POPULAR SABC1 telenovela Uzalo has been rumoured to be a financial hot mess.

This after allegations that two of the drama’s stars Khaya Dladla (GC, the gay beautician) and Leleti Khumalo (Zandile Mdletshe, the wife of pastor Mdletshe) will no longer be part of Mzansi’s No.1 telenovela by ratings.

According to sources within the production, Khaya was fired after “raising concerns about his meagre salary”.

Said the insider: “Khaya’s sin was to ask for a raise and I don’t blame him. He felt he was being underpaid and taken for granted.

“So after Khaya approached the producers, they decided to terminate his contract, claiming they were cutting costs. I guess addressing such concerns is a serious crime.”

The second deep throat said Leleti left the show after Uzalo’s producers announced there’d be salary cuts for the actors.

“She felt she’d done everything for the show. Remember, Leleti is a legend and knows her story. So, she wouldn’t stick around waiting for her salary to be cut in half,” the source said.

“Uzalo is a financial mess and sometimes actors are paid after the due date. It’s no longer the same.

“Besides, Leleti is a big brand and will find work soon. And I wouldn’t be surprised to hear of some of the leading actors following suit.”


When asked to comment, Leleti said: “Baba, before I can confirm anything, I can’t do an interview that we never agreed upon. Please call me next week or on Monday to get your comment.”

Insisted Khaya: “I don’t know where you get all that information from. You aren’t the first person to ask me about this. Go back to your sources and finish whatever you were talking about regarding my name.”

Uzalo spokesperson, Amanda Mthiyane, said: “Unfortunately, we have no comment regarding the matters you’re asking about. We’ll, however, keep you updated if matters arise.”

Meanwhile, the third mole told the SunTeam Uzalo’s production studio had been broken into on Thursday, resulting in the theft of the actors’ valuables, among other items that were stolen.

Insisted the insider: “This means actors and the crew aren’t safe anymore. Some are still traumatised by the incident.

“Not only did thugs do this in broad daylight, they also stole laptops, cellphones and clothes. It’s still unclear how they broke in.”

Captain Nqobile Gwala of the KwaMashu cop shop said: “We’re aware of such allegations but for now no case has been opened.”

Daily Sun