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Phila Madlingozi, who plays Ntando in the first isiXhosa telenovela, Gqeberha: The Empire, has been sacked from the show due to “public scrutiny about the quality of his acting and alleged diva tendencies,” according to an insider.
He portrayed Ntando, Zimkhitha’s son, who was played by Zandile Msutwana. He got the role while grieving for his late mother, and it helped him cope. According to a show insider, his contract has been terminated, and Oros Mampofu will take his place.
“After he was fired. The company looked for other candidates that would best suit his role and Oros was the best out of everyone.”
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According to the source, Phila was fired for arriving late for work. “He was always late for production,” the insider says.
“He would arrive drunk for work and sometimes hungover. He thought he had arrived, and this was highly unprofessional. He is also diva on set and makes unreasonable demands.
After a back and forth with the channel, the production company, Tshedza Pictures, has decided to reinstate the show, which will return for season two.”Oros will be joining in season two. They started shooting mid-November,” the source says.
Some actors have already protested about the project, citing concerns with accommodation, pay, talent, and the storyline. “However, things have improved. We wish you all the best for the new season.”