Bakwena Productions has finally agreed to pay 49 background actors who worked on the television drama Pound for Pound.
This resolution follows action taken by the actors, represented by Abdelkrim Oustar, who brought the matter before the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to recover outstanding wages.
Settlement with CCMA
On Wednesday, June 25, both parties reached a settlement at the CCMA.
According to the agreement, Bakwena Productions will pay R19, 950 in total to all the background actors in three instalments. The first instalment is due at the end of June 2025.
The money will be shared among 49 background actors, with each receiving approximately R280 for a single call.
Sunday World has seen the signed settlement agreement. It reads in part: “The amount in paragraph 3.1 will be paid directly into the agent’s bank account, who will then pay each applicant according to the breakdown agreed upon. The respondent has the agent’s banking details.”
In September last year, Sunday World reported that Bakwena Productions had failed to pay background actors and crew members. However, executive producer Rashaka Muofhe and his business partner, Kagiso Medupi, consistently denied owing any payments.
Producer denies debts
Speaking on the Sunday World podcast, Muofhe insisted that no debts were outstanding. He accused the media of damaging his reputation.
“People were paid, but late. Everybody was paid on 28 December. Unfortunately, there were people who were unhappy and started a smear campaign. This was fuelled by the media, and as a result, our name was damaged. The media outlets didn’t verify facts. And we are now getting legal recommendations from our legal team.”
However, at the CCMA their claims were proven to be false.
One background actor, Magdeline Letsele, expressed relief.
Actors relieved it’s over
“I’m relieved they’ve finally acknowledged their debt and committed to paying us. But I’ll only feel truly satisfied once the money reflects in my bank account. After everything, I can’t trust them. Especially given how they went from podcast to podcast insisting they had paid us. At least now the truth is out in the open for everyone to see.”
Another actor, Joey Reeby, echoed her sentiments.
“We’ve been waiting for our money since August last year. It’s been 10 months of frustration and lies from Bakwena Productions. At some point, they painted us as corrupt, knowing fully well they hadn’t paid us.
“Today they couldn’t defend themselves, they just wanted to settle. We hope they stick to the agreement, or they’ll face the law.”
The settlement marks a significant victory for the background actors.
