Celebrities
Mfundi Vundla explains why he fired 16 ‘Generations’ actors in 2014
Veteran television producer Mfundi Vundla has revisited one of the most controversial moments in South African television history, explaining why 16 actors were removed from the popular SABC1 soapie Generations in 2014.
Vundla addressed the long-standing issue during a recent interview on 947 with radio personality Thando Thabethe.
A clip from the conversation was later shared on social media on Friday, 13 March 2026, quickly reigniting debate among viewers of the show.
At the time, the mass dismissal followed a standoff between the production and several cast members who had reportedly halted filming while raising concerns about royalties and pay.
Reflecting on the situation, Vundla explained that the responsibility for royalties did not lie with him as the producer but with the broadcaster, South African Broadcasting Corporation.
“Royalties are paid by the broadcaster, number one. I don’t own the show. It’s owned by the broadcaster. Basically, they wanted me to fight the battle, and I refused. My point was, you are actors, you go fight your battles. I have my own battles to fight as a producer. I have a contract, I have to deliver to the SABC,” he said.
Vundla also revealed that the actors were given a deadline to return to work but failed to do so, which ultimately led to their removal from the production.
“I created a show which I was extremely proud of, it was a dream, nobody is gonna mess with my dream. And I said, ‘You don’t mess with my dream. I created it,’” he added.
The interview sparked mixed reactions online, with some viewers saying they understood the pressure Vundla faced as a producer who had contractual obligations to the broadcaster, while others criticised his approach to the situation.
More than a decade later, the incident remains one of the most talked-about moments in the history of Generations, a show that has played a significant role in shaping South African television.
Remember when the Generations 16 was fired?
Mfundi Vundla gives #947DriveWithThando HIS perspective…. Your thoughts? pic.twitter.com/4gAhxq5w7L
— Thando Thabethe (@Thando_Thabethe) March 13, 2026
