Former ‘Uzalo’ Actor Glen Gabela Asks for Donations in a Video: "I Want a Decent Life"

• Veteran actor Glen Gabela, known as Pastor Mdletshe from SABC1's Uzalo, is publicly urging for financial help
• The former Shaka actor, who recently had a heart attack, reveals that he wants a decent life like everyone else
• The thespian previously made headlines when he opened up about being kicked out of his apartment and losing his car
• Briefly News spoke to Thulile Gambushe, the lady who recorded the video of Glen Gabela and shared it on TikTok

Legendary actor Glen Gabela, who is famous for his pastoral character in SABC1's soapie Uzalo, says he's struggling financially.

Gabela, who appeared on the popular soapie in 2020 as Pastor Mdletshe, revealed in a video shared on social media on Wednesday, 13 August 2025, that he also battles depression.

Social media user @vehicletracker8 shared a video on X on Wednesday, 13 August 2025, of the actor pleading for financial help.

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In the video, Gabela says he wants a decent life, like everyone else; that's why he's reaching out.

"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,” he added.

The veteran actor also shared in an interview with Sunday World on Wednesday that he recently had a heart attack and was hospitalised for 3 weeks.

The former Uzalo star also revealed to the publication that doctors told him it was because of stress and depression.

"The industry is hard, and I haven’t secured any job since 2018 when I was booted out of Uzalo. This has taken a huge toll on me. I’m struggling, I can’t even take care of myself,” says the actor.

Briefly News journalist Jessica Gcaba spoke to Thulile Gambushe, the lady who recorded the video of Glen Gabela and shared it on TikTok. She said her decision to help share Glen's story came from a place of kindness and compassion.

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"I emphasise that Glen’s story is just one example of how collective kindness can transform the lives of those who once contributed so much to the cultural and social fabric of South Africa. It is a well-known fact that South African artists, especially historical artists, are going through hard times."

South Africans react to Gabela's video

@ElleyEssence said:

"Something doesn't add up. He acted for how long on Uzalo? How did he not save up? Where is his homestead?"

@Real_Precious_M reacted:

"Why can’t the Department of Arts and Culture help such celebrities when they are down and out? I swear the entertainment industry is the pits in Mzansi. Fok man!"

@DebbieBloodmoon said:

"That 'I want a decent life' will prompt a story time very soon. Anyways ya wena @GaytonMcK, it’s ur time to shine. Oh, I forgot racism and race baiting, it’s what you excel in. Tearing apart podcasts and young adults is where you shine."

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@Jikingqina said:

"Can the actors please lead by example and donate to their colleague?"

@Real_Dem_c reacted:

"I'm tired of these stories, honestly. One, when people have money, they blow it. Not extending themselves enough to other opportunities or their managers is the problem. Looking beyond just acting."

Skeem Saam star is pleading for donations

In more entertainment news, Briefly News previously reported that scriptwriter and actor Thabo Masoga, who played Ananias in SABC1's soapie Skeem Saam, asked for financial assistance.

The former Muvhango actor, who now works as a security guard in Limpopo province, revealed that he needed money for an eye operation.

The 53-year-old actor previously made headlines when he opened up about losing his houses in Gauteng and a fleet of cars.

Source: Briefly News