Former “Isibaya” actress Gcina Mkhize has revealed that she is not coping with the lack of job opportunities in the South African television and film industry.
In a video message circulated on social media, the former “Gaz’lam actress revealed that she has not worked in months, and claimed that her landlord is taking advantage of her and her children.
In what looks like a home with a broken front door, the actress lamented the state of the property, which she said belongs to her, but claimed there is a new owner who has newer papers than her.
“Good morning, South Africa. As you can see I slept in this house with only a curtain acting as my door. My safety and that of my children is compromised.
“I lay awake, asking myself what can happen in the middle of the night when my home is like this, because anyone can just step inside and do as they please. I need your help, people of South Africa. Anyone who can help is welcome,” she said in the video.
The actress, who has acted in various television productions, said the kind of help doesn’t matter, as her situation has become dire ever since she was blacklisted by the industry. And with no acting gigs coming her way, her children were also “starving”, she added.
It is not clear whether she rents or owns the property, but she claimed the electricity has been cut off by the person who claims to now own the property.
“Our electricity connection has been cut off by this guy. I can’t even recharge my phone as I am using prepaid electricity.
“We need to be connected to the outside world. We don’t have any resources and we need the help of law enforcement agencies to help us.
“We need food, and I am a single mom. But I will not vacate this room, because what this person wants to do is constructive eviction. I will not allow him. He must use the courts so that I too can speak up for myself,” she said.
As an actress, Mkhize said she has found herself unable to work for reasons she too does not know.
“As an artist, I have become an actress who is not being hired. Those who own the industry know why they are not hiring me.
“I have no income and my situation is difficult, which is why I am pleading with anyone who can help to help me.
“All my beads and material to make jewellery were taken by this man … Me and my children are being victimised on a daily basis,” she claimed.
The Star