Life after the limelight isn’t always easy, and for legendary actor Roderick Jaftha, best known for his iconic role as Glen Majozi in Generations, the transition has been tough.
The actor, who was once a familiar face on South African television, is now facing financial challenges and is reaching out to the public for help.
A Cry for Help: “I Can’t Pay Rent”
According to Zimoja, Jaftha, who has also appeared in Rhythm City, is struggling to make ends meet.
Despite being a seasoned actor, he is unable to afford R2500 in rent for the single room he and his family of six live in.
“I am struggling to pay rent.
I have small kids, and two of them are still at school,” he shared, highlighting the harsh reality he currently faces.
Roderick revealed that he has been surviving on the kindness of friends and family members, who have helped provide food for his children.
His acting gigs have been few and far between, and even when they come, they are not enough to support his family.
“Since I only speak Afrikaans and English, it is hard for me to get those roles.
I have been getting gigs, but nothing significant,” he added.
Reaching Out for Support
Jaftha has reached out to prominent figures in South Africa in search of assistance.
He even sent an email to Minister Gayton MacKenzie but has yet to receive a response.
When asked why he hasn’t approached Generations creator Mfundi Vundla for help, Jaftha explained that his relationship with Vundla had not been the best, making it difficult for him to seek support from that avenue.
South Africans Show Their Sympathy
Upon hearing about Jaftha’s situation, many South Africans took to social media to express their support and sympathy for the actor.
Comments poured in, with people lamenting the challenges that the entertainment industry is currently facing.
One user wrote, “Our people are struggling. It’s really sad.
This industry is not doing great generally. Kunzima,” reflecting the broader struggles faced by many performers.
Another added, “It’s getting bad by the day. I left entertainment, and I’ve never been so happy.”
The sentiment echoed a harsh reality that very few actors, not just in South Africa, are able to manage their lives financially without additional support.
The Weight of Stress and Despair
Jaftha’s current situation isn’t entirely new. Back in 2017, he opened up about the struggles he had already faced in an interview with TshisaLIVE.
The actor, who had appeared on Rhythm City at the time, described how stress and despair had taken a toll on his health, leading to a drastic change in his appearance.
He was quick to clarify that it wasn’t drugs or alcohol that led to this transformation, but rather the emotional strain of being unemployed for over three years.
He also mentioned that while people assumed he fell into a downward spiral after leaving Generations, that wasn’t the case.
He continued to work in smaller productions like Villa Rosa, where he portrayed Dr. Anthony Jackson. However, these roles were not enough to sustain him once those shows were discontinued.
What’s Next for Jaftha?
As Jaftha continues to face financial difficulties, the future remains uncertain.
His story serves as a reminder of the challenges actors often face when the cameras stop rolling.
While he holds out hope for more stable opportunities, his immediate focus is on finding a way to support his family during this tough time.