PR and Marketing agency, After12 is threatening legal action after nonpayment of service from Thabo Mphelo Films.
After12 Communications is deeply disappointed by the continued non-payment of services rendered to Thabo Mphelo Films for the production of Ushuni Womhlaba, a groundbreaking South African music talent search competition.
After12 Communications is deeply disappointed by the continued non-payment of services rendered to Thabo Mphelo Films for the production of Ushuni Womhlaba, a groundbreaking South African music talent search competition.
@amanda_kazulu Please support me.. SABC1 Sundays 6pm ❤️🙏🏾#afropop #ushuniwomhlaba #sabc1 #trendingvideo ♬ original sound - Amanda s Zulu🧧
Ushuni Wandomhlaba aired on SABC 1 from July to October 2024, celebrating and unearthing talent in traditional South African music genres such as Maskandi, uMbaqanga, Isicathamiya, Afro- pop and various folk music. The show was powered by Telkom as the headline sponsor, with SABC 1, uKhozi FM and Gallo Music as key partners.
In a media statement After12 stated that “Despite the immense success of the show, its executive producer, Thabo Mphelo has consistently failed to honor financial commitment, leaving services providers, contestants and stakeholders unpaid since October 2024."
After12 communications is still owed R86 250, despite being contracted to handle Media Relations, social media and Website Development for Ushuni Womhlaba.
Even after being confronted about the unpaid services Mr Thabo Mphelo has shifted the blame onto Telkom and SABC, accusing them of being the reasons for his failure to pay outstanding amounts. Mr Mphelo stated that “SABC has not paid me the money owed for the show and Telkom overextended me financially, leading to budget overruns.”
Lindo Mnisi, CEO of After12 Communications has expressed his frustration directly to Mr Mphelo stating “I am disappointed in your and your conduct, and at this point, I need you to know that enough is enough”.
After 12 communications is now in the process of serving Thabo Mphelo Films with a letter of demand following months of continued deception regarding payment timelines.
The SABC confirmed that it is aware of the matter.
"The SABC has been made aware of the challenges faced by the production house in paying the winners, and the SABC has been advised by the production house that they are working on resolving the matter with the winner," said Mmoni Ngubane, head of communications at the SABC.
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