
Former Scandal! star Given Stuurman, once celebrated as one of South Africa’s most promising young actors, is reportedly going through a difficult period in his life. The actor, who became a household name for portraying Kgosi, Gloria’s son, on e.tv’s Scandal!, is said to be struggling financially and personally after stepping away from the limelight.
According to reports, Stuurman has been unable to secure permanent roles in television since leaving the soapie. Neighbours close to the actor shared concerns about how his life has spiralled downward, revealing that he now survives on piecemeal jobs. Many attribute his current struggles to his battle with addiction and poor financial decisions.
Admission of Past Mistakes
Stuurman has been candid about his challenges, admitting that he misused money during the peak of his career, which contributed to his downfall. “I know where I went wrong, I don’t want to lie, but I’m going to make things right for the sake of my child,” he reportedly told those close to him.
The actor became a father in 2020 when he welcomed his baby girl. Unfortunately, sources claim that his struggles with substances and unstable income have made it difficult for him to take care of his child consistently. Despite this, Stuurman insists he is determined to turn his life around.
A Career Once Full of Promise
Stuurman’s story is especially heartbreaking considering his impressive career trajectory. He began acting as a child and went on to feature in some of South Africa’s most popular television shows. Apart from his notable role on Scandal!, he played Sipho on City Ses’la, appeared as Given in Black Tax, starred as Boysie in Igazi, and portrayed a street child in Skeem Saam.
His natural talent and versatility made him a familiar face on South African television, and many fans believed he had a long-lasting career ahead of him. Unfortunately, personal challenges have stalled his progress, echoing the struggles faced by other former child stars worldwide.
Public and Social Media Reactions
News of Stuurman’s difficulties surfaced after entertainment commentator Phil Mphela shared a screenshot of Drum Magazine’s report on social media. The revelation triggered widespread discussion, with South Africans expressing mixed feelings.
Some social media users sympathised with the actor, acknowledging that “life happens” and praising him for admitting his mistakes. One user commented, “Life has a lot of valleys, and we have to navigate them. Even when we know people in high places, some paths we must walk alone to conquer.”
Others were more critical, highlighting the importance of responsibility and financial discipline. Still, many agreed that Stuurman deserves empathy and encouragement as he attempts to rebuild his life.
A Broader Issue in the Entertainment Industry
Stuurman is not the only actor from Scandal! facing challenges in 2025. Reports note that Mathews Rantsoma, another former star of the soapie, is also struggling to find stable work. This has raised conversations about the instability of acting careers and the importance of financial planning for performers.
In addition, Stuurman’s story comes shortly after former Uzalo actor Glen Gabela went viral for asking the public for donations to help improve his living conditions. These stories have sparked debate about whether more should be done to support artists after their time in the spotlight fades.
A Chance for Redemption
While the actor’s situation is concerning, many fans believe he has the talent and determination to make a comeback. Stuurman himself has expressed hope, vowing to work on himself not only for his career but also for the sake of his daughter.
His story serves as both a cautionary tale and a reminder that even public figures face private struggles. With the right support and opportunities, many hope that the beloved actor will overcome his challenges and return to the screens where audiences first fell in love with his talent.