Actor Siyabonga Radebe reportedly broke and facing mental illness

by Nomonde Simelane

After dominating mzansi’s comedy and film industry, the multi-award-winning Siyabonga Radebe has allegedly found himself down and out as he not only reportedly faces financial trouble, but also some mental illness as well.

Siyabonga is an actor, singer, writer, stand-up comedian and director. His acting career began in theatre, where he was part of plays like Blacks Like Me and  Cheap Show, and went on to make his big screen debut in 2005 when he portrayed Benjy on a popular show called Home Affairs.

This role opened many doors and opportunities for the Durban-native, as he went on to play a myriad of significant characters, separate himself from his peers, and went on to become a household name at some point. He took on roles such as Muzi in Intersexions, Xolani Mthembu on Generations, Phakamani Makhoba on Saints and Sinners, Gazini on Ring of Lies, and many more.

Siyabonga also dabbled in the music industry, releasing two songs by the name of Maye, which was dedicated to the mother of his daughter, and Nkanyezi, which was an ode to his daughter. He also released his debut album in 2018, titled Release Therapy.

Unfortunately, his career was not without scandals. The media personality faced the wrath of the law in 2018 for his involvement in a collision in Ntuzuma, where he was arrested for drunk driving, as reported by Drum. According to publications such as The South African and The Sun, the actor was admitted to a mental health facility in Durban. His family revealed that his concerning behaviour was a result of feeling rejected by the industry that once loved and adored him.

Recently, a video shared by his friend, Wonga Ndlovu, has quickly made rounds on social media, as fans express concern for his mental and physical health. After experiencing some setbacks, it appears he has not been able to bounce back, both financially and mentally.

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