Johannesburg: A familiar face from South African television screens, Carlo Radebe, known for his iconic role as Duke Ngcobo in the popular e.tv series Backstage, is facing a difficult reality. The veteran actor, who has graced our screens for years, is now pleading for assistance, revealing a heartbreaking struggle to make ends meet.
Radebe, who has also appeared in other productions like iNumber Number, Generations, and How To Steal 2-Million, first made headlines in April when reports surfaced that he was allegedly destitute. Now, in a heartfelt message on his Facebook page, he has reached out to his fans and the public, asking for support as he continues to battle financial hardship.
"Happy Monday to you all. Spring is in the air. Letting you know as my fans that I am still holding onto my game with dogged determination, waiting for the dam to burst and for work to start rolling my way before the year is over. Been nearly three years without work. Nothing lasts forever. The winter of my discontent is surely at its end with promise of work as the year comes to its end," he wrote.
However, Radebe's optimism is tinged with a sense of urgency. He reveals that he has run out of the donations he received in April, which only lasted him four days. He also details a series of broken promises that have left him feeling stranded and desperate.
"Kindly putting my hand on your heart to boost me one more time with any donation to my account for me to survive my 11th hour at the gate. [I] Have run out of your kind donations I received in April for only four days. Funds I had been receiving were stopped after being promised a job that was never confirmed with me or my agent and an offer for a place to live. All this hype was never confirmed and had me tossed to the wind with no apology or follow-up," he wrote.
"I have been stranded, left broke since beginning of June to fend for myself while I wait for work that was due to shoot before the elections. Inthliziyo yami ibuhlungu kabi ngoku hlukumezwa nge themba elingekho namanga alihlaza. Basuthi labantu labakhona bafike badlale nge mpilo yami ngathi ngiyi popayi. Ngicela uncendo Mzansi ukuthi umsembenzi ungifice ngi phakeme nginendawo yokuhlala ngiphephile. Kuzophela lobuhlungu with your love ukuthi ngibambezele. Hoping my plea finds you alive and well and looking forward to having me back on your screens. I wish you nothing but the best that life gives back."
Radebe's plea is a reminder of the precarious reality faced by many artists in the entertainment industry, especially those who rely on consistent work. The lack of steady income can leave them vulnerable, and the promise of future work can be a fragile hope that can easily shatter.
Radebe's heartfelt message is a call for compassion and support. He is a talented actor who has contributed significantly to the South African entertainment landscape. His current situation highlights the need for greater support for artists, particularly those who have dedicated their lives to enriching our cultural landscape.
Radebe's account details are as follows: Capitec Bank/Account holder — Mr LC Radebe/Savings account/Account number 1320756954/Branch code 470010.
