Government is waiting for Carlo Radebe to die – Eugene Mthethwa

Filmmaker and life coach BI Phakathi has vowed to help struggling thespian Carlo Radebe, who is said to be surviving on the government’s R350 grant.

A social media post revealed this week that Radebe, who is a well-known actor and voice-over artist, was in desperate need of assistance.

According to the post, written by Mauritz Neethling, Radebe was also affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and has been unable to get back on his feet and find work.

“Unfortunately for Carlo, he has not been able to get back on his feet and currently finds himself in a situation where he is struggling to sustain himself,” wrote Neethling.

“Evicted from his former residence, he is currently residing in the back of a remote smallholding outside Johannesburg.”

Neethling further stated that Radebe has been struggling to get back on the casting agents’ radar, send audition videos, feed himself, or have access to phone calls and data to receive e-mails.

Free him from this dark tomb

“I ask [with his permission] that you find it in your heart to help in whatever way or form you can to help this talented man regain some dignity and free him from this dark tomb he finds himself in.

“If you are able to donate money, time, airtime, closer accommodation [maybe someone has a granny flat closer to Joburg], or even just to share this post with someone you think could help with possible work or even just a foot in the door to be able to work again, please find it in your heart to do so.”

Radebe is well-known for his roles in Backstage, where he played the role of Duke, How to Steal 2 Million, Sew the Winter to My Skin, and many other film and television roles.

Taking to X on Wednesday, Phakathi asked netizens to provide him with Radebe’s contact details in order to offer help.

Arts minister called out

Actor Zola Hashatsi called out Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa and asked him and his department to assist Radebe.

In his response to Hashatsi, Eugene Mthethwa of the popular kwaito group, Trompies, said the government is waiting for Radebe to die before doing something.

“They are waiting for him to die first, then they will find more reasons to approve funding for catering and a marquee in order to get a platform to come and speak at his funeral about how important he was as an example to the younger generations,” said Mthethwa.