Fired caterer, hunger on set, unhappy staff: Behind the scenes into the new Bakwena Production Media Group show, Pimville
Bakwena Production Media Group is again making headlines for the wrong reasons. It has been barely a month since the show Pimville started airing on SABC 2, and concerns from cast and crew are said to be already unhappy about the alleged chaos happening behind the scenes.
The new series was officially unveiled during the SABC2 brand refresh launch at The Galleria Conference & Expo Centre in Kramerville, Sandton. The show falls under a new and refreshed programming slate for 2026.
Set in the heart of Pimville, Soweto, the drama peels back the layers of one of the most iconic townships, exposing the hidden truths behind picture-perfect lives. At the centre of the story is a gripping mix of faith, fashion, family, and mystery, where every household guards a secret and every street has a story to tell. More than a crime drama, Pimville is a cultural mirror that reflects the complexities of modern township life. It explores moral conflict, ambition, betrayal, and resilience, showing how tradition and aspiration collide in a world where faith often exists alongside temptation. While drama looms in front of the camera, so it does behind the scenes.
Complaints about the production company Bakwena Production Media Group behind Pimville have resurfaced from concerned crew and cast members.
Bakwena is currently owned by Kagiso Modupe and Rashaka Muofhe, and Rashaka’s wife, Brenda however due to alleged tensions within the production company, this has affected the running of the show.
“Kagiso, who is the face and the brainchild of Bakwena, seems not to have a voice. He has been sidelined from the production and no longer hands-on.”
Taking over the day-to-day running is said to be Kagiso’s business partner, Rashaka.
“They are having their internal issues, but that seems to be affecting production. Kagiso knows how a set is run and how talent and crew are treated.”
More than two actors have revealed to Buzz Life News that chaos is happening behind the scenes.
“We are not catered to accordingly in terms of wardrobe and hospitality. The catering lady was dismissed after not being paid. She was replaced by Rashaka’s catering business whose services is unacceptable. There is barely any water on set for staff, and we are made to drink tap water.”
Another source revealed that actors were promised trailers before joining the show, but not change wardrobe in bungalows.
“That I can understand, but the standard of the bungalows is bad. What’s worse is that crew and cast can have a call time of 6 am and then start shooting at 12:00.”
Another crew member revealed how some wardrobe was not catered to.
“Some actors had to buy clothes or bring their own wardrobe for costumes because they really want this to work out.”
A source revealed that the channel was unaware of the chaos happening behind the scenes.
“The show just started. How do you go and complain when something is still so new? But it is a real concern because it might affect the longevity of the show and the productivity of the staff. We just want them to do better and bring back Kagiso because the couple doesn’t know what they are doing.”
In 2024, Bakwena Production Media Group was in hot water for not paying actors on time. They made headlines after a group of background actors and crew members accused it of withholding their wages following a television shoot. Last year, they were also served with a letter of demand from transport service provider Sipho Hlatshwayo, who claims the company owes him R141, 700 for services rendered in 2024.
At the time, Rashaka said there was a “smear campaign” to tarnish his and Kagiso’s reputations. However, the background actors successfully proved their case at the CCMA, and Bakwena Production was ordered to compensate them for unpaid wages.
At the time of publishing, the spokesperson for Bakwena Productions and the SABC could not be reached for comment.
