Veteran actor Glen Gabela, best known for his role as Pastor Mdletshe on Uzalo, has opened up about how the popular show allegedly destroyed his life. During a candid interview on The Voice With Palesa podcast, Gabela revealed he now survives on a government grant after being fired from the series.
Gabela joined Uzalo when it first aired, believing his role was permanent. However, at the end of Season 4, producers called him into their office and terminated his contract. This decision, he claims, sent his life into a downward spiral.
Financial and Personal Struggles that Glen Gabela
After losing his job, Gabela faced severe financial difficulties. Banks froze his accounts, his car was repossessed, and he lost his apartment in Emdloti. Additionally, his relationship with his 22-year-old daughter crumbled. The last time he saw her was in 2018, shortly after his contract ended.
“When Uzalo breached my contract, my life fell apart,” Gabela explained. “I used to support my daughter, but her mother, whom I divorced, decided to raise her alone. I don’t know what she told her, but my daughter refuses to see me to this day.”
Tragically, Gabela’s ex-wife passed away before they could resolve their issues, leaving his relationship with his daughter in ruins.
A Career Marred by Broken Promises
Gabela’s struggles with the entertainment industry date back decades. In 1988, he landed the iconic role of Shaka Zulu in the series Shaka Zulu, replacing Henry Cele. However, the production allegedly shortchanged him
“They promised me R40,000, but on the last day of shooting, they handed me a R7,000 cheque,” Gabela recalled. “They even told me to take the crew bus back to Johannesburg, even though they flew me down for the role. It was a hard lesson.”
Giving Back Despite Challenges
Despite his hardships, Glen Gabela remains passionate about acting. He now runs film and acting workshops, though he struggles to secure funding.
“I’ve approached businesses with proposals, but it’s tough to convince them to invest,” he said. “Still, I’m determined to share my knowledge and help others.”
Gabela’s story sheds light on the darker side of the entertainment industry, where broken promises and unfair treatment can leave even legendary actors struggling to survive.
