South African actor Glen Gabela is living proof that even after life’s darkest storms, hope can rise again.
Once celebrated on television screens across the country, Gabela’s life took a painful turn marked by loss, rejection, and deep hardship.
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But today, the veteran star said his comeback is driven by faith, resilience, and the kindness of ordinary South Africans.
Speaking to Daily Sun on Friday, 9 January at Ethnic Restaurant and Lounge in Eden Glen, Edenvale, Ekurhuleni, Gabela said he has “seen it all” but believes his life is now entering a brighter chapter.
“There’s a second chance in life. I’ve been down and out, but now things are slowly changing for the better,” he said.
Gabela opened up about the lowest point in his life: losing his mum, who passed away years ago, and his daughter, who left him to go back to her mum, while he was struggling with unemployment and depression
“After my mum passed away years ago, and my daughter left to leave with her mum, I was left alone. I found myself in a desert. I couldn’t even make a living for myself,” he said.
At his worst, the actor survived on about R400, relying on small contributions from family members.
“I was down in the dumps. I hated depression. There were moments when I felt completely alone, like there was no future for me,” he said.
It is fellow artists and colleagues who found him at his lowest and helped him speak out.
“They came to visit me and saw my situation. That’s when they encouraged me to voice out what I was going through. We recorded it, and South Africans responded. I’ll always be grateful for that,” he said.
Gabela said a turning point came when he met a pastor who is also a businessman, who believed in his talent and vision.
“We sat down and spoke about how to move forward. For the first time in years, I felt hope again,” he said.
With support from businesspeople and well-wishers, Gabela has now secured a small production budget and is working on two short films.
“We started 2026 with hope. I’m preparing to shoot my first short film, and from the worst times, things are finally turning for the best,” he said.
Raised by a single mum, Gabela once aspired to become a medical doctor, but financial hardship forced him to drop out after his first year at varsity.
“My mother didn’t have enough funds to send me back. I had to find another way to survive,” Gabela said.
Through boxing and modelling, he landed an audition at the SABC, where his boxing skills set him apart.
“They were looking for a boxer. I used to spar with the late Dingaan Thobela as an amateur. That’s how I landed my first big role,” he said.
His breakthrough came when legendary director Bill Fourie spotted him and hand-picked him to play Shaka.
“That’s how I played a role in Shaka. We went to KZN and shot the film. My life changed,” he said.
As his career grew, so did the challenges, eventually being released from major productions, including Uzalo.
“When my contract was terminated, everything fell apart. I was out of work, my mother was sick, and my daughter was still in school. I had no money. I was flat on my back,” he said.
After three months recovering from depression, he discovered writing.
“I truly believe God had a hand in my release, because that’s when I discovered another gift, writing,” he said.
Gabela has written more than 21 scripts for film and television.
“The challenge was always funding. But now, doors are opening. I’ve teamed up with a businessman, Andile Mjodo of Givers of Love Centre, who is willing to help me turn my life around,” he said.
“My story is not over. I’m grateful to every South African who helped me when I had nothing. This second chance means everything to me.”
Gabela understands why many actors suffer in silence.
“Many of my colleagues are scared to voice out their challenges. The fear is that once you speak the truth, you get blacklisted and no production company will ever hire you again,” Gabela said.
“Right now, I’m in a different space. I’m a creative with power in my hands. I’ve written 21 scripts for film and television, and that gives me a voice. I’m ready to take the fight to the entertainment sector in South Africa.”
His mission goes beyond acting.
“This is not just about actors. Musicians are also affected. I want to take the lead in exposing corruption in the industry, things that need to be addressed and corrected.”
“I speak openly and honestly from the heart. If people hate me, let them hate me for telling the truth,” he said.
Gabela is preparing to shoot two short films in KZN.
“Once we finalise and sign the contracts with businessman Andile Mjodo, who is now my partner, we will move straight into production,” he said.
One of his biggest goals is bringing forgotten legends back into the spotlight.
“I’m trying to revive the careers of veteran actors who are no longer being used by the industry. When I write, I create characters for specific actors, people I’ve worked with before and respect deeply,” he said.
“These are legendary actors. They deserve dignity, respect, and opportunities. Everything is falling into place. In the next few months, cameras will be rolling.”
Businessman Mjodo confirmed the partnership, saying Gabela will lecture in acting at their centre.
ALSO READ | Financial issues hit actor Glen Gabela hard
“Papa Glen will be teaching the acting side. He has deep experience in the industry, and it’s important that he passes that knowledge on to the next generation,” Mjodo said.
“We are entering a deep and beautiful collaboration. Glen will lecture on both music and acting, and we are also strengthening our music department as part of this partnership.”
