The SABC has placed its head of content, Lala Tuku, on precautionary suspension as fallout intensifies over the ongoing payment crisis linked to SABC2 telenovela Pimville.
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has declined to directly confirm reports that its Head of Content, Lala Tuku, and other officials have been placed on precautionary suspension amid the deepening Pimville payment controversy.
Responding to enquiries from Sunday World, SABC Head of Communications, Mmoni Ngubane, said: “Regarding your enquiry on the alleged suspension of an employee, the SABC is not at liberty to discuss employer-employee issues in the public domain.”
The broadcaster’s response follows mounting reports that senior executives are facing internal scrutiny over risk mitigation measures linked to the payment crisis surrounding SABC2 telenovela Pimville.
The scandal has sparked outrage in the entertainment industry after allegations emerged that actors, crew members and suppliers attached to the production had gone unpaid for months.
Production company Bakwena Productions has come under heavy criticism, while the SABC previously maintained that it had honoured its contractual obligations to the producers.
Actor and director Kagiso Modupe recently addressed the matter publicly, claiming he too had allegedly not been paid for his role as head director on the production.
Industry insiders say pressure has been mounting on the public broadcaster to strengthen oversight mechanisms around commissioned productions and the handling of public funds.
The SABC has not indicated whether more officials could be implicated as internal processes continue.
The payment saga has triggered outrage within the television industry, with production company Bakwena Productions facing criticism over its handling of finances on the show.
Oversight and accountability
Earlier this week, actor and director Kagiso Modupe publicly distanced himself from the controversy, revealing that he too had not been paid for his role as head director on the production.
The SABC previously stated that it had honoured its contractual obligations to the production company, while alleging that Bakwena Productions breached contractual terms.
Industry insiders say the broadcaster is now pressured to demonstrate stronger oversight and accountability regarding commissioned productions and the safeguarding of public funds.
The internal investigation is expected to determine whether proper controls and intervention measures were followed as the crisis escalated.
This is a developing story
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- SABC has suspended head of content Lala Tuku and others amid the payment crisis involving the SABC2 telenovela Pimville.
- Cast, crew, and service providers on Pimville have reportedly gone unpaid for months, sparking industry outrage.
- Production company Bakwena Productions faces criticism for alleged mishandling of finances related to the show.
- Actor/director Kagiso Modupe claims he was also unpaid for his role as head director on Pimville.
- SABC maintains it fulfilled contracts but accuses Bakwena Productions of breaching terms; an internal investigation is ongoing to assess oversight failures.
