The cast and crew of the BET production Queendom have expressed their frustration over continued payment delays, which are now threatening their livelihoods and well-being. In an open letter,the team voiced their desperation, calling for urgent attention to the ongoing crisis and the silence of key figures in the industry.
According to IOL, the delays began as early as October and have now reached a critical point, with the latest payment delay being the third since the end of October. The letter highlights not just the economic impact but also the emotional toll these delays have on families who rely on these salaries, especially with the festive season fast approaching.
“We’re the ones facing the inescapable pit of a bleak festive season,” the letter reads. “We’re the ones facing our disbelieving families, unpaid rent, food bills, and your stony silence.”
The letter directed its appeal to South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, urging him to take action and address the crisis. The team expressed their frustration with his lack of response, calling out government inaction, as well as the indifference shown by major industry players. “Those profit-mad power mongers are the cancer in our industry. ‘Queendom’ is only the festering ulcer. But you, Minister McKenzie? Where do you fit in? How will you break your silence?” the letter demanded.
The production team also questioned whether this lack of action was the government’s Christmas gift to them, saying, “Is this your Christmas present to us, besides Chris Brown concert tickets? Is this your legacy, ‘Minister of Happiness’? When will we be paid?”
In addition to government and industry silence, the letter criticises key players in the production process, particularly Clive Morris Productions and BET Africa, accusing them of maintaining a corporate indifference from their comfortable offices. The letter calls for immediate changes in industry regulation and for the timely payment of workers.
In response, Khayelihle Gumede from Clive Morris Productions released a revised payment plan, confirming that the new date for outstanding November fees would be December 23, 2024. However, the production activities have been halted once again due to the delays.
“We cannot return to production for the anticipated period of 18 – 21 December and only see a potential return to production in January,” Gumede stated. He acknowledged the immense stress the situation has caused the cast and crew but emphasised the production’s commitment to completing the series. Gumede also expressed a deep apology for the ongoing payment delays and reassured the team that the production would continue to the intended conclusion of 130 episodes.
Despite the setbacks, the team remains hopeful that the remaining scenes of Queendom will be completed in January 2025.
TV:
No Christmas cheer for actors and crew
Months on and the cast and crew of Queendom, Pound 4 Pound and The Executives are still struggling to get paid for their work.
Queendom has reportedly had to halt filming again as payments were delayed.
Pound 4 Pound cast has… pic.twitter.com/mnfX86XY4h
— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) December 17, 2024OPEN LETTER TO MINISTER @GaytonMcK
Actors and crew on BET telenovela Queendom are fed-up and want Minister Gayton McKenzie to step up and help.
The employees have not been paid for their work since October and will not be paid for December.
“Is this your present to us,… pic.twitter.com/9fhlKXibKu
— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) December 18, 2024
