Generations: The Legacy creator Mfundi Vundla has rubbished reports that the soapie is resorting to desperate measures to revive its limping ratings. This follows news that Vusi Kunene is coming back to the soapie. News of Vusi's return was equally praised and vilified on social networks.
SHOCKING COMEBACK
It's believed that Palesa Modisakwane, who previously played the role of music executive Palesa, is expected to start shooting soon. Palesa's reported return was influenced by her frequent meetings with Generations producers at the SABC's headquarters in Johannesburg. It was also speculated that an offer was already on the table, but the actress had not made a decision.
This has added fuel to rumours that the show's ratings are sinking, and that its creator is desperate to revive the show to its former glory when it was attracted just over 7.8 million viewers. But Mfundi denied that there is trouble.
"The drop in ratings is just mere speculation. Palesa is not rejoining us but I can confirm that Vusi Kunene is," Mfundi revealed.
The Generations show's think tank also recently told a daily newspaper recently that "We are in a life of death struggle with our competitors. We just got ourselves a striker. That will mean we will score more goals."
RATINGS ARE DOWN
The SABC admitted earlier in the year earlier in the year that the soapie's ratings were down since its comeback as Generations: The Legacy, which was created frantically after Mfundi fired 16 actors. At the time, the soapie had the biggest overall ratings on South African television. The show now pulls in just over 7.2 million viewers. It still ranks high but it now has ever-growing competition. During the nearly three-month absence while the producers were finalising The Legacy, the SABC moved Skeem Saam to the 8pm slot.
STANDING HIS GROUND
At the time, some viewers crucified Mfundi for the move to fire the actors, while others hailed it as a bold decision. Mfundi stuck to his guns and did not bow to public pressure. Even political heavyweights such as Minister Fikile Mbalula wanted to intervene.
SO tense was the interaction that Mfundi even told Zwelinzima to "refrain from contacting me again" regarding the matter. Unhappy with Mfundi's boldness, Zwelinzima then attempted to mobilise the nation to boycott the newly created Generations: The legacy.
Even though it took many viewers a while to accept the new soapie, and others found it boring, one thing that comes to its defence is the ability to give unknown and newer actors an opportunity to be part of the mainstream television which is always welcome.
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