Latest news with #GlenGabela
The South African
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Tearful Glen Gabela pleads for help as fridge lies empty
Former Uzalo actor Glen Gabela has become the latest South African star to appeal for donations after falling on hard times. Gabela, who portrayed Pastor Mdletshe on the popular SABC1 soapie, shared a heartfelt plea in a video circulating on social media. In the emotional clip, Glen tearfully asks for assistance, showing his nearly empty fridge, which contains nothing but containers of water. 'I want a decent life, to be treated with dignity like every normal person. That's why I am reaching out. I'm trying to engage with people because I want to grow the film industry, so that young and upcoming performers don't end up like us,' he said 'You listen to the stories of top actors when they pass [away], you listen to the stories told and how they struggled. Almost all of us, when we reach this age, reach a stage where we … it's a pity I am not able to ask for help. It's hard for me to ask for help. That's all I need, just to live decently, I don't need to be rich, I just need to live a decent life,' he added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sannah Mcunu (@sanamchunu7) Another star who recently spoke out about her financial challenges is veteran actress Nandi Nyembe. The 55-year-old bravely opened up in an emotional video shared by Masingita Masunga from the Above Normal Foundation. In the video, Nandi shared that she has faced financial struggles, particularly after paying R88,000 for her son's medical care. 'From the money I've worked for, my son got sick. I don't have money. How are you going to get medical aid when you don't have money? I tried to get a company that's a bit cheaper. What are you going to pay it with every month?' Some artists who have previously come out to plead for help due to financial difficulties include Pebetsi Matlaila, Dr Malinga, Zahara, Brenda Ngxoli, Carla Radebe, and Vusi Thanda. DO YOU THINK THE FILM INDUSTRY SUPPORTS STARS LIKE GLEN GABELA ENOUGH? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
News24
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News24
Former Uzalo actor Glen Gabela pleads for work opportunities amidst financial struggles
We see them on television and assume that they have everything going for them. However, the reality in South Africa is that several veteran actors and actresses are coming forward to share their financial struggles and seeking support. Glen Gabela is yet another great actor who is pleading for work opportunities. His outcry has sparked a broader conversation about the film industry. People are debating what's behind these struggles: poor personal financial decisions, or systemic industry problems like underpaying stars. Read more | 'Muvhango wasn't just a show, it was us' - Actress Masutang reflects as soapie ends In a viral video posted all over social media, the legendary Gabela, known for his roles in the 'Shaka Zulu' series and the popular SABC 1 soapie 'Uzalo,' where he played Pastor Mdletshe, is seen tearfully pleading for help, showcasing his difficult living conditions, including a nearly empty fridge with only bottles of water. He reveals in the video that he's struggling to make ends meet and to survive after years of unemployment. 'I just want a decent life, like everyone else. That's why I'm reaching out. I want to engage with people and help grow the film industry, so upcoming performers don't end up like us. I want their lives to be better, and I don't want them to face the same struggles we do,' he said. He added that 'All veteran actors, when they pass, you hear about how they struggled. Almost all of us, by the time we reach this age, we become beggars. It's painful for me, because begging is very difficult for me; I just need help to live a decent life. I don't need to be rich.' Glen Gabela (uMfundisi uMdletshe's) living situation broke my heart. Glen was hospitalised after suffering from a heart... Posted by Thulile Gambushe on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 In March, Glen was a guest on the 'Voice with Palesa' podcast hosted by Palesa Madisakwane, and he spoke about his job loss from 'Uzalo,' his financial struggles, and his strained relationship with his daughter. On the podcast, Glen revealed that for Shaka Zulu, he only got paid R7000 instead of the R40 000 he was promised. He mentioned that losing his job on Uzalo due to a breach of contract led to a series of devastating events, including his bank accounts being frozen, his car being repossessed, his apartment being locked, and his daughter becoming distant. He also claimed that the reason behind his contract termination was that the writers had run out of ideas for the character, despite the initial agreement being that Pastor Mdletshe would be one of the permanent cast members. 'I don't care even if they'd call me back at Uzalo, I will never work with them again. It messed up my life. When they breached that contract, my life went all the way. My bank froze all my accounts, the car I had with a loan from the West Bank got repossessed, and my apartment was locked with everything I had. And the last time I saw my daughter was in 2018,' he said. Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has since promised to reach out to him after being tagged on X (formerly Twitter) asked to intervene. 'Thanks, will follow up and revert back today. This is extremely sad,' he re-tweeted the post. Thanks, will follow up and revert back today. This is extremely sad. — Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) August 14, 2025
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Gayton McKenzie reacts to former Uzalo actor's plea for help
Actor Glen Gabela opened up about how he lost everything after losing his job on 'Uzalo'. A heartfelt video by former Uzalo actor Glen Gabela asking for help has gone viral on social media. In the clip, the veteran actor speaks about his struggles, saying his only wish is to live 'a decent life'. The video also shows Gabela's heartbreaking living conditions. 'I want a decent life. I want to live decently like every normal person, which is why I make these attempts to engage with people,' he says. 'I've contributed to the film industry so that young and upcoming performers don't end up like us. I want their lives to be better. I don't want them to live the life we live.' He also spoke about the silent battles many well known actors face when they get older.. 'You listen to the stories of top actors when they pass away and how they struggled. Almost all of us, when we reach this age, reach a stage where… it's a pity I am not able to ask for help. It's hard for me to ask for help. That's all I need – just to live decently. I don't need to be rich.' The video has since caught the attention of the Minister of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie. 'Thanks, will follow up and revert back today. This is extremely sad,' he tweeted. ALSO READ: National Arts and Culture Awards nominees announced as Minister McKenzie faces backlash over social media posts Glen Gabela's life after Uzalo Gabela previously opened up about how he lost everything after losing his job on Uzalo. He portrayed the character of Pastor Mdletshe on the show. Speaking on The Voice with Palesa podcast, he said: 'When they breached that contract, my life went down. My bank froze all of my accounts. My car was repossessed and my apartment in eMdloti was locked. I used to send money for my daughter's upkeep. 'But her mother, whom I was divorced from, told me she would raise her by herself. I do not know what poison she fed her, but to this day my daughter does not want to see me.' NOW READ: What to watch: Sandler's 'Happy Gilmore' back and swinging on Netflix
