South African actor Glen Gabela, widely recognized for his portrayal of Shaka Zulu in the award-winning miniseries Shaka, has reportedly fallen on hard times. The seasoned actor, who has also appeared in productions like Yizo Yizo, Doubt, Erfsonders, Hopeville, and My Brother’s Keeper, is allegedly struggling financially after his Uzalo contract was unexpectedly cut short.
A Promising Career Turned into a Nightmare
Gabela, a well-respected figure in the entertainment industry, was promised a permanent role in Uzalo, but when that deal fell through, it left him without a stable source of income. As a result, he has allegedly lost his car, his apartment, and even had his bank accounts frozen. With no steady earnings, he now reportedly survives on a social grant while struggling to provide for his daughter.
“My bank froze all of my accounts. My car was repossessed, and my apartment was locked,” Gabela reportedly stated.
Tension in His Personal Life
Beyond his financial difficulties, Gabela also revealed that his situation has affected his relationship with his daughter. With financial strain mounting, tension has grown between them, adding an emotional burden to his already challenging reality.

A Recurring Issue in the Entertainment Industry
Gabela’s unfortunate turn of events is not an isolated case. Many South African celebrities have faced financial hardships after their careers slowed down. Former Generations actor Carlo Radebe was reportedly homeless, and Tsotsi actress Sindi Khambule allegedly ended up living on the streets. This raises concerns about how the entertainment industry supports its artists, especially those who have contributed significantly to South African television and film.
Fans React to Gabela’s Struggles
Social media has been flooded with reactions to the actor’s reported financial woes. Fans are expressing shock and sympathy, questioning why many legendary actors face financial instability after years of success. Some have called for better support systems for actors to ensure they don’t end up in dire situations once their TV contracts end.
What’s Next for Glen Gabela?
Despite the challenges, supporters hope that Gabela will make a comeback. South African fans have seen actors rebound from tough times, and many are urging production houses to give him another opportunity to showcase his talent.
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