He is best known for playing the role of a young Shaka Zulu at age 15 to 19 in the 1986 award-winning television mini-series Shaka. With a long list of other roles, including Doubt, Erfsonders, Hopeville, Yizo Yizo and My Brothers's Keeper. Seasoned actor Glen Gabela, although celebrated, has had a tough time trying to make ends meet.

HEADHUNTED

His recent role is that of Pastor Mdletshe on has recently on of the most popular shows on the small screen, Uzalo. He recently opened up about being headhunted for the part and was said to have been promised a permanent role; however, his contract was terminated near the end of the fourth season. 

LETTING GO

After losing his job, he said, he was down and out, surviving on the government social grant, his car repossessed by the bank, and evicted from his home. "My bank froze all of my accounts.  My car was repossessed, and my apartment was locked," he said. "I used to send money for the upkeep of my daughter. But her mother, whom I was divorced from when I lost the contract, said she would raise her by herself," he added. He said he still longs to fix his relationship with his daughter, as the mom has now passed away. Despite the challenges, he has picked up the pieces and is currently running acting workshops and needs funding.