The controversial drama series Umkhokha Season 2 is having its fair share of drama behind the scenes. The drama series revolves around the killing of a church leader from Ithempeli Lenkosi and the subsequent fight to take over the reins. 

PAYMENT ISSUES

Three leading characters of the , Sthandiwe Kgoroge, Linda Sokhulu and Mondli Makhoba who play the roles of MaNzimande, Zodwa and Reggie respectively, have left the show because of payissues. According to sources closer to the show production, the duo asked for araise from the producers, but they were shown the middle finger. Instead ofgetting replacements for the two household names, the show producers insteadraised Bobuntu, played by Kwezi Ndlovu from the dead. Nobuntu was killed in Season1.

Kwezi is relatively new in the acting industry, and she became a fan favourite. "Remember these are three established actors who know their worth and they also deliver when it comes to work on top of it all they bring numbers because of their following,' the source said.

REPLACEMENTS 

ZiMoja has learnt that Sthandiwe has been replaced but the other two actors will not be.  When called for comment Sthandiwe confirmed that she won't be part of the new season due to her hectic schedule. "There is no bad blood between me and the production, I left due to due to clutching of our schedules,' said Sthandiwe. Makhoba's manager refused to comment. The show also features popular actors like Deli Malinga and Nay Maps

DEPARTURE CONFIRMED

The series producer, Sinini Nyathi confirmed the news to ZiMoja. "We have about three lead actors who won't be returning sadly. We as a company were totally saddened by them not returning," Nyathi said. Shirley Adonisi, Director of Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net would be drawn into discussing the payment issues. She said: "It's always a positive conundrum when viewers express that a show was on air for too short a time, and that was the overwhelming reaction we were met with when Umkhokha came to an end after 13 weeks. Audiences were glued to the show and constantly engaged with the story and spoke about it on social media and on the radio ?" so its return is long awaited. We're pleased that it will now be a telenovela,'