Frustration and anger have reportedly engulfed the production of the highly anticipated Mandoza biopic, with suppliers and crew members alleging non-payment for their contributions.
Mandoza biopic: Wage disputes reportedly halt production
The biopic chronicles the life and journey of Kwaito Music veteran Mduduzi “Mandoza” Tshabalala, who sadly succumbed to cancer in 2016.
Financial difficulties plaguing the project have forced a temporary halt until the matter can be resolved, per ZiMoja.
An individual involved in the production shared their concerns, revealing that funds intended for payment to suppliers and crew members have allegedly been misused.
According to sources, it is claimed that the late Kwaito star’s former manager may have embezzled the money.
Suppliers express their dismay, emphasising that they were engaged by the production companies and not directly by the manager in question.
“Hiring people and failing to compensate them for their work is unacceptable. We incur expenses to provide our services. While we were excited to contribute to this production, there was a designated budget for it. Where has that money gone?” one supplier questions.
In May 2023, suppliers and crew members received an apology letter from Vaugh Eaton, the Executive Producer at Biopic Films, citing delayed payments.
The letter reportedly stated that the production company was awaiting funds from their backers.
“Regrettably, the payment process is taking longer than anticipated,” Eaton reportedly admitted. “We have been in contact with our funders to expedite the payment process and expect a resolution as soon as possible. We assure all cast and crew that all outstanding payments will be settled. We value our business relationship with you and hope that this delay does not affect future collaborations. Once we receive payment from our funders, we will promptly fulfill our payment obligations.”
However, since the promise of payment, the aggrieved staff members have grown increasingly impatient.
Some have resorted to action, staging a protest on the set of the e-TV show Smoke and Mirrors, produced by Zuko Nodada’s company, The Final Chapter, which co-produced the Mandoza biopic.
Nodada’s production company is also responsible for other notable projects like Ukhakhayi and the forthcoming Bafana Bafana coach production.
Witnesses recounted the chaotic scene, claiming equipment was seized as a ransom demand for payment.
“They confiscated cameras and tripods, refusing to leave until they received a portion of their payment. They received a partial payment as a promise, but they are still awaiting their full compensation,” explained an insider present during the protest.
This is a developing story.