Connie Ferguson Faces Fresh Criticism Over Funeral Absence and Industry Allegations

Connie Ferguson is facing criticism for missing Presley Chweneyagae’s funeral

Connie Ferguson faces backlash for not attending colleagues funerals image Getty

Connie Ferguson is once again at the center of public scrutiny this time, over her absence at the funeral of fellow actor Presley Chweneyagae. As mourners gathered to pay tribute to the late Tsotsi star, many were quick to notice that Ferguson, a respected figure in South Africa’s entertainment industry, was not among them.

Her no show did not go unnoticed. On social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), users expressed disappointment and frustration. Many questioned why someone who had once received such overwhelming support from the industry following the death of her husband, Shona Ferguson, would not show the same solidarity now. Some labeled her absence as insensitive, while others suggested it reflected a lack of support for colleagues she once worked closely with.

However, fans and supporters quickly came to her defence. They pointed out that Connie has long spoken about her ongoing journey with grief and that attending funerals could be a deeply emotional and triggering experience for her. Others noted that she had a longstanding prior commitment the launch of Kings of Jo'Burg Season 3 which likely required her presence and had been scheduled well in advance. They argued that criticism without understanding personal context is both unfair and unwarranted.

While the debate over her absence continued, it also resurfaced older allegations that have dogged Connie Ferguson and her production company, Ferguson Films, over the past few years. This includes repeated claims from actors who accused the company of unfair treatment, underpayment, and even professional blackballing.

One of the earliest public complaints came from actor Mlamli Mangcala, who starred in The Queen. He alleged that he was underpaid and misled about salary negotiations, claiming that his pay was initially slashed in half and then only marginally increased despite his role expanding. Ferguson Films denied these allegations, stating that Mangcala had misunderstood the terms of his contract and that the company had made every effort to meet industry standards.

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Then came an explosive open letter from actress Vatiswa Ndara in 2019. In the letter addressed to South Africa’s Minister of Arts and Culture, she detailed what she described as exploitative practices within the local TV industry, citing poor pay, lack of royalties, and intimidation. Though Ndara did not mention Connie Ferguson by name in every instance, she directly referred to her experiences with Ferguson Films. The company issued a response denying any wrongdoing and emphasized that they operated within budget constraints dictated by broadcasters.

Actress Keke Mphuthi also came forward, claiming she was fired while pregnant and that she was warned about being blacklisted after speaking out. She said she was paid below industry minimums and denied essential benefits. The Fergusons, through legal representation, dismissed her claims as false and damaging. Veteran performer Marah Louw echoed similar sentiments, alleging she had been blacklisted from projects after expressing dissatisfaction with how she was treated on set.

These allegations have not led to any legal consequences for Ferguson Films, and Connie Ferguson has continued to build her brand as an actress and producer. However, the resurfacing of these claims coupled with the criticism over her recent absence has reignited discussions about fairness, professionalism, and accountability in the entertainment industry.