The Generations 16 have received the backing of a variety of South African trade unions.

The Generations 16 have received the backing of a variety of South African trade unions.

Cosatu, the Creative Workers Union of South Africa (CWUSA) and the Communications Workers Union (CWU) have all shown support for the embattled actors.

The organisations are giving their full backing to the 16 Generations actors who have been out of work for a month and are determined to win their reinstatement.

In a joint statement by the unions, they say that the campaign is for all creative workers "who are exploited… by production companies and broadcasters, and earn wages which in no way reflect either their work’s monetary worth or, more importantly the pleasure it gives to thousands of people."

"It is a scandal that so many of our greatest artists die in poverty after a lifetime of entertaining the public," the statement said.

A delegation made up of the Generations actors and the Cosatu National Office Bearers (Nobs) had a meeting with SABC executives on 4 September.

At this meeting, it was agreed that a task team would be set up to find a resolution to the actors' sacking. However, Generations producers, MMSV Productions, have refused to meet with or be part of the task team.

Owner of MMSV, Mfundi Vundla, has stated that he has already contracted other actors for the roles.

The Generations 16 were fired by MMSV productions after embarking on a strike calling for fairer remuneration practices.

Generations is one of the most popular TV shows in the country.

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