The highly anticipated season two of Lebo M’s reality show might not see the light of day. It’s said that the reason behind the delay in production is the disagreements over pre-production money, that were reportedly misused with no one taking responsibility. 

PRODUCTION MONEY NOT ACCOUNTED FOR 

A source who spoke to ZiMoja said that there is now tension between Lebo M, real name Lebo Morake, and Carol Bouwer, whose company Carol Bouwer Productions produces the show in partnership with Primedia. The source said Bouwer’s production company was given a budget of about R11 million by Primedia for pre-production. "Out of the money, Carol gave Lebo R3 million to use for a shoot in the USA, where he spent most of his early years, to pay lobola and family holidays as part of the content," alleges the source, who added that Lebo failed to deliver slips for all the trips. 

CAROL BOUWER AND LEBO’S RELATIONSHIP STRAINED

The source added that Lebo and Bouwer who used to call each other brother and sister can’t stand each other. "Their relationship quickly became sour when Carol asked Lebo to account for the R3 million," adds the source. Another source says Carol is now frustrated because she can’t account for the cash she gave Lebo. "There are no receipts to back up his expenditure and Primedia wants their money from Carol who is now threatening to sue Lebo,". The source said that what strained the relationship further was when Lebo lost his patience when Bouwer started not showing up on set, after she was exposed for benefitting from the National Lottery Funds. "She was no longer showing up on set and Lebo was not impressed, as she lost focus on the show." The source says Lebo is a complex guy and is not a walkover. "Lebo M does not take nonsense from people, he knows what he wants especially when it comes to production".

SHOPPING FOR A NEW CHANNEL 

ZiMoja has also learnt that the production is looking for a channel that is going to buy the show because Showmax is still deciding whether they need it or not. According to the source, Lebo left a bitter taste in their mouth because of their previous issues. "Initially Showmax was on board but because of their previous issues they are not sure whether they want the show or not anymore," adds the source. Another source says Primedia and Carol Bouwer Production took a leap of faith in Lebo and now they seem to regret their decision ."Their initial plan was to shoot the show first and sell it to the channel after so that they can make money, but now it seems like they are stuck because no channel has shown interest in buying the show and to make things worse production is on hold," adds the source. 

CAROL CONFIRMS THERE ARE ISSUES

When called for comment, Carol Bouwer admitted there were some issues but did not want to dwell on them. "Look there are issues but things are not as bad as you paint them to be," she said. When asked which channel is going to air the show, Bouwer was evasive. "Nothing has been confirmed yet, but production is almost done and the show is ready," she adds. ZiMoja understands that the show was supposed to air at the end of June, but because things are bad, there is not even a promo yet or a teaser to get viewers hooked and excited. According to the source, Lebo is not worried about the lawsuit and he is ready for Bouwer. "Lebo does not have a contract with Primedia, technically he does not own them anything. In fact, he told us he is ready for the lawsuit," added the source. Lebo is currently in the US but his wife Pretty Samuels promised to relay the message."I will make him aware of the allegations and revert back to you," she promised. Samuels failed to give ZiMoja Lebo’s response by the time of publication.