The SABC Group CEO, Nomsa Chabeli, has allegedly misled parliament.
In a detailed letter dated April 4, which was addressed to communications and technology portfolio committee member Tsholofelo Katlego Bodlani, Chabeli stated that Bakwena Productions had been contracted by the public broadcaster.
Chabeli wrote: “The SABC, through its video entertainment division, contracted Bakwena Productions in 2024 for the delivery of a new production, Pimville, which is set to be broadcast on SABC2.”
Chabeli further justified Bakwena Productions’ appointment and said: “As part of ensuring that the SABC does not experience any issues with the production of Pimville, a supervising producer was identified to work very closely with the production house to always ensure compliance.”
However, Bakwena Productions has vehemently denied Chabeli’s claim, stating that it only pitched the idea and that nothing has been finalised.
The production house said this both on Sunday World Engage and on the King David podcasts, which were flighted on YouTube.
This is despite Chabeli’s claim that the contract was concluded in 2024.
“This is not true; we haven’t got the contract. We don’t know where the publication got the news that the deal has been finalised. What if we don’t get the deal because of this?” asked Kagiso Modupe, the co-owner of Bakwena.
Modupe is in a partnership with Rashaka Muofhe, who is the executive producer and managing director of the production house.
In recent months, the company has made headlines for allegedly failing to pay the salaries of the cast and crew of Pound 4 Pound.
Service providers not paid
It also made further claims that it paid everyone on December 28. However, Sunday World can reveal that only the cast members were paid.
The crew, service providers, and background actors are still unpaid. Sunday World can also confirm that Sipho Hlatshwayo is still owed over R140 000.
“I supplied three vehicles, and my job was to drive the cast and crew. They owe me over R140 000 for the car rentals,” Hlatshwayo said.
“I’ve tried to ask for my money, but I was met with arrogance from Rashaka. I was shocked when they went on a podcast and claimed that they had paid everyone.”
Owen Mthembu, who was responsible for scouting locations, said: “I saw their podcasts and couldn’t believe it. I then called Kagiso and asked him why he lied on the podcasts because he knows they still owe me.
“But he became arrogant and said he’ll never work with me again. I don’t want to work with them either, but I still want my money.”
Another service provider, whose guest house was used during filming, told Sunday World that Rashaka has since blocked them.
Bakwena Productions accused Sunday World of reporting unverified facts and claimed that the company was not afforded an opportunity to respond.
However, Sunday World has evidence showing that multiple attempts were made to obtain a comment, but Bakwena simply refused.
The company also claimed that it has been operating for about 10 years.
But, according to Companies and Intellectual Property Commission records, Bakwena Productions Media Group was only registered in August 2024, making it just seven months old.
Muofhe and Modupe are listed as the only directors of the company.
SABC refuses to discuss specific details
The SABC was asked whether it misled parliament and the public about contracting Bakwena Productions and why the company appeared unaware of this contract.
The SABC spokesperson, Mmoni Ngubane, responded: “The SABC and Bakwena Productions confirm that they are currently collaborating on a new production set to premiere on SABC2 in August 2025.
“As the project is still in development, both parties are not able to discuss specific details at this stage and remain focused on the creative process to ensure the successful delivery of a quality production.
“We look forward to sharing more in due course and assure viewers of a compelling, authentic South African story.”
Once again, Sunday World reached out to Muofhe and Modupe for a comment, but they failed to respond.
Visit SW YouTube Channel for our video content
