Generations Without Karabo Moroka
May 3, 2010 by Phathu

I am pissed, mad as hell and I am not ready to make nice. How dare Connie Ferguson quit Generations, for bejezaz sake I have invested sixteen years of my life watching her on TV, five days a week! Add the omnibus and the countless repeats – that is more than a century. I have seen her three times, always a meter from me, in case I suffer cardiac arrest. Okay, I have vented and calmed down.
Last week Thursday I was at the SABC Henley studio doing what I hate most, attending auditions and having producers ask me what I think of actor one versus actor two. My answer is always the same, get a hot actor who can act and then you will have magic. Pity they never listen to me. During the lunch break, I went to the unglamorous canteen at Henley and had my before -pay -day lunch, nothing fancy. As I walked out, there was Connie – with some entourage, there are always some unhot looking women around her whenever I bump into her. I only caught a glimpse of her, so there was no eye contact; All I could see was the curled weave. If you think Connie is beautiful on TV, see her in person – she remains a classical regal beauty.
When I got home on Thursday, I found an email that changed my week; this is after technically firing myself from another show, so it could not get any worse. Somebody who is more connected than me had sent me an email that Connie is leaving the show. I was shocked, I thought it was a joke but I knew gore my source does not lie. I didn’t know what to do with the news, do I break it on JC or not? I had more What Ifs moments than Malema has on a normal day. I decided to sleep on it, let us see what happens.
The thing is, for the past two weeks I have been arranging an interview with Connie through Generations’ PR lady, Constance. The interview was meant to happen on Friday, 30 April. The strange thing is that last week, I was no getting any confirmation of the interview – just silence from the Generations’ PR desk. I thought maybe the PR lady was busy and would reschedule, I guess by then Connie had dropped the bomb, she wanted out!
On Friday, it was payday and Phathu has bills. I spent the day running around, not checking my mails…now I really need a blackberry, my mail should find me even if I am in Ulundi. When I got home late Friday night, I saw an official email from Constance and the headline screamed: Generations Press Release_30 April 2010. Then I read it….
My heart sank, I panicked – to me this was more important than MJ’s death. Funny enough when Oprah announced the end of her show, I did not panic – I thought all good things come to an end, but not with Connie, I feel robbed. I guess no one saw this one coming. I frantically tried to get hold of BS and when she did not pick up, I started turning the B part of her name into all gaad forbidden names. I was relieved when she smsed and I phone her back. You should have heard her voice when I told her the news, it was sad and I thought, somebody shares my pain and loss.
I cannot help but ask myself why Connie quit Generations after sixteen years. There has to be a story behind the story that was in the press release or the one that she is going to give the magazine that would be willing to pay her lots of money come September. Apparently, the powers that be have gagged her from doing any interviews until she shoots her final scenes in August. But why would the most famous woman on South African television leave the most lucrative job on television? It does not make sense. When Destiny magazine launched years ago, Connie was on the cover and the magazine ran an interview with Mfundi Vundla, the producer of the show, who mentioned that some of his lead actors racked in around a million rands per annum in salaries, even a dumb fool can guess that Connie was on top of that ladder.

I personally do not think this was a long-term decision; it is not something she thought up months ago. This was a spur of the moment decision that might have been made when people’s emotions were high and volatile. Connie is an asset to the show, so losing her is never an option. A little bird told me on Thursday night , which was the day before the press release that Connie was that she was fed up, the mystery is, what or who is she fed up with? Does this have anything to do with Mfundi’ scathing attack on his actors for using the Generations brand name to market themselves? We all know that Connie has turned herself into a business mogul with Connie M eyewear, two perfumes and the Garnier contract. Something does not add up and I hope that as the days unfold, we will get the story behind the story.
What will happen to Generations once she leaves, will the show die or live? I have said it before; no one is bigger than the show. Mara Louw once thought Muvhango was all about her, which turned out to be far from the truth. I am confident that Generations will survive the departure of Connie; they have survived the mass exodus of actors before, so no need to be alarmed.
