It’s a sad day in South Africa and it could have been worse if fellow actors were not standing with Vatiswa Ndara. On Monday Vatiswa Ndara dropped a bombshell alleging that Ferguson Films, owned by Shona and Connie Ferguson cut corners at the expense of performers.
On Tuesday it became plausible that Ferguson Films have smoked a wrong pipe and entire South Africa is high.
Ferguson Films (PTY) Ltd. EP – are the proud owners of Rockville, iGazi, The Gift, Step Up 2 A Start-Up, The Queen, The Imposter, Unmarried, The Throne and Kings of Joburg.
“We are considering legal action against the author of the letter and we are not going to answer any further questions at this time,” said Brendan de Kooker from De Kooker Attorneys – representing Ferguson Films.
Vatiswa Ndara will not be portraying NomaRussia on iGazi again!
Vatiswa Ndara penned a lengthy to Minister of Arts, Culture and Sports Nathi Mthethwa pleading with him to intervene in the exploitation, abuse, and the harm that Ferguson Films is alleged to be exposing talent to.
In support of her plight, legendary actor Sello Maake KaNcube says, “Vatiswa your pain reverberate in a debilitating throb in my soul. This an echo of 1000 muted voices. I just pray & hope that doesn’t end as yet another agonised howl in the wilderness. I wish could commend u for brave. This is when u can no longer suffer in silence. Your heartbeats in mine.”
Actress Nambitha Mpumlwana also pleaded with President Cyril Ramaphosa to show his love for the arts by signing the Performers Protection Amendment Bill into an act.
Tweeting to the Presidency, Nambitha says, “Good morning Mr. President. I know how much you love the arts, but did you know how exploited the artists are? Please kindly show your love by signing the PPAB – Performers Protection Amendment Bill.”
“All we need is for the President to sign the Performers Amendment Bill. Until then we will tweet until the cows come home. Of course, and I would do the same, he is taking his time because there is disagreement within the very industry that needs the Bill signed,” says Kgomotso Christopher.
MEC for Education and Youth Dev. Gauteng Province, Panyaza Lesufi says if bravery was a person and bravery beyond measure it is Vatiswa Ndara.
Panyaza Lesufi also thanked Honourable Minister Mthethwa for acknowledging the letter. “Let’s defend the creative industry,” says Lesufi.
With you at the helm, I know Vatiswa Ndara will not be isolated and victimized. South Africans may not be aware that I was once your Chief of Staff so I know how passionate you are in fighting for the rights of fellow South Africans,” added Lesufi.
“We can’t have one big conversation. The plight of actors is an entire discussion on its own. Have actors, then Producers, then Broadcasters. 3 separate panel discussions, 2 hours each,” says Masechaba Ndlovu, using the #Vatiswa and #Fergusons.
“We need more gatvol voices to call out the mess in the South African television industry. Thank you Vatiswa Ndara for your bravery. We have to stand with you. All of us,” says Florence Masebe, Masebe. She’s been one vocal actress when it comes to exploitation of talent.
On Monday actress Rami Chuene tweeted, “Here lies the remains of Vatiswa Ndara’s acting career that died on 07 October 2019. Good luck as you pursue a career in engineering, teaching or whatever…it’s been real boo,” Chuene’s tweet was highly misunderstood as someone who is supporting Ferguson Films because she is still contracted to them.
Rami Chuene didn’t want to put it in simple English for all those that lambasted her to understand. Well, she was simply alluding to the fact that if you stand up for yourself in the toxic entertainment industry that will be your last bowl of Corn Flakes.
MGOSI.co.za