It is said that the new telenovela that will replace The Queen on Mzansi Magic is already broke. Even though the new TV show Gqeberha: The Empire is still being filmed, its finances have already caught people’s attention.
Following the news that Mzansi Magic’s most popular TV show is ending, Soon, another telenovela will take its place on Mzansi Magic. But there are rumors that the new telenovela, which is now called Gqeberha and is being filmed in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, is having trouble paying its actors and crew.
Phil Mphela, a commentator on entertainment, said that Gqeberha: The Empire is in financial trouble before it even comes out on TV.
“NEWS: Drama on production of new telenovela Qhebhera The Empire, which will replace The Queen, is rumoured to be embroiled in financial drama. Actors pay delayed. Sources inform me the show is budgeted at R86-million, and partly funded by Eastern Cape govt” wrote entertainment commentator Phil Mphela
NEWS: Drama on production of new telenovela
Qhebhera The Empire, which will replace The Queen, is rumoured to be embroiled in financial drama.
Actors pay delayed.
Sources inform me the show is budgeted at R86-million, and partly funded by Eastern Cape govt.#KgopoloReports pic.twitter.com/okngV9lcrk
— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) October 24, 2022
Fans are already worried about Gqeberha: The Empire and any other new South African telenovelas with similar plots. Fans are already blaming the Eastern Cape Government, which helps pay for the show, for the rumors of financial problems.\
“Why is Tshedza an established production house needing funding from the Eastern Cape? @PhilMphela please get into your detective bag and just explain the “behind-the-scenes” part of the South African film industry. Our thespians are never receiving their royalties!!!” wrote Kurrulenko
Why is Tshedza an established production house needing funding from the Eastern Cape? @PhilMphela please get into your detective bag and just explain the "behind-the-scenes" part of the South African film industry.
Our thespians are never receiving their royalties!!!
— beginner's luck (@DarkD1nd1) October 24, 2022
“Shooting on location is expensive. R80m is not a lot for the 200+ telenovela have to put out. I suppose the EC govt funding forms part of the province’s plan to promote the city as a production destination. It’s been done with other shows and provinces. No big deal” wrote Phil Mphela
Shooting on location is expensive.
R80m is not a lot for the 200+ telenovela have to put out.
I suppose the EC govt funding forms part of the province’s plan to promote the city as a production destination.
It’s been done with other shows and provinces. No big deal 🙂 https://t.co/W0CU3CfOE7
— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) October 24, 2022
“The mention of EC government nje on its own!!! Am not shocked” wrote Mpho Molefe
The mention of EC government nje on its own!!! Am not shocked
— Mpho Molefe (@ramokupo) October 24, 2022
“No surprises there that entire province nje should be renamed to looting Cape” wrote The Trojan
No surprises there that entire province nje should be renamed to looting Cape
— Trogan horse (@the_trogan) October 24, 2022
Gqeberha The Empire will air as early as January 2023, meanwhile The Queen’s final curtain will close on the 16th March, 2023.