From Fame to Hardship: ‘I Don’t Need to Be Rich,’ Glen Gabela Shares His Pain

Legendary South African actor Glen Gabela, widely recognised for his powerful portrayal of Pastor Mdletshe in the hit SABC 1 soapie Uzalo, has made a heartfelt appeal to the public after a viral video revealed the dire living conditions he now faces.

In the emotional footage, Gabela speaks candidly about his current hardships. The video shows a modest, dusty room with scattered accolades, a mould-covered fridge stocked only with water bottles, and an almost bare cupboard—painting a stark picture of the challenges he now endures.

Gabela, who also rose to fame for playing a young Shaka Zulu in the acclaimed 1986 miniseries Shaka Zulu and had a notable role in Yizo Yizo, says he longs to reclaim a sense of dignity and stability in his life.

“I just want to live a decent life—like every normal person,” he says in the clip. “That’s why I’m reaching out. I’ve contributed to the growth of this industry so that the next generation of performers don’t end up like us. I want better for them. I don’t want them to struggle the way we have.”

Reflecting on the fate of many aging actors, Gabela added, “We hear the stories of top actors after they’ve passed, and how much they struggled. It’s hard for me to ask for help, but I just want to live decently. I don’t need to be rich.”

In an interview with Sunday World, Gabela revealed that he recently suffered a heart attack and was hospitalised for three weeks. “Doctors told me it was stress and depression—I wasn’t surprised,” he said. “The industry is brutal, and I haven’t landed a job since I was written out of Uzalo in 2018. It’s taken a huge toll on me. I’m struggling. I can’t even take care of myself.”

Now working as a scriptwriter and producer, Gabela says he has over 21 scripts ready to be developed into films and television series—but lacks the funding to bring them to life.

“I haven’t formally applied for funding yet, but I’ve started talking to some businesspeople. Still, what I need more than anything right now is a job. I don’t want to be a burden. I just want to work again,” he said. “I’m appealing to producers and directors—please remember me.”

Thanks to the generosity of Good Samaritans, Gabela has managed to get by with donations of food. “I am truly grateful to those who have helped. It really means a lot to me,” he added.

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