"Help her rise": Rosie Motene urges support for Thahira Syed’s R500k campaign

Veteran actress and activist Rosie Motene has issued an urgent plea to the public to support her former Generations co-star, Thahira Syed. Syed is currently navigating a severe health crisis while facing significant financial hurdles.

In a heartfelt Instagram post shared on 16 March 2025, Motene described Syed as a woman of immense courage and grace. She urged her followers to contribute to a crowdfunding campaign to assist with the actress's escalating healthcare costs.

A Triple Health Crisis

Syed, who became a household name playing Shaan Naidoo-Maistry on the SABC1 soapie, is dealing with three debilitating conditions simultaneously. She is currently fighting aggressive Stage 3 cancer alongside Stage 3 renal failure and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

This combination of illnesses has made it impossible for the actress to maintain employment. Because certain aspects of her necessary treatment are not covered by the state, the financial burden has become overwhelming for her and her family.

The R500,000 Fundraising Goal

To manage the costs of her care, Syed launched a campaign on the BackaBuddy platform with a target of R500,000. These funds are intended to cover medical procedures, transport to facilities, and basic living expenses during her recovery journey.

As a freelance creative, Syed lacks the safety net of employer-sponsored medical aid or a steady monthly salary. Her situation highlights the extreme financial vulnerability often faced by independent contractors in the South African entertainment industry.

Motene's intervention serves as a rallying cry for the industry to look after its own. Every contribution to the fundraiser is considered vital to ensuring Syed can continue receiving the life-saving treatment she requires.