Sayitsheni Simon Mdakhi, a former Isibaya actor, is attempting to make a life after the drama ended.
On Isibaya, he co-starred with actress Linda Sebezo as Saddam. He is also well-known for his role as Speshil in the Rhythm City e.tv serial series. He has appeared on series such as Yizo Yizo, Tsha Tsha, and Home Affairs.
A close friend of the actor, who also makes films, says that Simon was fired during the lockdown in order to support for his family.
“There’s nothing wrong with driving Bolt or Uber. He is a father, he needs to make ends meet. Anyone can be a driver. You can finish your office job and drive after hours until midnight, sleep, and go to work,” he says.
“Times were tough, productions were not working, he had a car and it only made sense that he started driving. It also meant that he could be outside and have a permit. That is what a man does, take charge of his life and not make excuses about unemployment. I commend my friend for doing what he needed to do.”
“It’s tough for us in this industry, people recognize you, they stare and feel entitled to you. But Sayitsheni doesn’t have the celebrity mentality, so he does as he pleases, as long as he takes care of his family.”