Fans of Gqeberha: The Empire are still grappling with the shock of the show’s cancellation, but it appears there’s more to the story than low ratings and viewership numbers. According to sources from ZiMoja, the beloved Xhosa telenovela was allegedly canned due to mismanagement of funds.
Earlier this year, an audit of the production reportedly uncovered significant financial irregularities. “We were all shocked to learn that some people have been misusing money for their own benefit instead of production,” a source revealed. The insider went on to explain that no one was willing to take responsibility for the missing funds. This left the bosses at Multichoice unimpressed and unwilling to continue supporting a show that was already struggling to perform.
“With the show not doing so well and the money embezzled, they didn’t see a need to continue, especially because no one wanted to account for the missing funds,” the source added.
As the announcement of the show’s cancellation spread, some actors have reportedly started auditioning for new roles and preparing to move back to Johannesburg in search of better opportunities. It has also been revealed that a new Xhosa show is already lined up to replace Gqeberha.
Meanwhile, reactions from viewers have been mixed. While many were saddened by the news, others took to social media, expressing relief. Some felt that the show had “overstayed its welcome” and that its cancellation was overdue.
Multichoice CEO for General Entertainment, Nomsa Piliso, denied any knowledge of mismanagement or an audit, saying, “It’s disappointing that when a show ends, there is always negative speculation.”
