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Johannesburg - Last year ended on a very low note for the 16 principal cast members, who were fired from Generations. The actors embarked on mass strike action to fight for better contracts and working conditions. The debacle made headlines across the country, with the soapie even being pulled off-air for a month. After negotiations reached a deadlock between the actors and producers, all 16 of them were let go.
While 2015 saw some of the talent going onto other soapies, industry insiders tell us that the move caused a major shake-up. "There are two camps: either you are of the opinion that you value your self-worth and your talent. You don't want to be taken advantage of, and no matter how powerful the broadcaster, you will fight for what you believe in," says our source. The insider adds that those who do fight the cause are generally actors with more experience, and are likely to find roles elsewhere easily. "Then there's the new talent: they still want the fame and the recognition, and they're trying to build themselves up. They don't care about pay and being treated like shit."
But after a tumultuous year on the soapie which saw numbers see-saw, and new acting talent getting the chop more than our hair, it's safe to say that Generations: The Legacy survived. Nothing more, nothing less.
Either way, some actors did manage to move on to new home. Here's a look at some of those who have moved on...
Menzi Ngubane
After quite a rough year, which included surviving kidney failure and going through a very public divorce from his ex-wife, things are looking up for Menzi Ngubane. The actor bagged roles in e.tv’s Ashes to Ashes and Gold Diggers. Recent reports have also indicated that Menzi found love again in the arms of his first wife, and they are happily married. Go Menzi!
Sonia Sedibe
Despite all the hurdles Sonia faced last year, she’s managed to keep smiling through it all. Sonia went through a very public divorce from her ex-husband Leslie Sedibe, which allegedly led to her having a mild stroke. But the good news is that Sonia has found her feet and is back in the swing of things. Sonia recently made her debut on e.tv’s Gold Diggers. Welcome back Sonia!
Katlego Danke joins the Lotto show
Just months after giving birth to a baby boy, Katlego was back on the grind. Katlego is now a presenter on the SABC1 Lotto show, and let’s not forget that she looks super amazing.
Nambitha Mpulwana joined Ashes to Ashes
Nambitha was one of the first of the 16 axed actors to secure a role on e.tv’s Ashes to Ashes. During previous interviews at the time of the reboot of Generations, Nambitha made it clear that she had no plans to return to the soapie, and has been loving life playing Mandlakazi, the matriarch.
Thato Molamu joins Umlilo
Apart from playing TK on Umlilo, the actor plans to launch his radio career in 2016. Speaking to The Juice recently, Thato revealed that he’s a part of an online TV and radio station that plans to empower the youth.
Sophie Ndaba bags a role on High Rollers
It’s been just over a year since Sophie has graced our TV screens. And, if you, like us have been suffering with separation anxiety…you’ll be thrilled by the news that she will be making her debut on High Rollers early next year. During a magazine interview recently Sophie said that if you loved Queen, you are going to love her upcoming role even more.
If 2015 is anything to go by we’re sure these talented actors are going to slay 2016!
