Another production company is in the spotlight for allegedly failing to pay its cast members. Bakwena Productions, the team behind the 13-part drama series Pound 4 Pound, has allegedly not paid several actors after filming wrapped in September. The show, which premiered on BET on September 29, explores the intense world of women’s boxing in Africa, featuring a star-studded cast including Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa, Nicole Bessick, Mduduzi Mabaso, and Zolisa Xaluva.
More than five actors spoke to Sunday World and revealed that despite completing the shoot, they have yet to receive their payment. One actor, who asked to remain anonymous, shared their frustration: “We were expecting our money before or on September 25, but nothing came through. We then received communication from the executive producer, Rashaka ‘Rush’ Muofhe, who promised to pay us by September 30. It’s now October, and they haven’t paid us.”
Another actor disclosed that the contracts were only verbal, with an agreement to pay them after filming ended. “It’s almost a month now, and we’re still waiting for our money,” the actor said.
The situation is further aggravated by claims that only the lead actors were paid. “We’re aggrieved because the lead actors have been paid… This is a sad situation because we’ve got bills to pay. Some of us haven’t paid rent; we have no food, and we cannot even go out there and look for other jobs because we have no transportation money,” said one cast member.
Despite numerous attempts by Sunday World to get a response from Bakwena Productions and Muofhe, no replies have been received.
