Former ‘Generations: The Legacy’ Star Ronnie Nyakale Reveals Why He Became an Uber Driver

• Ronnie Nyakale recently opened up about what made him start a career as an Uber driver
• The former Generations: The Legacy actor, famous for his role as Cosmo, said he had debts and responsibilities, and that the industry wasn't paying him enough money
• This comes after several stars came forward pleading for donations, with social media praising Nyakale for being proactive in changing his financial situation

Ronnie Nyakale shared why he became an Uber driver despite being one of the most celebrated actors in South Africa.

His e-hailing gig first caught online attention when a social media user requested a ride on Bolt (formerly Taxify) and Nyakale accepted the trip.

Famous for his role as Cosmo Diale on Generations: The Legacy, Nyakale revealed on 8 August 2025 in an interview on Old Mutual On The Money that he had to step up:

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"I needed extra cash so that I could patch up some loose ends; extra cash to help me repay my debts. I'm an embarrassment now. It's heartbreaking that I've put myself in this position, but I have to hustle. When I do my calculations, my salary is no longer enough. I have to get more money."

Aware of how fans and the public might react to his side hustle, the actor reminded viewers that the "abantu bazothini syndrome" (the fear of what other people will say or think) would get him nowhere:

"You will starve if you concern yourself with what people are going to say. Your child will go to school with an empty stomach because you're bothered by what people are saying."

With the growing number of celebrities falling on hard times due to poor finances, it's clear that the industry gives little to no support for its stars. Many fans admired Nyakale's proactive approach to changing his financial situation.

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Here's how social media reacted to Ronnie Nyakale's story

Social media users admired Ronnie Nyakale's courage to swallow his pride and hustle despite being a famous celebrity:

GamingNaRoli said:

"That mindset of 'What will people say?' doesn't matter because even they have their own issues/problems/challenges, it's going to say will set you back. Make a plan and go do what you have to do."

Sbu_kaMahlangu wrote:

"Nothing is embarrassing about Uber. There’s good money there. It beats doing nothing."

officialsirlu praised Ronnie Nyakale:

"People's views and opinions don't help put food on that table or pay your bills. I applaud him for fighting poverty."

esbhawini added:

"He's one in a million, and most celebrities can't follow his lead because basaba ukuthi abantu bazothini, so they choose to starve and be beggars rather than to hustle."

Meanwhile, some criticized other celebrities for seeking donations without exploring other ways to earn money.

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This comes after actors like Glen Gabela and the late Nandi Nyembe, who appealed to the public for financial assistance during tough times.

Sadmethod said:

"While Cosmo is busy doing Uber, some celebrities are busy asking for donations."

LusandaTunzi threw shade:

"Why have people normalised donating money to all of these artists? Life is difficult; you can’t be living in fantasy and expect to get money even when you aren’t working hard for it. You chose that path."

Ntokozo80606381 added:

"He is real. The problem with most actors pretending to be rich at that time, acting does not pay that much. Black actors live fake lives."

On the other hand, online users sympathised with stars who are experiencing hardship and called out the industry:

Shadaya_Knight cleared the speculation:

"Why are most South African actors broke? It's not mismanagement of money as most think. Rather, it's underpayment from the TV and film industry."

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IndiphileG86656 asked:

"The bigger question here is why an actor of his stature is not getting paid enough to the point he has to hustle for extra cash?"

philani_donald posted:

"I recall how people used to criticise celebrities for performing multiple roles, influencing, presenting, and acting. I hope they now realise that being multiskilled is necessary in this industry."

Somizi Mhlongo gets humbled by an Uber driver

In an earlier report, Briefly News shared Somizi Mhlongo's reaction after an Uber driver humiliated him.

The media personality was served a piece of humble pie after forgetting his manners, and the driver taught him a lesson he will never forget.

Source: Briefly News