Khaya Mthembu, a popular actor known for his role in the 1 Magic telenovela Gomora, has taken legal action against his former agent and the production company for allegedly withholding his rightful fees. Mthembu claims that he was unlawfully denied thousands of Rands in unpaid compensation by Obey Muchupusi of Trinity Management.

 

In a letter of demand sent through his legal representatives, Mthembu seeks to claim his unpaid fees from the production company, run by Ruan Zaaiman. The dispute arises from Mthembu’s work on the Better Bond commercial, which reportedly continued to be reused without proper compensation. The actor, hailing from Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, has engaged the services of Abrahams & Abrahams, his lawyers, to pursue the matter.

According to the attorneys’ letter dated June 22, 2023, Mthembu states that Trinity Management, his former agent, handled the employment agreement on his behalf for the 2018 Better Bond commercial. The letter further explains that the commercial was reused for internet purposes in 2023, which resulted in Mthembu being unable to appear in another financial services advertisement. Despite the reuse of the commercial, the actor claims he was never compensated as per the terms of the 2018 agreement.

Mthembu is now demanding to be reimbursed for the financial loss he incurred during the period he was prohibited from working on other productions due to the reuse of the Better Bond commercial. His legal team asserts that he is entitled to all payments owed to him under the terms of the 2018 agreement. It was revealed that during a casting, Mthembu discovered the commercial had been brought back, potentially entitling him to additional compensation. However, he alleges that his former agent failed to inform him or provide him with the appropriate payment.

While Mthembu’s issue lies primarily with Trinity Management, his former agent, he is compelled to pursue legal action against the production company to secure the compensation owed to him. A source close to the situation suggests that many celebrities are being exploited by their agents in silence, and Mthembu’s case sheds light on this issue.

When approached for comment, Mthembu declined to discuss the matter, stating that he does not disclose his personal business to the media. Efforts to obtain a response from Trinity Management were unsuccessful as their contact number went unanswered.

As Mthembu seeks resolution through legal means, his case highlights the importance of fair and transparent contractual agreements in the entertainment industry. It serves as a reminder for actors and performers to be vigilant in protecting their rights and ensuring they receive appropriate compensation for their work.