Veteran South African actor Roderick Jaftha, known for his role in the beloved soap opera Generations, has broken his silence about a period of deep personal struggle that nearly brought his life to a tragic end.
On April 1st, Roderick took to social media in a cryptic yet emotionally charged post where he hinted at feelings of hopelessness, isolation, and even suicidal thoughts. The post shocked many fans who remembered him from his charismatic television appearances, revealing the harsh reality behind the spotlight that many entertainers face in silence.
“As bitter as things are at the minute, I think the wheel is slowly turning,” he wrote in a later update. “Suddenly I’m getting offers. It will take a while, but the sun is slowly peeking its head above the clouds.”
Roderick Jaftha
A Helping Hand from the RISE abOVEnormal Foundation
After his vulnerable message went viral, help came in the form of the RISE abOVEnormal Foundation, founded by inspirational speaker and disability rights advocate Masingita Masunga. The foundation stepped in quickly to assist the actor, providing him with groceries and rallying community support for donations.
Their intervention played a crucial role in Jaftha’s emotional and physical recovery, proving once again the power of community and empathy in a world where mental health challenges are often overlooked — especially in the entertainment industry.
“It’s OK to struggle,” Jaftha later shared. “It’s not unusual. It’s not OK and certainly harder when you have kids.”
A New Chapter with Red Zone
Roderick has since found a new opportunity in ETV’s drama series Red Zone, marking the beginning of what he hopes is a turnaround in his career and life. Though he admits the journey ahead is far from easy, he remains hopeful that the darkest days are behind him.
In his recent post, he reflected with cautious optimism, acknowledging the slow but steady return of work offers and recognition. While rebuilding takes time, his voice remains one of strength and resilience.
The Forgotten Artist
Beyond his personal story, Jaftha used his platform to reflect on the systemic neglect of artists and entertainers in South Africa. In a powerful written reflection, he painted a bleak picture of the challenges facing the creative community.
“As time passed, those whose job it was to entertain, were neglected. They were paid a mere pittance and their pleas for recognition fell on deaf ears,” he wrote. “And those who ruled, appointed in the appropriate portfolios, men and women who knew little to nothing of the workings of the entertainer. Worse yet, it seemed, they had no desire to learn.”
He mourned the disintegration of support for the arts, describing a dystopian future where music, theatre, television, and art no longer existed — a world without joy, storytelling, or emotional expression.
“They gave up altogether. They simply stopped caring themselves, choosing to accept the inevitable… No more television after a long, hard day. No discussions around the water cooler about the latest hit… No music, no paintings, no dance recitals. The world became a bleak place.”
Jaftha’s reflection serves as a stark reminder of the importance of valuing artists not only for their craft but for their contribution to the human experience.
Moving Forward
While he continues to face challenges, Roderick Jaftha’s courage in sharing his story has sparked much-needed conversations around mental health, artist support, and community upliftment. His journey is one of resilience — not only returning to the screen but also advocating for a future where entertainers are seen, heard, and supported.
For fans and fellow creatives alike, his story is a beacon of hope, a reminder that it’s okay to fall — as long as you keep fighting to rise again.
