They have been running like a well-oiled machine over the years producing some of the top TV shows in South Africa. Connect TV, owned by Basetsana Khumalo and Clifford Elk is said to have fallen on hard times and struggling to stay afloat.

THE GOOD OLD DAYS

In its glory days, Connect TV produced shows such as Utatakho, Date My Family, Becoming, Cheeky Palette, Pastor Wants A Wife, Saving Our Marriage, KFC Taste Kitchen, Sifn' Ukwazi and Wang Verstana. However, former staff members who have since left the company have confirmed to ZiMoja that the production company is 'suffering and has no shows left'.

LOSING SHOWS AND STAFF MEMBERS

The company has since lost a lot of its shows. "They are going through some serious financial difficulties. They have had to let go of some of their staff members, including myself," a source reveals. "It's been tough. To be harsh, I could say they are broke." According to an insider, the last show they shot was Married At First Sight but had to be on hold due to money issues. "It was supposed to air in November 2023, but there still isn't a promo for the first episode," the insider says. "Halfway through shooting, there were also some financial issues and they had to leave the beach house where they had initially shot to move back to Johannesburg and continue shooting there," the insider adds. "No one has really been transparent about what has been happening, but they are going through serious challenges."

SHARING OFFICE SPACE

After many months of financial challenges, the production company has relocated from their Milpark offices and they have asked for rental space at Red Pepper Studios in Linden, Johannesburg. "They have had to give up their offices due to rental issues and move to the Red Pepper Studios. They had to downsize without having to lose the company. But this is understandable, many companies are going through financial challenges and there is serious competition." the insider said. Efforts to reach the production company founders have been unsuccessful.