But what becomes of Connie Ferguson without Generations? The reality is that no one in this country can see Connie in any other role besides Karabo. She has lived in our living rooms as Karabo for more than a decade and it would be difficult for us to see her in another role. I also think it would be unwise for any other soapie to hire her; people will tune in to see Karabo – not the new character in another show.
I also think Connie has made decent money for herself over the years; she can afford not to work for a year, take a break from television and focus on expanding her brand. Who knows, is she the new Iman? The only way I would embrace Connie back on television is if she comes back with her own show, it does not have to be a talk show – Let’s Chat with Mel and Noeleen have put me off SA talk shows for life.
Whatever she decides, South Africa will be watching – I for one, am scared for her. Has she just gone and f*cked up whatever little remains on her career? Only time will tell.
I will do a proper farewell article when she leaves the screen.
PS: there is talk that another leading lady in Generations will soon tender her resignation…
By Phathu Makwarela ©



Madala on Mon, 3rd May 2010 1:04 am
Eish…. I am not big fan of geneR.. but a big fan of Connie-in-GeneR…. I hav bn meditating on this since Frid & I’m stil not over…. I need more tym b4 I can talk on this matter..
….there is talk that another leading lady in Generations will soon tender her resignation….. Pliz tel Phathu, just can’t fugure the leading lady @ all… Ntombi?
soul sista on Mon, 3rd May 2010 1:08 am
Sad but the show will definitely go on.
Nonkawu on Mon, 3rd May 2010 1:16 am
@ Madala, maybe its Queen!
Cheesa on Mon, 3rd May 2010 1:33 am
Eish I dunno about how I feel about Connie leaving Generations. I really don’t know but I know I’m not sad but at the same time I’m not happy. I think i’ts because I have never been really a Karabo fan (mind you Karabo not Connie). To me that character was just nje I have never felt it. Even when Karabo would not appear for months I have never missed her. I am not that much of a Karabo fan so to me the show goes on. I don’t see any disaster that will happen I just see Generations going on without the Karabo character just like it did when Archie and Ntsiki left. I mean we once thought it was the end of Generations when Archie and Ntsiki left but the show went on and we are still watching it. But I cannot run away from the fact that maybe there will be times when it is going to be felt that Karabo is not there. Yes I was shocked about the news of Connie leaving Generations and the first thing that came to my mind was her being one of Mfundi’s favourite actresses and being an asset to the show. I didn’t think about WOW this is the end of Generations, no I didnt. But I wish her all the best to whatever she’ll be up to, hopefully we will see her on TV again after Generations, meaning she won’t be a stranger… One thing for sure I would really be sad when Menzi Ngubane would leave Generations that is when I would definately know how I feel… Okay now when is Sophie Ndaba leaving I hope she is the next one with the regsination latter.
Kiara on Mon, 3rd May 2010 3:27 am
This woman is tooo beautiful, she neva mentions her age, how old is she vele? Whatever it is she’s ageing gracefully indeed!
Bee on Mon, 3rd May 2010 3:48 am
Ja no this woman has a body to die for. Mna i saw her face to face and i still say for me shes just nje not beautiful/ugly but definately HOT shame. Tjo what Generations will be without Connie nkos’yam. Hayi Connie cunt go. Sophie can go its cool.
Jimmy on Mon, 3rd May 2010 8:05 am
What a shock indeed, bt its true when they say nothing is forever. no can tell that she thought thatconnie would leave genarations…But what can we do except to admit that the is no KARABO MOROKA anymore. God luck connie you where the best and you’ll alaways be…
Kuhle on Mon, 3rd May 2010 8:23 am
Ntombi is also leaving Generations unless if gen script writters will do something about her relationship with Sbusiso, apparantly Mr Sedibe is becoming greaty jelousy of her onscreen relationship with Sbuda man whom by the way is his brother-in-law
Lady gaga on Mon, 3rd May 2010 8:39 am
ja,she has a hot body shame!!!
Mguga on Mon, 3rd May 2010 8:59 am
Im with you Cheesa, never been a fan yakhe. Her characher was just too safe, nothing dramatic except the miscarriage (who can 4get). The only thing i wil miss most, ukugqoka kwakhe, they always made sure that she looks good, except for that ONLY jean yakhe ephuphile. All the best mtakamama.
