Actress Yolanda Pani, a standout performer in the 2024 State Theatre production Imxinwa by Zusakhe Nqame, has not been compensated for her role in the play. Despite the production concluding in November, she claims that she has yet to receive payment for her work. The play, which ran from October 31 to November 8, was a moving story of faith, family secrets, and spiritual warfare, written by Zusakhe Nqame and Lindokuhle Mdlozini and directed by Nqame.
Yolanda expressed frustration over the director’s apparent lack of priority for compensating actors. “All he knows is going out on trips and not paying our money,” she told ZiMoja. She emphasized that the cast had earned their pay through hard work and dedication. Other cast members have echoed similar concerns, with one actor admitting that they had “given up” due to the constant delays and excuses surrounding payment.
The situation has led to feelings of exhaustion among the cast, as they report facing blacklisting when they inquire about their wages. “When you ask for your money, you get blacklisted,” one actor shared, highlighting the tense and discouraging atmosphere. Yolanda and her fellow performers are now left with no choice but to remain silent, hoping for the day when they are finally paid for their labor.
Despite the troubling situation, Imxinwa was well-received, showcasing a powerful narrative about a mother’s prayer to protect her family. However, the unpaid actors’ experience raises significant concerns about the industry’s treatment of performers and the ethics of production leadership. As of now, director Zusakhe Nqame has not responded to requests for comment.
