RADIO star in need of help.
Carol Hobbs has been a familiar voice to many South Africans for over a decade, spending years uplifting listeners, connecting with those in need and giving hope through her platform.
But Carol now finds herself in need of uplifting.
The 37-year-old Carol, who has worked at stations such as Kasi Fm, Jozi FM and most recently Rise FM, shared her heartbreaking struggle on social media.
After years of consistent radio work, sudden job losses and a difficult pregnancy left her without a stable income and now on the verge of homelessness.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Carol said: "It's been a hard two years. I've used up all my savings and UIF just to survive. I'm raising two children and I'm now at a dead end. I don't have a cent to my name."
She said her last stable job ended in early 2023 when her contract at Rise FM wasn't renewed. She then discovered she was pregnant and with severe complications and no family nearby, she made the painful decision to leave her job and return home to give birth.
"I had to choose between my health and work. I gave birth and since then I've been trying everything to survive. I've applied for jobs in radio and beyond. I've even tried at Shoprite and Checkers, but they said I'm overqualified," she said.
Despite her vast experience and strong track record, Carol said many stations now overlook her as she doesn't bring "social media numbers."
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As a breadwinner, Carol is now desperate.
"I need R17 000 to cover rent and arrears so my family can have a roof over their heads for May. I've raised R2 500 so far. My baby is running out of nappies. My daughter hasn't been in school for months because I can't pay the fees," she said.
Carol has turned to the public for help through social media and many social media users responded with small donations and encouraging messages. Still, the need remains urgent as she needs to make payment by 30 April.
"I'm depending on strangers now. Some celebrities and people I worked with didn't even respond. It's painful, but I still have hope. I've been quiet all this time because I could still take care of us. But now, I'm at my breaking point," she said.
A media statement issued by her supporters described Carol as a "pillar of strength" who helped countless families over the years.
