Ferguson Films is considering taking legal action against actress Vatiswa Ndara over “wrongful” allegations contained in her open letter, The Star reports.
Ferguson Films is owned by celebrity couple Shona and Connie Ferguson, who haven’t personally commented on the letter yet.
However, through their lawyer Brendan de Kooker, they indicated on Tuesday that they could take Ndara to court.
In response to questions from The Star, de Kooker said, “The allegations made in the letter regarding our client are wrongful and published with the intention of causing our client harm.
“Our instructions are to consider possible legal action against Ndara and as such our client elects to refrain from answering your questions.”
Ndara’s open letter
Ndara is popular for her role as NomaRussia in Mzansi Magic’s drama series iGazi, which Ferguson Films produces.
In her open letter to Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa on Monday, she said she had rejected an offer of R110,000 from Ferguson Films to continue her role on iGazi‘s Season 3.
The talented actress said this amount isn’t much because the contract entails “limitless calls.” This means she could be on set for 12 hours a day, Monday to Saturday.
In addition, Ndara said she would have earned R82,500 after tax while the production house and the channel “will continue to reap the financial benefits through repeat broadcasts, licensing deals and repackaging of the show.”
She called for a stakeholder engagement to discuss “concrete steps” such as establishment of an “independent central regulatory body to monitor the industry.”
Debate rages on social media
Ndara has received plenty of support from several celebrities on social media, including fellow actors Sello Maake kaNcube, Rami Chuene, Kgomotso Christopher, and Flo Masebe.
Kgomotso Christopher tweeted, “Good morning to everyone…except those of you trying to justify the continued exploitation of ARTISTS & CREW, and those in power refusing to sign the #PPAB…it’s Tuesday and STILL #IstandWithVatiswa.”
However, some have jumped to the defence of the Fergusons. One of them was businessman Gayton McKenzie.
He also tweeted, “Be strong @Connie_Ferguson and @Shona_Ferguson. You have made many stars shine brighter; you have given many people breaks in life. The movie industry like all industries needs to become better for Blacks; this is a South African problem.”