Cast members and the production team of e-tv's telenovela, Nikiwe, are facing a bleak Christmas. ZiMoja understands that a total of about 280 people, who are part of Nikiwe, won't be able to spoil their loved ones with gifts or buy them groceries this festive season. This after Parental Advisory Productions, the production company that is shooting Nikiwe for etv, sent their crew and actors letters, dated 13 December 2023, informing them that they won't be paid their December salaries.

The letter was signed by executive producers, Lungile Radu and his business partner, Thomas Gumede. The letter seen by Zimoja reads, "As explained during our meetings and subsequent correspondence, we submitted our outstanding invoiced costs as well as our wrap and notice costs to the channel for review. They have unfortunately replied that under no circumstances will the channel be releasing any additional funds to the

production of Nikiwe. We have therefore engaged with legal counsel to argue our case and take it forward, however, historically these types of disputes can take a long time to resolve and there is no guarantee of a positive outcome. We will notify you of the progress of our legal proceedings as well as if there are any changes to the current status quo." 

The telenovela was axed after only eight months on air, reportedly because of mismanagement of funds and low ratings. The channel confirmed earlier this month that it will come to an end in early 2024. The telenovela features some of the prominent and famous actors like Lungelo Mpangase who plays Nikiwe Radebe, the legendary Clementine Mosimane who plays MaSibisi Radebe, funnyman Kenneth Nkosi, who is Uncle Skeitla Skhosana and the evergreen Hamilton Dlamini, who plays Mdlalose. The media launch of Nikiwe was held in April at the Joburg Theatre. Attempts to get a comment from Parental Advisory Production proved fruitless as both executive producers did not answer our calls.