LEGENDARY actor Magic Hlatshwayo has opened up about one of the most difficult moments of his life.
The 72-year-old star, known for acting in shows such as Ifa LakwaMthethwa, Kwakhala Nyonini, and Bophelo Ke Semphego, revealed that he was diagnosed with glaucoma in 2025 and lost his sight.
Magic shared the heartbreaking news while accepting his Lifetime Achievement Award at the South African Film & Television Awards (Saftas) on Saturday, 14 March.
During his emotional speech, the veteran actor told the audience about the health struggle that had changed his life.
"I was semi-blind a few months ago after removing a cataract. Then I got glaucoma, a disease that's not reversible, but my wife was there with me all the time. When I climb the staircases, she was there to hold my hand, and when I go down the staircases, she's there to hold my hand.
"All these years, even if I'm sick and when I'm not seeing the lights, she's been my light, and she's been there with me, and I'd like to thank her for that. And my lovely six children always say, ‘Papa, go for it,'" he said.
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Despite the painful diagnosis, Magic said he remains grateful for his long journey in the entertainment industry.
The actor has spent more than 45 years working in television, film, and theatre.
While accepting the prestigious Golden Horn, he reflected on the decades he has spent in the industry.
"I've been in the industry for more than 45 years, and I've seen all the good and the bad of the industry. But today I'd like to say these are the fruits of hanging in there and not going out to look for jobs somewhere else, even if the industry was dry. But we were there. We stood firm and told ourselves that one day it will happen, and here it is. It's happening," he said.
Magic also took time to thank the many people he has worked with throughout his career.
"All the thespians that I've worked with, one of them Mama Thembi Mtshali-Jones, my wife on screen for many years, and quite a lot of them. I thank the Lord for being with me. In the field of directing, I've directed so many movies, in acting, in being an AD, first AD, second AD, and in international movies. I've travelled through this road, and today I will say thank you Lord for being with me," the legendary actor added.