Matimba Makwakwa on Mon, 3rd May 2010 9:07 am
I could not believe that Connie is leaving generations! I became a generations fan coz of Karabo Moraka. I cant imagine the show without her
Photogenic on Mon, 3rd May 2010 9:10 am
Why couldnt Ajax(physfo) or Zamani(ja him) leave the show instead? eish mara, ive never been a Karabo fan, she was always one of those predictable characters, Connie on the other hand, i believe she’ll come out tops in whateva she does after the small screen. Who can predict how the karabo/paul/dineo love triangle will go, now that she’s leaving the show?
mstshepi on Mon, 3rd May 2010 9:13 am
I was shocked that Connie is leaving Gen, for me she was 1 of the main reasons why i watched that soapie. i like her personality both on & off screen. i also hope she wont go off to do some senseless jobs out there, coz she was getting good money from the soapie, but seriously how do u leave a job that pays so much??? even if they say u need to grow i wudnt leave. tjo! i wish her all the best tho. im sad coz she was a good actress.
Monchooza on Mon, 3rd May 2010 9:20 am
sad really…..she might not be bigger than the show but ratings will def drop…Karabo yibhoza
Bruised Ego on Mon, 3rd May 2010 9:27 am
I’m not going to lie & say that I was her fan, but when I heard that she is leaving I felt so bad like someone has died!
Its true, you don’t know how important someone is until she has left (my remix of the saying)!
Now I’m more worried about Ezweni, who is going to be the new CEO, because hell no!! For Dlomo!
So is Karabo going to be infected with HIV?? just like we were told that some character is going to be infected!
ntshepeng on Mon, 3rd May 2010 9:33 am
I’m also going to miss seeing her body on ma screen. i’d have a fit if KennyMash was leaving. he’s my fav on that show….the rest of the cast can’t act unless they are depressed/livid/ecstatic. Normally neh (in Ntosh’s voice), they bore me. Connie is an inspiration shem. I want to have her grace and poise lenna.
All the best Connie, wish you well in whatever direction your wings take you.
soul sista on Mon, 3rd May 2010 9:51 am
Oh the 2nd thoughts: I’m glad that she is leaving Gen, atleast now no body is going to use her as their preferences for their “dream girl.” Iyo…my ex used to tell me how much he loves an independent, smart, beautiful, elagant, (you name them all) woman like Karabo, and his mom did too…tsek!
Come Oct it’s gonna be I like a woman like Gladys in Generations
Cinnabon on Mon, 3rd May 2010 9:58 am
I am very happy for Connie, I think it’s time she retired and enjoyed her family…All the best to her.
maureen on Mon, 3rd May 2010 9:58 am
wish you all the best connie, it was blessing to have you and may God and his grace be with you always. we love you.
maureen
Cinnabon on Mon, 3rd May 2010 10:00 am
@ Soul Sista…I feel you gal, you have made my morning…ROTFLMAO!
maureen on Mon, 3rd May 2010 10:01 am
its amazing how one can be jealous of character, how pathetic. maybe you need to sort out your own life and be all those things that karabo was, that appealled to your ex. soul sista
Cleve2 on Mon, 3rd May 2010 10:18 am
Soul sista LOL @ your boyfriend and momma…….
Mina Im okay with the news. I was never into Karabo but love Connie. She has elegance and poise.
chilled sweet lemonade on Mon, 3rd May 2010 10:30 am
like they say: every beginning has an end….
find-a on Mon, 3rd May 2010 10:33 am
all i hope is dat they don’t kill her off, it would be such a SAD storyline!Send her to INDIA or sumwere like bo LUMKA etc
Fikile on Mon, 3rd May 2010 10:36 am
BS Y Ulundi that my home town………………… shame i’m gonna miss her
PNI-girlz on Mon, 3rd May 2010 10:49 am
I’ve neva bn a fan of the character, but I adore u sis Connie. I do fl a little sad about her leaving da show..hope she knows what shes doing coz she is nt dat talented in acting. I wish her all da best..da show wl survive no doubt abot dat, as P always say, ‘no one s bigger dan the show’….
khafo on Mon, 3rd May 2010 10:52 am
couldn’t believe it either but yeah. she is such a lovable person on and off screen. hope she won’t go to muvhango, sewende laan, etc (if they can afford her).
