Ferguson’s rumoured legal action. Image: Instagram.com/Shona Ferguson
Fergusons are rumoured to be taking legal action against Vatiswa Ndara
The open letter has sparked a controversial debate and many are dishing out the dirt on South Africa’s film and television industry.
Ferguson’s rumoured legal action. Image: Instagram.com/Shona Ferguson
Vatiswa Ndara sparked a frenzy on social media with an open letter addressing, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, which is now rumoured to be an attack against Shona and Connie Ferguson, who are speculated to be taking legal action.
What is the beef between Vatiswa Ndara and the Ferguson’s?
The open letter was a cry for help as actors are facing stringent conditions in the film and televison industry, Ndara explained that her letter stems from an offer made by Ferguson Films, on the remuneration structure of her contract, for her role on the hit-show iGazi.
Ndara elaborated that while she was scheduled to receive R110 000 for a five-week shoot, there were other things to consider, as the amount is un-taxed and there will be residuals.
A lawyer declares the contents of Ndara’s open letter to have intent to cause harm
The Ferguson’s alleged lawyer, Brendon De Kooker is reported to have declared:
“The allegations made in the letter regarding our client are wrongful and published with the intention of causing our client harm.”
Social media has been ablaze since the news have hit, and it is further revealed that the Ferguson’s do not own the show, MNet Multichoice does.
What was the offer Ndara received from the production company owned by Connie and Shona Ferguson?
“Ferguson Films is officially starting iGazi 3 and we would like to offer Vatiswa a global contract for iGazi 3 at R110 000 (before tax) for the duration of the shoot (five weeks). No limit to calls, first call exclusive to us. We are looking at shooting from 8 October to 9 November. She will also need to allocate a day for a wardrobe fitting and make-up tests in the pre-week sometime between 16 September and 22 September, but otherwise, we only have her during the five shooting weeks.”
Vatiswa Ndara’s offer for role on iGazi
“Where is this democracy and why does it not apply to the Arts Industry?”
Since Ndara’s open letter, many South African actors and actresses have come forward and many have probed what Minister Mthethwa will do next with pending circumstances as his “legacy” stands on this, Masechaba Ndlovu has further probed:
“Where is this democracy and why does it not apply to the Arts Industry? I’m so proud of Vatiswa for standing up when so many are silent.This is not about The Fergusons. This is about eradicating archaic systems that continue to oppress our people.”
Masechaba Ndlovu
