Wenera to return to screen with old cast?

Valerie Mpundu Arts Reporter

The producers of the popular local television soap “Wenera” have confirmed that the series is returning to the television screen and will feature the old cast.

Some of the original cast members of Wenera were Edmore Sandifolo, Rosslyn Chakanyuka, Zolile Makeleni (Tsotsi), Conrad Mwanawashe, Delma Chiwereva, Theophilus Marufu, Jefferson Muserera, Fatima Makunganya, Richmond Nyanguwo, Tinashe Pundo, Muriel Tavaziva and Ronnie Emmanuel, Arnold Gara, Jane Dembo, Melody Nyamaropa and Talent Nyamayedenga among others.

Some of them have established themselves to be great actors while others are still finding the path.

Although the soap had a fallout years back with its original cast leaving for greener pastures, it continued with aspiring and upcoming actors.

Producer and filmmaker Edmore Ndlovu confirmed the return of “Wenera” and said preparations were at an advanced stage.

“Yes the rumours are true,” he said.

“We have engaged the original cast members of the show to return so we can start from where we left with them.”

“With so much anticipation and expectation the ‘Wenera’ cast has thrown in their original cast and blended them with a few new faces. “We are bringing back the original cast that won your hearts before. They have eagerly reunited with new faces to continue the journey.”

Asked about the payment disputes with the original cast, Ndlovu said everything had been handled amicably.

“We have worked diligently to establish a strong line of communication fostering a spirit of collaboration and understanding.”

“The story of Wenera impacted viewers and characters of the drama became a part of countless households.”

“Wenera is not just a television drama, it is a cultural phenomenon that deserves to be revived and cherished at the national level,” explained Ndlovu.

The merging of old and new cast members mostly from Bulawayo has been a truly enriching experience, he said.

“We face a constant need to evolve, adapt, and stay ahead of the ever-shifting landscape.”

“Our plan is for ‘Wenera’ to run more than one day a week but this will be determined by scheduling with the broadcaster,” Ndlovu said.

However, close sources have revealed that some of the original members had done a photo-shoot recently to promote the show.

With all the hope and vibe from Ndlovu, some actors have professed ignorance over the issue, while others are up for the game but said would not want to repeat the same mistake with the producer over the issue of payments.

They said they want Ndlovu to draft contracts and respect their welfare as well as most of them are now big brands.

Award-winning actor Eddie Sandifolo said he did not know about the latest developments,  but ruled out  returning.

“This is news to me. I don’t know about it and he has never shared anything with me. If that is the case, I do not want to be part of it. I have moved on with my life,” he said.

Actor and  producer Zolile Makeleni who acted as “Tsotsi”, posted a picture on social media announcing and confirming that he was part of the project, but was still waiting for a contract.

“I can confirm we will be part of the production, but this time around on condition that we agree on a contract to avoid previous mistakes. We have done a photoshoot and it looks amazing.”

Another actress in the soap, Fatima Makunganya (Tanya) said so far it was the boys who had met  Ndlovu and they briefed us, but we waiting for the contracts.

“The boys met Ndlovu and they explained the project, but I told them for me to return, I would need to see the terms and conditions of the contract first before I  can continue. I did the photoshoot for now, but we are filming anything before the agreement,” she said.

Conrad Mwanawashe who acted as Humba also concurred with the other crew members and said they were still waiting for contracts.

“Yes ‘Wenera’ is back and certainly Humba Makombe is back,” he said.

“Wenera is a big brand and it’s an honour to be associated with such a project which Zimbabweans have supported all these years. It’s a pleasure that we’re now back on the screen and viewers should expect a much better product, benefiting from the experience that we’ve gathered over the years as actors and producers.”

Mwanawashe said had agreed with the creator and producer, Ndlovu, to improve the way of doing things.

“We’ve created systems that will ensure we improve on professionalism, the introduction of contracts for everyone, and protection, especially of the vast talent on Wenera.”

“I’m glad we’ve found each other again and ready to provide viewers with a polished act,” he said.

Another actress, Delma Chiwereva, said she was still waiting for communication.

“Hey, I was last in production around 2014, I can’t even remember my role,” she laughed.

“I can’t say much as I am waiting for communication. I don’t know how he wants to structure it, but it’s good and let’s see how it goes. I have done a lot of other production after this and it’s a long time.”

Journalist and actor Matthew Masinge said was happy with the news.

“I can’t wait as this can also boost my talent. I have not yet been called though, to me it’s just speculation.”