Former Generations actor Roderick Jaftha, best known for his role as Glen Majozi on the popular soapie, has issued a public plea for financial assistance, revealing a desperate struggle to provide for his family.
Jaftha shared his plight with Zimoja, painting a stark picture of his current circumstances: "I don't even have food for my kids today, so I'm trying to run around."
The situation has worsened significantly since his wife lost her job, leaving him reliant on sporadic handouts from friends and family. He detailed the immense pressure he faces: "I am struggling to pay rent. I have small kids, and two of them are still at school."
The actor's difficulties extend beyond simply covering daily expenses. He explained the challenges he faces in securing consistent acting work: "I have been getting gigs, but nothing significant," he said, adding, "Since I only speak Afrikaans and English, it is hard for me to get those roles. Most productions that have been shot are in vernac'."
Even the R2,500 monthly rent for their single room represents an insurmountable hurdle.
Jaftha's attempts to secure assistance through official channels have, so far, proved unsuccessful. He revealed that he contacted Minister of Sports, Art & Culture Gayton MacKenzie a fortnight ago, seeking help, but has yet to receive a response from the department.
Fortunately, a helping hand emerged in the form of Masingita Masunga, who shared Jaftha's story on her Facebook page.
Masunga’s post, shared on Heritage Day, highlighted the actor's dire circumstances: "#HeritageMonth I write purely from the heart. Sometimes, like today, I feel under the weather or I am having personal issues, so I go deeper and let my purpose take control of my feelings instead.
Whenever I force myself to write, someone gets in touch with me or finds inspiration in what I have written. This is one of those days, and former Generation actor Roderick Jaftha, also known as Glen Majozi, is among those who have found inspiration in my posts. He is facing extreme hardship. He does not even have food to eat, and he has young children.
"Please get his account number by contacting 0665530535 if you would like to help. We are dealing with people's lives, and there are children involved, so please keep your opinions to yourself if you are unable to assist or have anything constructive to say. He asked for assistance on my page, so I have his permission to share. May the spirit of Ubuntu triumph!"
Responding to the outpouring of support following Masunga's post, Jaftha expressed the depth of his family's suffering: "I'm experiencing that pain right now. It's even worse for the kids."
When asked why he hadn't approached Generations creator Mfundi Vundla for work, Jaftha explained that their relationship wasn't strong enough to warrant such an approach.
Jaftha's story highlights the precarious financial situation many actors face, particularly those whose careers haven't reached the highest echelons of success. The lack of consistent work, coupled with the language barriers he faces in accessing a wider range of roles, has created a perfect storm of hardship for him and his family.
