Award-winning actor Mathews Rantsoma, best known for his role as Nhlamulo on eTV’s popular soapie Scandal!, has opened up about his battle with unemployment since leaving the show a year ago. In a recent interview with Drum magazine, Rantsoma candidly shared the harsh realities he’s faced in the South African entertainment industry, highlighting how fame doesn’t always translate into consistent work.
Rantsoma, a SAFTA-nominated talent, left Scandal! in July 2024 after three successful years. At the time, it was reported by TV commentator @TVBlogsByMlu on X that the actor had resigned from the show and would be making his final appearance on July 24. His exit was later confirmed by the show in a public statement, where they praised his contribution and wished him well for the future.
However, life after Scandal! has not been easy for Rantsoma. Despite securing a small supporting role in Season 3 of Adulting, a Showmax hit series, he revealed that he has largely struggled to find stable work. He believes this is partly because the entertainment landscape is increasingly favouring influencers, content creators, and social media personalities over classically trained actors.
“As long as I don’t post reels, snappy pictures, and videos, I probably won’t work in this industry again,” he told Drum. Rantsoma shared that despite auditioning and trying to stay active in the field, he keeps receiving minor roles and no stable offers, leaving him in a difficult financial and emotional position.
The public reaction to his revelation has been mixed. Some fans sympathized with his situation, expressing concern over how hard it is for genuinely talented actors to transition between roles. One social media user, @FanyaMambo254, commented: “It’s always tough for talented actors to find new opportunities after leaving a popular show. Wishing him the best in his next career move.” Others, however, were more critical. @KamoMohlabeng said, “He is not special. He must hustle like the rest of us.”
Many pointed to the systemic issues in the entertainment sector, where moving between production houses is notably difficult. @ThoughtsRhymes posted: “He is not the only one. The industry is flawed. Why is it difficult to move from one production house to another?”
Some suggested that Rantsoma adapt to the digital age by creating content online. “He must start a TikTok page; people are getting paid,” said @kembule. Another user, @Mafa6232, even joked that if Rantsoma opened a Capitec account, fans might donate to support him.
While the actor has remained focused on his craft, it’s clear that the lack of consistent opportunities is taking its toll. Fans of Scandal! continue to express that the show hasn’t been the same since his departure, with many hoping that a new opportunity will come his way soon.
As the South African entertainment industry evolves, Rantsoma’s story is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by even the most talented individuals when the spotlight fades.