Generations axing sparks Twitter outrage

Viewers took to Twitter to express their outrage at the sacking of sixteen principal cast members from SABC 1's flagship soapie, Generations.

With seven million viewers, Generations is the top soapie in South Africa. The SABC 1 show has such a large following that many took to Twitter to express their sentiments about the news that Generations creator and executive producer Mfundi Vundla opted to fire 16 striking cast members yesterday after giving them an ultimatum to come back to work or face expulsion.

Speaking to Power FM this morning, Vundla said his decision was final and there was no turning back. He added that this was an opportunity for new talent to be unearthed. Meanwhile, Des Brown, the lawyer representing the actors told the radio station the cast members would not back down without a fight and were set to take the issue to court.

On Twitter and Facebook, there were mixed views with many calling for the SABC to intervene and reinstate the cast. Twitter user, @stanimirkoykov said:  strike is about so much more than money; it's about rewarding the creative talents involved in a production fairly while @MarkPilgrim shared: I'd much rather my (now due) TV Licence go towards actors salaries instead of huge salary of matricless SABC boss Motsoeneng.

Like Pilgrim, a slew of celebrities tweeted their support for the cast, which includes Sophie Ndaba, Nambith Mpulwana, Katlego Danke and Menzi Ngubane. Radio personality @ZuraidaJardine said: Our actors need to be paid their worth & treated well. It's time. Fair is Fair! Networks need to start celebrating actors too.

Her views were echoed by Scandal! actress  @FloMasebe who tweeted: it explains why entertainers (black) die paupers; because they have absolutely no cover nor parity income.

Others were of the prospect that the axing was just a fluke, Theo Dixie Silalue commented: It's just a threat, they'll call them again. They know very well that firing this cast means the end of their ever-boring soapie, Generations. Just a mere threat. The guys should just stick to their demands.

One viewer explained how disappointed she was with the cast for demanding better pay, @lelanipalmer remarked: You know we've become greedy & ungrateful when actors, who allegedly earn 16k a week, go on strike (for more money) #disgusted.

See more tweets below:

• @power987NEWS  Vundla: "There has to be certainty when you run a business so there's no turning back, sorry".
• @MapsMaponyane: "Their demands were completely unreasonable. Of the 20 highest paid actors in SA 12 of them are on Generations." Mfundi Vundla
• @timothymaurice: With hundreds of thousands of unemployed talent out there, it's difficult to drive a hard bargain
• @FloydShivambu: Whoever owns Generations is very arrogant & treat actors with utter disdain. The actors should also stop being Mascots of political parties.
• @SibonginkosiMM: fighting for your bread and butter is never a crime. I'm not watching a Generations without u guys. Come 8pm its bye SABC1
• @Thehousefanatic: Generations is Dead!!! How can Mfundi Vundla fire his greatest assets... Really dumb decision!
• @Zandozin: So SABC makes +-4 millions for the 8pm episode ..... n yet u get 00000000000001% of that.
• @mabadahan: Hlaudi's SABC is greedy! He increases his salary as he wishes but cannot do the same for generations actors. This man must go!
• @janinejellars: TJO Generations actors fired? Damn. I remember when Generations cast member meant you were entertainment industry royalty
• @sihlesays Striking Generations cast fired! Wasn't Bonang Matheba fired and re-hired within a month? Oh okay, we shall see
• @Pholoho: Mfundi Vundla says it will be an opportunity for new talent to come up if the entire Generations cast is fired.