Kazisongo on Mon, 3rd May 2010 11:06 am
Its amazing how people can interpret the same comment differently. I saw Soul sista’s comment as funny and somebody else thinks its pathetic
The Muzo on Mon, 3rd May 2010 11:08 am
Mayb she will find out about Dineo n Paul and decide to kill herself…lmao or just leave “”
Zizi on Mon, 3rd May 2010 11:20 am
@Kazisongo me too yazi , i didnt see any thing wrong with Soul sita’s comment instd i find it funny .
Kem Moc on Mon, 3rd May 2010 11:33 am
Im gon abduct dis woman.. She must take me to tht fountain of youth
soul sista on Mon, 3rd May 2010 11:44 am
Kwakwakwakwakwa…@maureen are you ok hun??? Looks like you didnt get it all this morning.
Pls get your gray matter checked…if u have one by the way & while at it get a life.
BTW maureen are you me ex????
ROTFLMAO
Mudalo on Mon, 3rd May 2010 11:49 am
Hairy arms, hwey invest in wax, the hair goes away for three months at least, 4times a year aint a bad thing!!!!
Kem Moc on Mon, 3rd May 2010 12:00 pm
Shem Maureen read that post again & say sorry.. O tlogele go phapha!
*singing in ma best Luther voice* Wot the world needs now is love, sweet love.. Not another Ms Nonwot-wot
Vivian on Mon, 3rd May 2010 12:08 pm
I think we all feel the same about this legend leaving generations>>>when i saw her twitter update last week that she has retired from Generations>>>WAS I SHOCKED. It is sooo sad coz i took her as a role model and could relate so well to her career. i have been told that i look lyk her by my friends and now she is GONE????
Miss T on Mon, 3rd May 2010 12:33 pm
Muhle lomama shame…
Idealist on Mon, 3rd May 2010 12:34 pm
Thank God! Another one of those glorified & lousy actresses is finally getting the f* out of our screens. What’s she gonna do next?
Let me guess ………….. nothing. This is a woman who couldn’t find another for 10 yrs and held on on that boring role for dear life, it’s about time we see new blood.
I’m just glad we’re not in the same industry as I can’t stomach working for the same people for 2 years without changing any roles.
Go well, go shell with your even and matte skin whatever that is.
Dee on Mon, 3rd May 2010 1:01 pm
i agree with idealist, i mean that women is Pretty(RMY) so what
its time 4 her to go, when i heard about the news i was like “whatever” she bores me to heaven by the way.
NEXT BETTER CHICKEN PLEASE-Can Sophie/Queen go please im mean o ya khalela
Sweet-Ash on Mon, 3rd May 2010 1:31 pm
I don’t really know how I feel about Connie’s departure from the show. It always is sad to have something you are used to taken away… I felt lost and at cross roads when Glen Majozi, Jack Mabaso, Rosie Motene, Khensani and all the others left, however, the show still went on and I was still glued to my screen @ 8 o’clock.
I think the show will still go on nangoku, though the gap will be felt when she does not appear on our screens. That gap will be gone as time goes and Gen has found it rhythm. How I hope her exit would be dramatic!!!
Bee on Mon, 3rd May 2010 2:27 pm
The only thing that will keep Connie relevent is if she does a reality show e.g. Kendra, Runs house, Kimora etc. Othawize if she’s still gona act eish hayi khona.
Maggs on Mon, 3rd May 2010 3:16 pm
i do not know if its me but i think if you take Lelo Boyana, Zandile Msutwana and Connie Ferguson and put in one room you will think they are sisters. i see some simalirities thhere? am i a the only one seeing this?
