Zolisa Xaluva and Zikhona Sodlaka set the record straight on Generations 16

by Zaghrah Anthony

Zolisa Xaluva and Zikhona Sodlaka set the record straight on Generations 16

A decade later, the drama behind the “Generations 16” exodus is still making headlines. Former stars Zolisa Xaluva and Zikhona Sodlaka are now pushing back against producer Mfundi Vundla’s recent retelling of the events that shook South Africa’s most-watched soapie.

“Some of what’s been said doesn’t reflect what actually happened,” Xaluva told 947’s Thando Thabethe in a candid interview. The focus? A long-standing narrative about royalties and an infamous on-set incident involving the late Menzi Ngubane.

Debunking the royalties narrative

Vundla has maintained that the 16 cast members were pushing for new royalty deals, but Xaluva rejects this outright. “When he says that we wanted royalties from him, that is a total misrepresentation,” he said. According to Xaluva, their contracts already included a clause guaranteeing a share of the show’s earnings—from advertising revenue to international sales.

“The conversation was never about getting royalties. We already had them,” he added, clarifying the legal groundwork the group followed before any strike action.

The Menzi Ngubane incident revisited

Vundla had described a chaotic on-set moment where Thato Molamu allegedly whispered to Ngubane mid-scene, causing him to walk off. Sodlaka was skeptical. “It sounds like a scripted show. The story, the timing, even the jingle—it’s just dramatic storytelling,” she said.

Xaluva supported her take, emphasizing that no one spoke to Ngubane directly and the scene was misrepresented. “Menzi was far away from Thato. That version simply didn’t happen,” he said.

Taking the formal route

Before tensions escalated, the actors pursued legal avenues for almost a year, addressing contractual and payment concerns with the SABC and the production company. When progress stalled, the group—including notable names like Anga Makubalo, Atandwa Kani, Katlego Danke, Mandla Gaduka, Menzi Ngubane, Nambitha Mpulwana, and Patrick Shai—made the difficult decision to leave the show.

They even engaged with the ANC Youth League and travelled to Nkandla to meet former president Jacob Zuma, presenting a list of grievances. According to Xaluva, only one issue—general working conditions—was addressed after ten months, while salaries and promised contracts remained unresolved.

Choice, not dismissal

Contrary to claims they were fired, Xaluva and Sodlaka insist they chose to walk away. “This wasn’t just about us,” Xaluva explained. “The broadcaster wanted to send a message to the industry—how other productions handle similar situations.”

Vundla’s perspective

In his interview, Vundla defended his actions, saying protecting the show and meeting contractual obligations with the SABC was paramount. He maintained that royalty disputes were the broadcaster’s responsibility, not his, and that the cast’s strike placed him in breach of contract. “I said, I’m not going to be in breach. So you get out of here. You have four days,” he recalled.

The legacy of Generations 16

The saga remains a defining chapter in South African television history—highlighting issues around artistic rights, working conditions, and the balancing act between producers and talent. With Xaluva and Sodlaka speaking out, fans finally get a fuller view of what happened behind the scenes—a story of legal diligence, principled choices, and the complex reality behind a beloved soapie.