I wasn’t FIRED from ISIBAYA FOR DRINKING ON SET – CLAIMS Andile Gumbi
Isibaya actor, Andile Gumbi has slammed rumours that he was fired from the soapie for boozing. Rumours have been doing the rounds since his sudden departure from the Mzansi Magic show.
A report came out over the weekend in the Sunday Tribune, claiming that Andile, who plays Zweli on Isibaya, had not only been missing shoots, but if he did pitch up, he would be drunk and tired.
The article claimed that he was fired because of his boozing ways. The publication also claimed to have spoken to a source from the production company, who told them that the company had done everything within their means to help the addict actor, but nothing seemed to work.
“Producers have sat down with him many times advising him to change his behaviour. Andile got so many opportunities. He has a problem with excessive drinking, he likes alcohol and it’s made him miss shoots which delayed the production,” the source told the publication.
The actor, who had been with the show since 2016, was expected to shoot until end of July 2017, when the character would be killed off.
The publication claimed to be unable to reach Andile.
Meanwhile, Andile has spoken to TshisaLive to dismiss the rumours.
According to Andile, he left Isibaya to work on a theatre production, King Kong, a move which was discussed with his bosses at Isibaya.
“I am very disappointed that someone would want to go on a limb and tarnish my professional reputation this way. I have done some amazing and big work in my career and never had problems with my producers, employers, colleagues or crew members,” he told the publication.
Isibaya producers also deny firing the actor for boozing.
“If such things did take place, I think it would have been brought to our attention. All I know is that Andile met with management a few weeks ago and told them he had a new play. He was not fired, it was amicable,” said a producer who did not want to be named.