Dee on Mon, 3rd May 2010 3:32 pm
Ummmmmmm “Yawn”
chilled sweet lemonade on Mon, 3rd May 2010 4:06 pm
i agree Dee .big FAT YAWN!!!!!!ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Lehakoe on Mon, 3rd May 2010 4:20 pm
Nna I’m indifferent to her depature. My friends and I used to joke about Karabo being Generations’ Brooke Logan( wa the bold and the beautiful) and that lil Princie was next. Guess that won’t be happening.
Well I really dnt have much to say on this topic but ke.. good luck with whatever she does in the future.
Bee on Mon, 3rd May 2010 4:38 pm
Nah i dont thk so Maggs. Collect their pics and check again.
S'matsatsa sa Welkom! on Mon, 3rd May 2010 5:21 pm
I love Connie….eeerrr….but I love her husband,Shona,MORE…tjo,that man wa ntobetsa,dammit!
tzhavzin on Mon, 3rd May 2010 5:27 pm
hopefully she doesnt end like u Letti Matabane…..eintlik where the hell is she and what is she doing????????
GA on Mon, 3rd May 2010 6:10 pm
she so beautifull and graceous,she makes me wanna sing a ballard….
but im sure gen will be fine without her…..
Matric aka PS on Mon, 3rd May 2010 7:54 pm
FareWell Sis Connie,You’ve made your mark…..we salute you….All the best for your future plans
……Just do me and the rest of the world a favour, don’t go to Muvhango because we’ll quickly forget about you,and you don’t want that now,do you?? Don’t think so.
I don’t think the show will suffer without her,it will still go on strong just like it did when other actors left…. Tjo!!
NahlaBee on Mon, 3rd May 2010 11:48 pm
I think the show tried to see how things woud be without her when Karabo was sent to India for a month or 2 remember? When she was not on screen in Jan and Feb the Gap was felt even though the Karabo character is predictable. I’ve never met Connie but for me she’s one of those celebrities I wouldn’t just discredit or say bad things about, she’s very humble, sweet and down to earth. She even replies on people’s tweets which is something that you don’t get much from the Zelebs.
I believe God has greater plans for her and wish her well in everything.
Her exit: Karabo will findout about Paul and Dineo and feel bettrayed, then leaves to go stay with Angie overseas…..LOL!! I wish Mr Vundla can learn to train people to take over characters, as there was no need for him to permanetly kill characters. I’m sure if they brought new people to take over the Tau, Jack chaacters etc… we would have gotten used to them by now. Isidingo changed Lee and we ended loving the late Ashley.
shagspear on Tue, 4th May 2010 1:54 am
i got a feelin its a long term decision, she long wanted out
J-Girl aka MsGreat on Tue, 4th May 2010 11:28 am
I have always thought she is a good actress but its of no great relevance that she is leaving. I think Generations has enough beautiful ladies to go and give us a great show (Ntombi, Queen, Dineo).
Queeny B on Tue, 4th May 2010 11:36 am
I love her and i love her a trillion times. Connie is a brand and a well respected beautiful gorgeous woman. Her role may not be that challenging but she did extraodinarily well and she will go places while the little bitter people keep talking shit!!! Rock on Ngwana wa Botswana!!!!! Pula e go nele! ONE LOVE!!
Queeny B on Tue, 4th May 2010 11:45 am
You talking nonsense Idealist. Even and Matte makes a difference in lot of women’s lifes. If it doesn’t work for you no need to be a such drama queen about it. O bitter, get a prescription of bitter pills.
At least she pocket a lot of rand for it! Garnier ………..
I will miss you extraodinary phenomenal woman!
N.B Maybe Mfudi is limiting her! Ever thought of that?
Idealist on Tue, 4th May 2010 12:21 pm
Mfundi has created all these characters and without him/Generations there would be no Connie!
Take Generations away and people like Khaphela, Queen, Khethiwe etc are nothing but.
Q-tee on Tue, 4th May 2010 4:51 pm
I have have never seen her acting anything else except glamourous powerful Karabo on generations. If they can give her a role like Vathiswa Ndarha’s on Home Affairs, then I’d be convinced she can act. Nonetheless I hope the future brings her the best. I like her, she’s so beautiful.
khafo on Wed, 5th May 2010 9:51 am
I get your point Q-tee. It makes me wonder if she can act moRhythm City as MaMokete_but I guess she was meant to be at Gen. Lets wait for Society III, maybe she might make an appearance……..just saying.
