Season two of Gqeberha: The Empire was meant to bring fresh faces and uncover brand-new talent but due to bad ratings and internal issues, the show has been canned.
CANCELLED
At first, Multichoice rubbished the claims regarding the show's cancellation following reports by ZiMoja. "Mzansi Magic has just been made aware of the allegations of mistreatment of the cast. We take such allegations seriously, and we will be reaching out to the production house to verify the same. Plans are in progress for the next season and further details will be communicated in due course,' CEO of General Entertainment Nomsa Philiso said at the time. She also said that they were in the process of making the call on whether to keep the show on air or not, but later said they would be going ahead with season two.
THANK YOU
The show has officially been canned and will not be returning for season three on Mzansi Magic, the channel has confirmed. Director of Local Entertainment Channels at Multichoice, Shirley Adonisi, confirmed the news. " We wish to extend heartfelt thanks to the producers, cast and crew of Gqeberha: The Empire. Their unwavering dedication and exceptional talent have delivered spellbinding storylines in one of the most fiercely competitive primetime slots. As we approach the grand finale, we eagerly anticipate witnessing the culmination of this extraordinary journey," Adonisi said. She expressed gratitude to the Eastern Cape Provincial Government for their support in the making of the TV production and Tshedza Pictures for delivery since the show's inception in January 2021.
ISSUES
Since season one, the show has been riddled with controversy from behind the scenes, with actors affected by accommodation, the dismissal and the resignation of some cast and crew due to alleged issues with funding. "It's really been tough for us, but we always tried to think positive and deliver,' one actor said on the basis of anonymity. "A lot has happened behind the scenes; it seems this is the best decision. We need a better production for the Eastern Cape that is of high quality like other shows.'
