The effects of Covid-19 have had dire consequences on former poster boy and film star, Carlo Radebe. The former Backstage and Generations star is not only facing financial challenges but he is also homeless. 

This was revealed by Radebe's friend, Mauritz Neethling who shared the news on social media, pleading for help for the talented actor. In the post, Neethling said he got permission from Radebe who is in dire financial need. According to Neethling's post, Radebe now survives on the R350 social relief of distress grant. "Relying on a government grant of only R350 per month you can understand that this no way to afford him the means to get himself out there and back on casting agents' radar and to let him send video audition clips let alone to feed himself or even take phone calls or have data to send or receive emails," Neethling wrote. Radebe, who played the feared Duke Ngcobo on Backstage, has lost everything he has worked for since he started acting after graduating from the former Pretoria Technikon in 1995. Having started in theatre in 1996 with the play Hang On Nelson, which saw him go on a Norwegian Tour the same way, Radebe became a household name on TV, and also appeared on several movies like How To Steal Two Million. 

Neethling wrote on his Facebook page: "It is with great sadness and empathy that I would like to appeal to your kindheartedness to help a friend who is currently not able to help himself and finds himself in a dark and hopeless situation. Carlo Radebe is in desperate need of some assistance. As for many of us Covid was a really difficult time especially for those working in the arts and film and television industry. Unfortunately for Carlo, he has not been able to get back on his feet, and currently finds himself in a situation where he is struggling to sustain himself," He also said that the thespian was evicted from his former residence, and he is currently residing in the back of a remote smallholding outside Johannesburg. Neethling has even provided Radebe's banking details in case people want to donate for him. "I ask (with his permission) that you find it in your heart to help in whatever way or form you can to help this talented man regain some dignity and free him from this dark tomb he finds himself in," he added. The friend pleaded with the public to donate money, time, airtime, accommodation around Joburg and work. Efforts to reach Radebe proved fruitless as his phone went straight to voicemail.