The actress, best known for playing Shaan Naidoo-Maistry, says her ongoing health battle has taken a physical, emotional, spiritual and financial toll.
By Bulelwa Hoala
A throwback clip from Generations has sparked nostalgia among South African television fans, while also shining a light on the health battle facing former star Thahira Syed.
The clip, posted by X user @AphiweMame, featured popular Generations characters including Shaan Naidoo, Ntsiki Lukhele, Glen Majozi and Sarah-Lee Odendaal, prompting a conversation about the nostalgia of the iconic soapie.
Watch the video below:
📺 Ntsiki in that green two-piece??? Shaan with the beige suit and choker??? Wardrobe understood the assignment. They are both in skirt suits here, but they communicate two completely different versions of the professional woman.
— Ms. (@AphiweMame) August 9, 2026
Ntsiki’s olive-green double-breasted suit is so… pic.twitter.com/voysHz3364
Unfortunately, the post also highlighted that Syed, who played Shaan Naidoo-Maistry on the show, is currently battling Stage 3 breast cancer, Stage 3 renal failure and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Thahira Syed appeals for donations
Through a BackaBuddy campaign, the actress has appealed to the public for donations, saying she is currently unable to work and that her health battle has taken a toll on her physically, emotionally, spiritually and financially.
In her appeal, Syed opened up about the challenges she has faced over the past few years.
“Over the past few years, I have been engaged in a fight for my life after being diagnosed with an aggressive Stage 3 breast cancer (treated to date with chemotherapy, surgery and radiation), Stage 3 renal failure, and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).”
Syed said her renal prognosis has recently deteriorated significantly, leaving her having to urgently navigate the various aspects of her treatment and care.
According to the actress, contributions will go towards medical aid contributions and related medical costs, transport, food and living expenses.
Donations to her campaign have continued, with the latest contribution recorded on Tuesday, 11 August 2026. The campaign has raised R71 108 of its R500 000 goal so far.
Click here to donate.
Who is Thahira Syed?
Thahira Syed is a veteran South African actress and media professional who became a familiar face to television audiences during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
She played Shaan Naidoo-Maistry on the iconic SABC1 soap opera Generations between 1998 and 2004.
Her character was part of the prominent Maistry family storyline, opposite actor Strini Pillai, who played Deven Maistry.
Syed also appeared in e.tv’s Backstage, where she played Naomi Singh, an acting coach at Vulindlela College.
According to reports, Syed later stepped away from the limelight and pivoted to a corporate career, including a role at Nedbank.
Despite moving away from the entertainment spotlight, Syed remains a familiar face to many South Africans who remember her from some of the country’s most popular television dramas.
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