The isiXhosa telenovela, Gqeberha The Empire, set in the vibrant Eastern Cape metro, was meant to be a groundbreaking production showcasing local talent and uplifting the community.
However, after just one season, the show faced a series of controversies, leading to its cancellation.
Here are some of the reasons behind ‘Gqeberha The Empire’ cancellation
Concerns have been raised regarding community representation, employment opportunities, treatment of actors, and financial issues.
Community Dissatisfaction and Lack of Representation
Members of the Gqeberha community have expressed disappointment and anger over the show, claiming that it fails to represent their culture authentically.
According to community leader Luthando Sesimane, who spoke candidly with ZiMoja, the language used in the show does not align with their local dialect.
Furthermore, the community feels that very few individuals from Gqeberha were employed, including actors and service providers, despite initial promises of community empowerment.
Actor Complaints and Poor Working Conditions
Actors involved in ‘Gqeberha The Empire‘ also voiced their concerns about mistreatment and inadequate pay.
Some have reported living in substandard accommodations upon arrival in Gqeberha. Fearful of repercussions, actors have shared stories of financial struggles, including not receiving money for food on set and resorting to begging.
The production company, Tshedza Pictures, responded to some of these complaints by stating that accommodations were provided for actors who had indicated the need for housing.
Transportation and Financial Challenges
Issues surrounding transportation and financial support have also plagued production.
One actor, who was cast in Johannesburg, had to navigate his own way to Gqeberha and find accommodation without financial assistance.
The production company claims that transportation costs were covered for actors coming from outside of Gqeberha.
However, some actors continue to feel unsupported and claim that their financial challenges were not adequately addressed.
The Alleged End of the Show and Actor Discontent
Rumours have circulated that ‘Gqeberha The Empire‘ is coming to an end, leading to frustration among the cast.
Actors claim that they were not officially informed by the production about the show’s cancellation, leaving them to discover the news through unofficial channels.
This development has caused further disruptions in their lives, as they had relocated for a year to work on the show. Actors also allege underpayment and instances of hunger on set, which have further soured their experiences.
Attempts at Resolution
Management previously met with the actors to address their concerns, but the actors maintain that the situation has worsened.
Tshedza Pictures emphasised ongoing communication and engagement with the actors, encouraging them to express their grievances through their agents.
The production company asserts that a diverse team of established actors and new talents from Gqeberha and beyond was assembled to bring the story to life.