Actor Vusi Thanda, who is having financial difficulty, asserts that SABC owes him royalties.

A video clip showing Thanda asking for donations touched social media users when it went viral on Thursday.The 71-year-old showed his bank card and gave details.

 

The veteran actor said it was when he got a “hard knock” on his door this week and the landlord told him to vacate his flat that he realised he has no choice but to speak up and ask for help.

“From January to December 2021, I was lying flat in bed … I was very sick. The doctors couldn’t help me. They thought I had Covid. I tested several times and each time the test came back negative. They later established that I have sugar diabetes.

He shot to fame playing Tshawe in the SABC1 sitcom Emzini Wezinsizwa in the 1990s. He also featured on the Mzansi Magic telenovela The Queen.

He also featured on the Mzansi Magic telenovela The Queen.When news of his struggle broke, many fans sympathised and made contributions.

Thanda blamed allegedly unpaid royalties, sickness and the Covid-19 crisis.“I used to receive royalties from the SABC,” Thanda said.

“But they stopped and I don’t know why. All attempts to get clarity failed.”SABC spokesperson Mmoni Seapolelo needed to check the records to verify the claims during office hours. “We will contact you next week,” she said.

Thanda said his health improved in May and he was now ready for new opportunities.“I’m looking forward to bouncing back,” he said, thanking fans for their support.