A-list cast of “Queendom”. Picture: Instagram.
In an open letter, the cast and crew of the BET production ‘Queendom’ have voiced their frustration and desperation over ongoing payment delays that threaten their livelihoods.
The letter calls out the silence of government officials, industry organisations, and broadcasters as they watch the industry struggle through yet another crisis.
The financial distress began unfolding as the production faced a series of payment delays, the most recent reported as the third since the end of October.
With crucial holiday obligations looming their letter stresses not just the economic impact but the emotional toll this prolongs on families relying on these salaries.
"We're the ones facing the inescapable pit of a bleak festive season. We're the ones facing our disbelieving families, unpaid rent, food bills, and your stony silence," read the letter.
The letter appealed to Sports, Arts and Culture Minister, Gayton McKenzie, who has been seen as a potential agent of change, yet remained silent on how to resolve these ongoing financial issues.
It read: “Those profit-mad power mongers are the cancer in our industry. ‘Queendom’ is only the festering ulcer. But you, Minister MacKenzie? Where do you fit in? How will you break your silence?
“We'll be waiting for you to step up and address us on how producers and broadcasters can still play this game while everyone shrugs it off, and heads off on holiday.
“Is this your Christmas present to us, besides Chris Brown concert tickets? Is this your legacy, ‘Minister of Happiness’? When will we be paid?”
The signatories shared their frustrations towards key industry players, Clive Morris Productions and BET Africa, accusing them of maintaining a corporate indifference from the comfort of their glossy offices.
They called for immediate transformation and regulation.
Meanwhile, Khayelihle Gumede from Clive Morris Productions released a revised payment plan for the production.
While the new payment date for outstanding November fees is set for December 23, production activities have been halted once again.
In the statement, Gumede acknowledged the immense stress and anxiety that the situation has induced among the cast and crew, promising that obligations would not be left unmet.
“Most unfortunately, payments will not be made today 17 December 2024 as anticipated, the revised payment date for outstanding November fees has been committed as 23 December 2024,” said Gumede.
He continued: “This revised payment date will mean we cannot return to production for the anticipated period of 18 – 21 December and only see a potential return to production in January.”
He said the production hopes to complete outstanding “Queendom” scenes 101 to 130 over January 2025.
Gumede added that while the journey has been “incredibly difficult”, the worst outcome for all parties concerned would be “not see through the production through to its intended end of 130 episodes”.
“For this reason, we continue to do all we can to ensure that, that is the final outcome. We apologise deeply for the further delay on payment,” he ended.