Official South African Casting Association (OSCASA) and Bakwena Productions, which are in Independent Media Lifestyle's possession, the production company had promised to pay the background actors by April 3; however, still no payments have been made to date.
"Bakwena Productions still owes over R100 000 to over 390 people. In the past, nothing could be done; we could complain, but nothing could be done. It seems like SABAG is pushing hard to get things out there and regulated," said Danielle Naude, chairperson of OSCASA.
She said that production houses usually pay agents R350, of which agents take up to 50% commission leaving the actor with very little earnings.
"Remember, this is an unregulated industry, and there are no regulations as to which agents they will appoint, so we are dealing with a situation of rogue agents who take up to 50% in commission," said Naude.
Meanwhile, Simphiwe Majola, head of publicity at Bakwena Productions, described the claims as a "deliberate smear campaign".
"Bakwena Productions remains fully committed to the highest standards of contractual integrity and financial accountability in all our professional partnerships," stated Majola.
"In response to the allegations raised, please be assured that all payments are made strictly per the terms outlined in each contract. Should any individual believe they have not been adequately compensated, we encourage them to follow the formal resolution channels in place."
Majola said that the company treats such matters with seriousness and are prepared to take legal action where necessary to uphold the rights and obligations of all parties involved.
"We are also deeply concerned that these claims may be part of a deliberate smear campaign aimed at discrediting the reputation of Bakwena Productions and our partners.
"We remain firmly committed to transparency, fairness, and professionalism, and any disputes will be addressed through the appropriate legal frameworks."
At the time of publishing, the SABC has not yet responded to requests for clarification on how it plans to work with Bakwena Productions amidst rising concerns and SABAG's demand for assurances that the production company will fulfill its financial obligations on time.
SABAG has also called for the SABC to outline measures preventing further exploitation and unprofessionalism within the industry.