Mands on Wed, 5th May 2010 12:04 pm
@ Q-tee, “I have have never seen her acting anything else except glamourous powerful Karabo on generation”.
She’a acted on Soul City. Don’t u remember?
Mina I’d like 2 c her acting a very challenging role 2 c if she can really act cos the 2 (Gen & Soull city)haven’t bn challenging
AYANDA on Thu, 6th May 2010 10:47 am
eish i watch gen everydae n it kind of bore me when karabo did not appear,nyway silahlekelwe idlozi baf2. GUDLUCK KARABO HV A GREAT LFY N BE SUCCESSFUL ON UR BUSINESSES
XOLI on Thu, 6th May 2010 10:52 am
i really relate to karaboz situation with paul n dineo nami ive been there dnt knw what to do……well all the best on your journey
molokwana on Thu, 6th May 2010 12:05 pm
im glad Connie left Generation ,i cud not see any reason why she was part of Generation ,there is no acting talent in Connie let alone R800.000 she was paid for a month ,we need fresh blood i can now watch Generation without seeing that fake smile.
Busi on Thu, 6th May 2010 12:41 pm
I hope Ntombi leaves next, I’m fed up with her!
Dikeledi on Thu, 6th May 2010 2:17 pm
I am so sad Connie is leaving Generations, Generation is going to be boring
scrouch on Fri, 7th May 2010 11:10 am
hooooo ai im so sad you leaving karabs but plz dont b a stranger!!!!!!
T-Bang on Fri, 7th May 2010 3:00 pm
I don’t watch generations at all, I stopped that 2006 but I gotta say your article is great! The way you play with words, and the many pictures of Connie that you put on the article, the passion in your questions addressed and the manner in which you describe your loss are all great..
I will watch generations from now on till September
Morongoa on Tue, 11th May 2010 11:42 am
ho Karabo!! pls, u cant do this to us. how could u do this to us..
dirt disher! on Wed, 12th May 2010 1:31 pm
ai, i smell beef, defintely! yep, its Beef alright! its gon be soo weird wo=ithout karabo, but alas, the show must go on….
Kedi on Fri, 14th May 2010 11:00 am
I must say Generations is not going to be the same without Karabo, i will definitely miss Karabo , and cant imagen how Queen will survive without her as well guess will have to see about, as for Paul and Dineo just dont like them at the moment!
Tebogo Petros on Tue, 18th May 2010 4:24 pm
m warid a lot, mgoing to get bored without you connie, u were a star to me nd hey i love you from tebby.
promise on Tue, 18th May 2010 7:31 pm
jo! it is a grt loss as soon as she go,it’ll b lyk 1 part of ma bdy is msng. She is da 1 who makes Generations a soapy, who wil b da gen diva then? Generations without connie aka karabo wil b nothing it is going 2 luz its audience…. All de bst 2 connie……………….i’ll mc u on gen………
lerato mangolo from mokopane on Thu, 27th May 2010 9:24 pm
I think generation without karabo will be incomplete.and whereever you are going darling just know that you will always be loved.
born 4 fame on Mon, 31st May 2010 3:24 pm
eish man,its sad to see karabo leaving,because she is the soap,it wont be the same again!!!!!!!!wish you all the best!!!!!!!
simple nomsa on Tue, 8th Jun 2010 10:01 am
Am happy she is leaving she must give others opotunites
bridget on Fri, 11th Jun 2010 11:29 am
i realy luv karabo, and to hear that she is leaving generation its breaking my heart into pices. i have nver thought that she will lieave generations. she was my bigest fan, i like her styl the way she dresses, the way she act her behavior, even if i dont know her in real life but i fill like she is part of my family. i am realy filling bad i fill like loosing someone who was close to me.
luv you karabo.
Ntonto on Tue, 22nd Jun 2010 4:43 pm
hawu she got paid 800.000 a month haaaaa JC peeeps mara !!