Kobedi "Pepsi" Pokane on Monday denied that his production company had received any preferential treatment in a R167-million contract renewal reportedly pushed through by South African Broadcasting Corporation boss Hlaudi Motsoeneng.The Sunday Times reported that the chief operating officer had reversed a recommendation by a review panel of six members‚ who had decided not to renew the popular Uzalo drama series for a second season. The SABC confirmed that the “COO overruled the decision not to renew Uzalo‚ based on performance in its genre and growth in revenue”‚ spokesman Kaizer Kganyago told the newspaper.Pokane - co-owner of Stained Glass Productions‚ which is also co-owned by President Jacob Zuma's daughter Gugu Zuma-Ncube – told Talk Radio 702 that he now is aware of “internal strife” about the show’s extension‚ but said this had not been communicated to his company at the time.Pokane said his company’s motivation for the renewal to the SABC was done “by the book” and its reception was “favourable”.He also dismissed suggestions that Zuma-Ncube’s name “opens door” for the company‚ saying her name can be “both positive and negative”.Pokane‚ who had declined to confirm the figure to the Sunday Times‚ also said on Monday that the R167-million price tag was incorrect‚ and said it was R158-million‚ and added that the amount was standard for the show’s format and frequency. ..