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Mfundi Vundla: "Generations will go on with or without these actors"

SABC bigwigs and Generations producers have rubbished claims that "actors are paid peanuts”.

The public broadcaster and the producers of the hit soapie held a press conference this morning to set the record straight on the debacle. This comes exactly one week after 16 actors' contracts were terminated when their wage increase demands weren't met by management.

It has also emerged that not only were actors demanding double their weekly salaries, some have demanded bodyguards, personal trainers and dieticians.

Executive Producer and Creator Mfundi Vundla revealed to the media that the 16 striking actors earn about R55 000 a month. "We're going to challenge claims that the actors are under paid, because R55 000 is definitely not peanuts," he said.

Mfundi added, "We haven't fired anyone, we've terminated contracts because actors failed to meet the demands of their contracts."

THE SABC'S SIDE

SABC COO Hlaudi  Motsoeneng explained that the SABC did agree to three-year contracts but will not be held to ransom. He also assured fans and advertisers that Generations will go on with or without these actors.

"When someone leaves there's always someone waiting to fill the position, and I've already been approached by some great actors who want to join Generations," he said.

Hlaudi explained that while the door is not closed to striking actors, they would not be making any appeals to them. "I was once fired from the SABC but came back and pleaded for my job," he said.

It was also revealed that auditions will be held for new cast members. Producers and the SABC said they had not finalised all the changes as yet, but assured viewers that, come 8pm, Generations will be on screens across the country.

"The audience will just have to wait to see the changes as they happen," they added.

The striking actors will hold a media conference on Monday to address claims made today.

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