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Melissa Mpofu in South Africa Showbiz Editor
AFTER having left the Generations soapie in 2010 to focus on her business, Karabo Moroka (real name Connie Ferguson) today returns to where her career started more than 20 years ago. The popular soapie which re-launches on December 1, will see Karabo shooting her first scenes today with Getty (real name Andisiwe Dweba) and Rapulana Seiphemo (Tau Mogale) who are the only remaining actors after the Generations production company culled the characters portrayed by the striking actors.

Sixteen of the show’s main cast members were sacked three months ago after striking over  salaries, working hours and general treatment. As a result, the producer – Mfundi Vundla was left with no option but to pull the show off air in September to regroup. Fresh auditions were held and a new cast has since been put in place. The empty spots left by the striking actors have been filled by well-known faces from other soapies who have jumped ship to star in the revamped soap. Rhythm City and Isidingo actresses, Letoya Makhene will be taking over Tshidi’s role and Manaka Ranaka will portray Lucy. Well known stage actor Moopi Moothibeli will be joining the cast as Smanga while Musa Ngema who had stints on 7de Laan and Rhythm City is joining the cast as a new character Mazwi.

Speaking at the Rockville set in Soweto, South Africa on Saturday, Karabo said she was returning to Generations as she did not want the production, whose legacy she says she respects, to sink.

“I agreed to go back to Generations as I wasn’t happy with what was going on. I think Generations is legendary and it deserves to have a better legacy than that.

“I refuse to sit and let Generations die an ugly death,” said Karabo.

She added that her Mavis Mabaso role on Rockville would not be affected by the new Generations role as she finished shooting with Rockville on Saturday and was ready to focus on Generations.

“I finished shooting with Rockville today (Saturday) and I start shooting with Generations on Monday.

“I’m excited to be back as a lot of Karabo fans have always wanted me to go back. I’ve been off Generations for four years and am looking forward to it,” said Karabo.

Asked if her relationships with the fired cast had not been compromised by her decision to rejoin Generations, Karabo said she hoped not.

“I would like to think they are ok with my decision as it would be childish of them not to be,” she said.

Meanwhile, some sacked Generations actors seem to have found other means of surviving with actor Jason (real name Zolisa Xaluva) being spotted at the Zabalaza studios over the weekend. Zolisa said he had since moved on from Generations, with Zabalaza creator, Lebone Maema confirming that Zolisa had indeed joined their production, though they were still keeping it under wraps.

“Zolisa is now with us though we haven’t announced it.  His scenes will likely go on the screens early next year as we already have content enough for the next three months,” said Maema.