Celebrity Breeze Bringing you fascinating stories
Related Articles
Johannesburg, South Africa — South African actor and comedian Sabelo Gumede is drawing strength from an outpouring of community support as he battles stage 3 choriocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer.
Diagnosed earlier this year, the 35-year-old, known for his roles in Scandal! and popular TV ads, launched a GoFundMe campaign in early September 2025 to cover living expenses during treatment. “People checking on me every day makes me think that I’m gonna beat this thing,” Gumede told The Citizen, reflecting on the overwhelming kindness that’s fueled his optimism amid chemotherapy’s toll.
Gumede’s journey began with a persistent toothache that escalated into a three-month ordeal of tests costing over R100,000 before his diagnosis. The cancer, originating in the testicles but metastasizing to his lymph nodes, neck, stomach, lungs, spine, and diaphragm, is “chemo-responsive” but demanding. “I was stressed out for two and a half to three months.
I knew I had cancer in my body, but I didn’t know what kind,” he shared, recalling initial denial and depression. His medical aid covers premium treatment, but with no gigs lined up, daily costs like food and transport mount. The GoFundMe, shared by entertainment commentator Jabulani MacDonald on X, has raised over R34,000 toward a R450,000 goal in just weeks, surpassing expectations.
The support has been transformative. “Every day when I wake up, there’s a new surprise,” Gumede said, noting messages from strangers who’ve seen his work in ads for brands like KFC and Uber. “That community is so strong… it feels like an army helping me fight this every day.”
Oncologists emphasize positivity’s role, and the constant check-ins have bolstered his mental resilience. A friend suggested the crowdfunding, understanding actors’ irregular income: “A lot of people know I’m an actor, so if I’m not working, I’m not getting paid.”
Gumede’s lifestyle has shifted dramatically. He’s ditched pap, bread, and 100% fruit juices for healthier options like Rugani, avoiding chemo side effects like nausea and fatigue. Palliative care has helped manage pain, depression, and shortness of breath, improving his quality of life, as per the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA).
“Chemo is a very dangerous poison, but essential,” he explained, enduring intense migraines and exhaustion. Despite it all, he attended the Basha Uhuru music festival over the weekend to support his girlfriend, DJ MaKhumalo. “I try my best to support her at her gigs—that keeps me going.”
The diagnosis hit hard: “After the official diagnosis, I was stuck in depression for a week or two… it was scary to know what I have, the stage it’s at… and that cancer doesn’t have a cure.” Yet, Gumede pushes for normalcy, acting “like I don’t have cancer” while following doctors’ orders. His recent Scandal! cameo keeps him connected to storytelling, a passion he’s eager to resume.
South Africa’s cancer fight is personal for many, with 1 in 6 deaths linked to the disease, per CANSA, and treatment costs averaging R300,000 annually. Gumede’s story, shared via GoFundMe and X, has inspired donations and awareness. “You guys are really epic and are genuinely helping me through this journey,” he posted. As he battles on, his words ring true: Community isn’t just support—it’s survival. For updates, visit his GoFundMe or follow @ishu_sabz on Instagram.
