Ndaba, Ntshaba return to SABC as producers

Mashoto Lekgau

Former “Generations” actresses Sophie Ndaba and Winnie Ntshaba have been welcomed back into the fold at the SABC. The two small screen heavyweights were announced as part of the broadcaster’s R600 million plan to empower local production houses and talent by SABC COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng.Motsoeneng revealed the new roster of entertainers, producers and content which boasts the likes of Somizi Mhlongo, DJ Finzo, Arthur Mafokate, Khanyi Mbau, Ntombi Mzolo, Thapelo Moraka and Pearl Modiadie at Auckland Park, Johannesburg yesterday.

Ntshaba and Ndaba are film producers. They were part of the 16 actors fired by the corporation two years ago over what was deemed illegal industrial action

Motsoeneng said the stars were part of the revamping and development process at the SABC. He made a special mention to the homecoming of the “Generations” stars.

“I’m happy to see former actors of ‘Generations’ in our midst. In leadership, you may take a popular or an unpopular decision.

“I’m not afraid to do that because when I supported Mfundi (Vundla), they were wrong. Today they are in charge of their own productions and it’s the SABC’s role to empower them.

“Some people insulted us but when you take a decision as a leader, you don’t consider who insulted you or not. If you do that, you are not a leader. The question is whether they will deliver quality productions. Welcome back home,” he said.

Ntshaba said: “We are grateful to the SABC for welcoming us back home. He [Motsoeneng] said he fired us, which he did, but we are happy to be back. We have great content, if we should say so ourselves and we hope that you will love it as well.”

Ndaba said: “We are definitely back home. We are more excited that we are now moving onto the next level. We are now saying to the producers out there that we have arrived and we are on operation thatha zonke (take all) at the SABC.

“We hope that we will bring content that will excite South Africa.”

Mhlongo was coy about his role, saying: “I’m glad and proud to say that I’m joining the SABC family starting with radio. Ask no questions and hear no lies.”

Mzansi Magic, the competing channel that broadcasts Mhlongo’s reality show welcomed the news.

Commented Nondumiso Mabece head of PR: “We congratulate Somizi on this wonderful opportunity, he remains a part of our channel and we will continue to work him on upcoming projects.” – Sowetan Live.