Thespian uTata Vusi Thanda has responded to inquiries about his circumstances after this week’s viral video of him appealing for financial support.
The “Emzini Wezinsizwa” performer begs for help in a video clip that has been going viral on social media.
“My name is Vusumzi A Thanda, and Capitec is where I bank. I want to express my gratitude to everyone who heard my message and took action. This is my bank card with my account information; may you do the same to other individuals as well,” Thanda stated in an emotional video.
Tata uThanda said in an interview with IOL Entertainment that creating the video was the most difficult but boldest thing he had ever done.
This past Tuesday, when I was reading in bed, my door was pounded repeatedly. The proprietors of this apartment were there when I opened the door. They claimed to be here to remove me, he said.
When his son’s school contacted to tell him he was being expelled because of unpaid tuition, Thanda said he was still trying to come to terms with the possibility that his family would be homeless.
“I went to my kid’s school, and they told me that they didn’t want my son there because we didn’t have the money. I then realised I had to act. When I ran into the person who assisted me later, she suggested that I go to the department of arts and culture, but they refused to assist me.
“What about your royalties at the SABC?” she then questioned. She went to the SABC, but I couldn’t find any money there. She then suggested that they use Facebook to appeal to South Africans, which is how the video was created, he added.
According to Thanda, he was given a diabetes diagnosis in October 2020, but when he became really ill, everyone mistakenly believed he had Covid-19.
Thanda remarked, “I believed I was going to die.
In less than 24 hours after the video’s publication, the former “The Queen” actor said he got a lot of abuse and condemnation from friends, coworkers, and even his family.
The seasoned actor said he realised he had speak out and seek for assistance after receiving a “strong tap” on his door last week and being instructed by his landlord to leave his apartment.
I was flat in bed from January to December 2021. I was in bad shape. My physicians were unable to assist me. They believed that I had Covid. I conducted many tests, and each time the results were negative. I was eventually diagnosed with sugar diabetes.
Even Shona Ferguson came to get me and urged that I be tested since I was working at “The Queen” (at the time). and I was unfavourable. That Shona, may his soul rest in peace, had to pass away from Covid hurts me.
“I battled for my life because I didn’t want to succumb to death.
“I was remained unwell from January to May of 2022, and this had a terrible impact on my job. My children were going hungry, I didn’t have any money in my account, and I wasn’t working.
“Things were pretty tough for us. I was unable to make rent. My youngest son, who is doing matric this year, needed to pay school fees, but I was unable to.
“We were warned that I am elderly, and I may have Covid,” he claimed, “so when I wanted to go to work, my agency couldn’t find job.”
The social media success of Tata uThanda’s video caught the attention of actress and TV anchor Pearl Thusi.
“This is very painful,” Thusi said in the description of the video she posted to Instagram. Artists who have long delighted and inspired us are now pleading for assistance. Let’s help, please.
“What’s worse is that artists can’t join together and fight this because we’re so divided, and yet the SABC continues to undermine artists while they continue to earn money “in perpetuity,” she said. Change is required.
Local celebrities such as “Expresso Morning Show” host Katlego Maboe, rapper YangaChief, actors from “The Wife,” “Bulletproof,” and “The Wife,” Linda Majola, Thapelo Mokoena, model and entrepreneur Maps Maponyane, and actors from “Black Door,” Sthembiso Sk Khoza, all agreed with Thusi and urged everyone to lend a helping hand.
Tata uThanda wrapped up by adding that he is grateful for the love and support he has so far gotten, despite the criticism he has received on social media.
He continued by expressing his desire to return to acting, which is what he does best, and he pleaded with producers to allow him the opportunity to show off his skills.
SABC was contacted by IOL Entertainment for a comment, but none had been returned at the time of publication.