Award-winning actor Ronnie Nyakale, known for his iconic role as Papa Action on Yizo Yizo and Cosmo on Generations: The Legacy, has taken on a new role as an e-hailing driver.
Nyakale, who has appeared in international films like Blood Diamond, Machine Gun Preacher, and Jerusalem, departed Generations: The Legacy earlier this year. At the time, the show’s publicist Carol Phalakatsela explained that both Nyakale and his co-star, Muzi Mthabela, were pursuing new projects and would be on an “indefinite hiatus.”
“We are sure they will only achieve success with the talent and dedication we have become accustomed to going ahead,” Carol said at the time.
Since his departure, Nyakale appears to have faced challenges finding new acting roles. Instead of joining the ranks of the unemployed or seeking public donations, he made the practical decision to work as an e-hailing driver.
A passenger recently spotted Nyakale’s photo on a ride-hailing app, showing him as their driver. A video shared on TikTok by @iconickarabo captured him in action, sparking mixed reactions online. Some fans criticized the entertainment industry for underpaying its creatives, while others expressed pride in Nyakale’s choice to make an honest living without shame.
“He is doing much better than most of his peers, who would rather ask for donations on social media when the situation becomes hopeless,” a social media user said.
A close source shared that Nyakale had few options as acting gigs remained scarce, and with a family to support, he had to face reality.
“Most of us knew that he was a Bolt driver; it’s been a few months since he started and he knows how the industry works,” the source added.
When reached for comment, Nyakale simply replied, “I have no comment, my brother.”