Former ‘Scandal!’ Star Given Stuurman Is Reportedly Down and Out, SA Reacts: “Life Happens”

Former ‘Scandal!’ Star Given Stuurman Is Reportedly Down and Out, SA Reacts: “Life Happens”

  • Talented actor Given Stuurman has reportedly been struggling financially since leaving Scandal!, where he played the role of Kgosi
  • Stuurman, who previously made headlines for his addictions, reveals that he knows where he messed up in the past and is working on himself
  • South Africans took to social media on Saturday, 16 August 2025, to advise the popular actor, while others comforted him
SA reacts to Given Stuurman's struggles
Former 'Scandal!' star is reportedly struggling. Images: PopPulseSA
Source: Twitter

Former child star and actor Given Stuurman is reportedly struggling to land a permanent role on television since leaving e.TV's Scandal!

Stuurman is the second actor from the e.TV soapie in 2025 after Mathews Rantsoma, who is struggling to land a permanent role.

The former TV presenter, who starred opposite Makhaola Ndebele, played the role of Gloria's son, Kgosi, on the popular show.

Drum Magazine reported on Saturday, 16 August 2025, that neighbours of the former child star are concerned about how the actor's life has spiraled downward.

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The neighbour adds that Stuurman admitted that he misused his money, and that has been his downfall. Stuurman's neighbour also shares with the publication that the star now has piecemeal jobs.

While another neighbour reveals that the actor can't look after his child when he doesn't have a consistent income, it's because of the substances he uses that led him to where he is today.

"I know where I went wrong, I don't want to lie, but I'm going to make things right for the sake of my child," says the actor.

The publication adds that the talented actor welcomed his baby girl in 2020, but his life spiraled out of control when his addictions took over his life, which led to him being without a job.

The talented actor is also known for his roles on City Ses'la as Sipho, Black Tax as Given, Igazi as Boysie, and playing a street kid on SABC's Skeem Saam.

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Entertainment commentator Phil Mphela shared a screenshot of Drum Magazine's article on his X account on Saturday, 16 August 2025, of Stuurman's financial woes.

Social media reacts to Given Stuurman's financial woes

@Penelope_Makala reacted:

"Life has a lot of valleys, and we have to navigate them. Some paths, even when we’re connected to people in high places, we need to walk alone to conquer. It’s just a matter of time, he’ll be fine as it happens to us all."

@massagePalourx commented:

"Our family members are worse. A 36-year-old with a diploma and never worked a single day. He [Given Stuurman] will be fine."

@lebomasike said:

"Life happens, and the lack of empathy displayed here is disappointing, honestly. 😞"
Actor is down and out
Childstar is reportedly homeless. Images: Given Stuurman
Source: Instagram

Gayton McKenzie reacts to Glen Gabela’s donations video

In more entertainment news, Briefly News previously reported that Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie reacted to former Shaka star Glen Gabela's viral video.

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The veteran actor had social media buzzing on Wednesday, 13 August 2025, when he asked for donations online.

South Africans took to social media on Thursday to comment on the video and to ask McKenzie to step in.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Rae Seleme avatar

Rae Seleme (Entertainment editor) Rae Seleme is a seasoned entertainment writer who kickstarted her writing career on TVSA. She has published articles on Iharare, ZAlebs, The South African before joining Briefly News. Rae obtained her BA Media Studies degree at the University of Limpopo, a copywriting postgraduate diploma from AAA School of Advertising and a PGCE at Unisa. Email: contact@briefly.co.za