Hey bafwethu kunzima and it's getting worse by the day. Coco V is upon us and the numbers continue to raise worldwide. Even though it is from a distance, the cast and crew of 1Magic’s popular telenovela, The River, have come together to offer empathy and support to a colleague who tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday morning.
Tshedza Pictures, the production house behind The River, has since halted shooting and all the cast and crew have been asked to self-isolate while the necessary health protocols are being implemented.
Phathu Makwarela of Tshedza Pictures says: “Ever since we resumed production on 1 May 2020, all the necessary lockdown health guidelines were implemented on set. “After we received the news of the colleague testing positive, we immediately asked the cast and crew that came into contact with the member to go into self-isolation. They will soon avail themselves to health authorities for testing, in-line with government directives.”
Nomsa Philiso, Channel Director for Local entertainment Channels at M-Net states: “We have contacted the production team in order to assure them of our support. “Our understanding is that ever since they resumed production, the production team implemented all the necessary health precautions to ensure the safety of cast and crew,” says Philiso. “Now more than ever, we need to show compassion to our fellow brothers and sisters, and we would like to wish the affected member of the production team a speedy recovery,” she concludes.
The River has closed its doors for the set to be decontaminated. Apparently there's no nterviews will be given beyond the statement issued this morning and members of the public are urged to afford the cast and crew space to deal with the situation. Makube njalo ke bahlali and continue sending love and support.