Glen Gabela’s Struggle Sparks Government Action: What It Reveals About South Africa’s Artists in Crisis

BillyLouisjay 2:22 PM



Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has addressed veteran actor Glen Gabela's plea for help.Image: GCIS


From viral pleas to policy debates, the former Uzalo star’s plight shines a spotlight on systemic challenges facing South Africa’s creative professionals.

A Viral Plea That Cannot Be Ignored

When Glen Gabela’s video emerged on social media this week, it did more than catch the public’s attention—it ignited a national conversation about the treatment of artists in South Africa. The former Uzalo actor, known for his award-winning performances, appeared candidly in a clip showing his poor living conditions and pleading for assistance.

“I want a decent life. I want to live decently like every normal person, which is why I make these attempts to engage with people,” Gabela said in the video. “I’ve contributed to the film industry so that young and upcoming performers don’t end up like us. I want their lives to be better. I don’t want them to live the life we live.”

The video quickly went viral, sparking widespread sympathy and outrage. Many South Africans shared the post, drawing attention not only to Gabela’s situation but also to the broader plight of veteran actors struggling to survive despite years of service to the arts.

Government Response: Minister McKenzie Steps In

Responding to the outcry, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie acknowledged the actor’s predicament, describing it as “extremely sad.” He confirmed that the department is actively addressing Gabela’s situation and promised a full update once assistance has been provided.

On social media platform X, McKenzie thanked citizens for highlighting Gabela’s struggle, emphasizing that the matter is being treated with urgency. While temporary relief is being arranged, McKenzie also indicated that a broader, more sustainable plan to improve the welfare of South Africa’s artists will be announced soon.

The Wider Context: Why Artists Struggle

Gabela’s case is far from isolated. South Africa’s entertainment industry is known for offering fleeting fame but limited financial security. While big productions occasionally make headlines, many actors, musicians, and creatives face unstable incomes, inconsistent work opportunities, and a lack of formal protections.

According to the Performing Arts Workers’ Union of South Africa (PAWUSA), a significant proportion of veteran actors live below the poverty line, despite decades of work in television, theater, and film.

“Many of these artists have spent their lives enriching our culture, yet they have no safety net,” says union spokesperson Nomsa Dlamini. “The system has long failed to provide them with pensions, royalties, or access to consistent work.”

The struggles are particularly pronounced for actors who were prominent during the early years of local television, before formalized contracts and residual structures became more common.

Calls for Legislative Reform

Gabela’s plea has renewed calls for the Performers' Protection Amendment Bill and the Copyright Amendment Bill, designed to safeguard artists’ rights, ensure fair remuneration, and formalize protections for intellectual property.

These bills, however, have faced delays in Parliament, prompting skepticism among performers and the public alike. Some social media users questioned whether each crisis would continue to be addressed reactively, rather than through systemic reform.

Minister McKenzie responded by indicating that a comprehensive plan is in development, aimed at not only providing immediate relief but also ensuring long-term sustainability for artists’ livelihoods.

“We want to make sure artists live better,” McKenzie wrote on X. “This is not about band-aid solutions; a detailed, structural plan is coming soon.”

Personal Stories Beyond Gabela

Gabela is not alone. Veteran actress Thandi Makhubele, known for her work in local theater, shared her experience with financial instability:

“Even after decades in the industry, there were months I couldn’t afford basic necessities. Fame never paid my bills. Support structures are urgently needed.”

Similarly, retired television actor Sipho Ndlovu, who appeared in multiple soap operas in the early 2000s, notes that many creatives are forced to take unrelated jobs to survive.

“You see these actors on screen and think they’re living well. But behind the scenes, many struggle quietly. Gabela’s story resonates with so many of us.”

The Cultural Significance of Protecting Artists

South Africa’s creative industry is more than entertainment—it is a cultural lifeline. Television, film, and theater play vital roles in shaping national identity, reflecting social realities, and providing avenues for public discourse.

Without proper support for artists, the cultural fabric suffers. Young performers may be discouraged from pursuing creative careers, fearing instability and neglect. Structural reforms, therefore, are not only about fairness—they are about sustaining the nation’s cultural legacy.

Analysis: Why Social Media Amplifies Stories Like Gabela’s

Experts note that social media has become a powerful platform for exposing systemic inequalities. Dr. Lindiwe Moyo, a media studies lecturer at the University of Johannesburg, explains:

“Platforms like X and TikTok give marginalized voices visibility. When Gabela shared his story, it wasn’t just about an individual—it highlighted a recurring pattern of neglect in the arts sector. The viral nature of the post forced authorities to respond.”

Indeed, public pressure has often prompted faster government action than formal channels alone. This dynamic underscores the evolving relationship between citizens, artists, and policymakers in the digital age.

Looking Ahead: A Comprehensive Plan for Artists

Minister McKenzie has promised that the department will roll out a detailed plan to address artists’ welfare. While specifics remain under wraps, analysts suggest the plan may include:

  • Direct financial support for veteran performers

  • Streamlined access to health care and housing assistance

  • Implementation of royalties and copyright protections for television and film work

  • Ongoing professional development and employment programs

Should these initiatives succeed, they could set a benchmark for valuing creative labor and securing livelihoods for South Africa’s cultural workers.

Public Reaction: Outpouring of Support

Since the release of Gabela’s video, social media has been flooded with messages of empathy, donations, and calls for reform. Hashtags supporting performers’ rights trended for days, reflecting a widespread public acknowledgment of the industry’s gaps.

Many fans and fellow creatives emphasize that structural solutions, rather than one-off interventions, are necessary to prevent similar crises in the future.

Conclusion: Beyond a Single Story

Glen Gabela’s viral plea is more than a call for personal help—it is a reflection of the broader systemic challenges facing South Africa’s creative community. While government intervention provides temporary relief, it is the forthcoming comprehensive plan and legislative reforms that hold the potential for lasting change.

As South Africa grapples with the question of how to support its cultural heroes, Gabela’s story serves as a reminder that the value of creative work extends far beyond what is visible on screen. Ensuring that performers live with dignity is not just an act of fairness—it is an investment in the nation’s cultural soul.

Read also...Unemployment in South Africa: Can the Government Really Fix It — or Is the Real Power with the People?

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