The cast of Bakwena Productions "Pimville" Gail Mabalane, Matli Mohapeloa, Thapelo Mokoena, Keke Mphuthi, Mondli Makhoba, Michelle Mosalakae, Fulu Modibedi, Clementine Mosimane, Jesse Suntele, Eve Rasimeni, Sipho Ndlovu, Mandla Gaduka, Thabo Malema, Charmaine Mtinta and Lillian Dube.
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
South African television viewers have been reacting to news that production company Bakwena Productions has once again made headlines for non-payment to the "Pimville" cast and crew.
According to reports, production on "Pimville" abruptly stopped after the cast and crew were not paid at the end of April, and it was not the first time.
The SABC, in a statement, confirmed that it duly fulfilled its contractual obligations to Bakwena Productions and that the company is in breach of its contract.
"The corporation is therefore up to date with payments, underscoring its commitment to the smooth running of productions. It must be noted that in this case the production company concerned is in breach of the contract with the SABC," read the statement.
Having previously made headlines for not paying people on time, critics are questioning why Bakwena Productions was commissioned for "Pimville".
Broadcaster Penny Lebyane commented on X: "Repeat offenders... Take the production away from them and save jobs please..."
@AmuMabasa2 said: "Typical Bakwena Productions... Everybody says they don't pay, they have been in the papers for it so many times and not once did they ever clear the air and provide valid reasons why they couldn't... Mara SABC was like "Sure let's do business with them" 🙄"
@AnastasiMokgobu said: "Yeah no this really breaks my heart, especially because there was already non payment scandal with Bakwena score they got this contract; they had a point to prove but disappointed 😢"
The SABC, in its statement, revealed that it became aware of concerns regarding the production company after the commissioning of Pimville and the contracting of Bakwena Productions.
“Pimville” features an all-star cast of celebrated South African talent: Gail Mabalane, Matli Mohapeloa, Thapelo Mokoena, Keke Mphuthi, Mondli Makhoba, Michelle Mosalakae, Fulu Modibedi, Clementine Mosimane, Jesse Suntele, Eve Rasimeni, Sipho Ndlovu, Mandla Gaduka, Thabo Malema, Charmaine Mtinta and Lillian Dube.
"Following this, a set of risk mitigation measures were put in place," read the statement.
Viewers are now left in limbo, wondering about the show they were just starting to enjoy. According to reports, the last episode aired on Thursday, May 7, 2026. IOL has reached out to the SABC to find out if an episode of "Pimville" will air tonight or if an alternative programme will be scheduled for 9.00pm.
IOL