Glen Gabela
Glen Gabela | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Actor |
| Known for | Shaka Zulu (1986), Uzalo (as Pastor Melusi "Mdletshe") |
Glen Gabela is a South African actor whose screen career has spanned film, television and theatre. He is best known for portraying the teenage Shaka in the 1986 mini-series Shaka Zulu and for his recurring role as Pastor Melusi "Mdletshe" on the South African soap opera Uzalo.[1]
Career
Gabela first gained wide recognition for playing Shaka (age 15–19) in the mini-series Shaka Zulu (1986).
He has appeared in numerous South African television productions over several decades, with credits including roles in Generations, Isidingo, Backstage,Yizo Yizo (as Motseki), Intersexions, Hopeville and Soul Buddyz.[1]
Gabela is widely identified with his role as Pastor Melusi "Mdletshe" on Uzalo, a role he originally played and returned to in subsequent seasons according to television listings and press coverage.[2]
His screen film credits include features and television films such as Okavango (1989), Warriors from Hell (1990), The Ghost and the Darkness (1996) and Red Dust (2004), together with various local productions and television movies.[1]
Gabela has also performed on stage and has been credited in theatre productions such as Somdaka.[1]
Personal life and recent developments
From 2024–2025 a number of South African news outlets reported that Gabela faced significant financial and health challenges. Press coverage in March 2025 reported that he had been evicted or forced to leave his home amid financial difficulties.[3]
In August 2025 multiple outlets reported on a video in which Gabela appealed for help, describing difficult living conditions and stating he "doesn't need to be rich" but only to "live a decent life." Reports from August 2025 also state that he suffered a heart attack and has been treated for depression; those articles describe his medical treatment and his public appeal for assistance.[4][5][6]
Earlier interviews and reports quoted Gabela expressing frustration about the impact that leaving Uzalo had on his career, saying that the end of his run on the show negatively affected his livelihood and opportunities.[7]
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Shaka Zulu (miniseries) | Shaka (ages 15–19) |
| 1989–2004 | Okavango, Warriors from Hell, Ghost and the Darkness, Soldiers of the Rock, Red Dust | Various film roles |
| 1994–2006 | Guns of Honour, Score, The Good Fight | TV films |
| 2009 | Hopeville (mini-series) | Pastor Solomon |
| (Various) | Generations, Isidingo, Backstage, Justice For All, Molo Fish | Supporting roles |
| (Various) | Doubt, Erfsondes, Intersexions, Izingane zoBaba, Jacob’s Cross, My Brother’s Keeper, Remix, Soul Buddyz | Various roles |
| Yizo Yizo S3 | Motseki | Supporting role |
| Uzalo S3–S10 | Pastor Melusi Mdletshe | Recurring role across seasons |
Reception and legacy
Gabela's early screen presence, particularly in Shaka Zulu, established him as a recognisable figure in South African television and film. His later public appeals and press coverage about health and financial hardship have prompted public discussion about support for veteran actors in South Africa.[8]
References
- ^ a b c d "Glen Gabela - TVSA". TVSA. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ "Uzalo: Glen Gabela returns as Pastor Mdletshe". Savanna News. October 2020. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ "Former Uzalo actor Glen Gabela kicked out of his home amid financial troubles". iMzansi. March 2025. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ "WATCH: 'I don't need to be rich, I just need to live a decent life' — destitute actor Glen Gabela cries out for help". TimesLIVE. 14 August 2025. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ "Former Uzalo actor Glen Gabela asks for donations after heart attack, depression". Briefly. 13 August 2025. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ "Destitute 'Uzalo' actor Glen Gabela battles depression and heart attack". Sunday World. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ "Legendary actor Glen Gabela says Uzalo destroyed his life". Sunday World. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ "WATCH: 'I don't need to be rich...' — destitute actor Glen Gabela cries out for help". TimesLIVE. 14 August 2025. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
External links
- Glen Gabela at IMDb
- Glen Gabela at TVSA