Actor and film producer Kagiso Modupe has not paid his cast and crew for the Pound4Pound production in almost two months. He promised everyone full payments by tomorrow and everyone is waiting with fingers crossed. At this year's South African Film & Television Awards, he won the Best Supporting Actor award for a TV series for Yoh! Christmas. But actors are not sold on what they call a "fake, arrogant and pretentious' speech.
IMPACT
The co-owner of Bakwena Productions shared his joy for winning his first SAFTA and that it means so much to him, especially after what he said he has contributed to the industry. "With over 15 international awards achieved, this one takes the presidency because it's from home. My passion is telling authentic South African stories and sharing this beautiful country's colours with the world," he said, adding that, "This country has so much talent on screen, and behind. I pray that He continues to bless all of us with work and a platform where we can express our creative blessing," he said. During his SAFTAs speech, Kagiso emphasised how he created over 2,000 jobs, feeding over 28,000 families through his contribution. He also said he is the only company that pays actors royalties.
LIES?
Former Isidingo actor Brandon Auret called Kagiso out in a live video, stating that his speech was a lie. "Some really nice awards deserved for sure. However, Kagiso you mentioned that you are the only producer to pay your actors royalties. That's bullsh*t!' he said. "I have been getting royalties for two movies already that were shot by a South African production company and you are claiming that you do this, yet you have an entire crew and acting team that still haven't been paid. Your last letter said the 31st, we await with bated breath brother,' the actor said.
This is not the first time Kagiso is being called out for not paying actors on time.In previous productions, Losing Lerato and Ingoma - cast and crew complained about delays in salaries. One of his cast members on Pound4Pound said, "For someone who is a non-payer, I would have not made such a speech. It was arrogant and just distasteful." Kagiso ignored Zimoja's calls and text messages.
