Veteran actor Seputla Sebogodi, known for his portrayal of Kenneth Mashaba in the series 'Generations', was honored at a memorial service held on Thursday at the South Africa State Theatre in Pretoria. Following this celebration, he is scheduled to be buried on Saturday.
Family, friends, colleagues, and admirers gathered at the South African State Theatre to pay tribute to the veteran actor, musician, and cultural figure, Seputla Sebogodi, celebrating a life devoted to the arts. The event was broadcast live on South African State Theatre TV and attracted prominent figures from the South African entertainment sector, who acknowledged his multi-decade career spanning theatre, television, and film.
The venue was decorated with white drapery, floral arrangements, lit candles, and four large banners featuring Sebogodi's image, setting a fitting scene for an afternoon filled with music, storytelling, and deep reflection. Veteran actor Patrick Bokaba offered a deeply personal tribute, recounting memories of growing up with Sebogodi in Atteridgeville. Bokaba described their long-standing friendship, forged through shared experiences, resilience, humor, and a mutual love for narrative, accompanied on stage by veteran actor Jerry Mofokeng.
Several attendees commented on Sebogodi's final appearance at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda, suggesting it felt like an unintentional farewell to the audience while engaging in his favorite activity. Actor Sello Maake kaNcube shared recollections of collaborating with Sebogodi on the television drama “Bophelo ke Semphekgo”, describing him as a generous and disciplined professional.
Music played a central role in the memorial. Billy Nchabeleng and his band provided moving musical performances that prompted attendees to sing along, while Jerry Mofokeng and Sanku blended music with humor, injecting moments of levity amidst the sorrow. Representing the Sebogodi family, Peter Makwela spoke in Sepedi, urging his son, Thapelo, to carry forward his father's artistic legacy. He also disclosed that Sebogodi had entrusted his children with organizing his funeral.
Dr Xolani Norman paid homage to Sebogodi as both an artist and a principled individual, noting that he valued women and believed in marriage rather than casual dating. Norman concluded his address with a poignant trumpet tribute that caused the theatre to fall silent. Veteran actress Motshabi Tyelele used the platform to advocate for better protection and increased care for artists, calling for the industry to continue advocating for fair royalties and improved working conditions.
National treasure Vusi Mahlasela offered a heartfelt musical tribute, reflecting on joint projects they had hoped to realize. Mahlasela stated, “This man did it all, but we were still expecting more.” Further celebrations included performances by Zodwa Mabhena, Tlokwe Sehume, and Midleko, alongside the projection of archival footage showcasing Sebogodi's distinguished career. The memorial service concluded with a closing prayer led by Josias Dos Moleele.
As participants left the South Africa State Theatre, a unifying sentiment remained: although Seputla Sebogodi's voice was silenced, his significant contribution to South African theatre, television, and the safeguarding of the nation's cultural heritage will continue to inspire future generations of performers and audiences. He is set to be interred in Polokwane on Saturday.
Sepule Sebogodi's life was marked and honored at the South African State Theatre in Pretoria on Thursday, July 23. The entertainment industry and fans of South Africa mourn the passing of actor, storyteller, and innovator Sepule Daniel Sebogodi.
Hundreds of mourners gathered at the South African State Theatre in Pretoria on Thursday, July 23, to pay tribute to an icon whose career helped shape the landscape of local theatre and television. Sebogodi passed away on Wednesday, July 15, leaving behind an extensive and highly valued legacy.
He was known for his unforgettable portrayal of the formidable Kenneth Mashaba in the series 'Generations,' and his iconic roles spanned beloved productions such as 'Suburban Bliss,' 'Bophelo ke Semphego,' 'Redemption,' and more recently, 'Scandal!'. His acclaimed theatrical work also included award-winning performances in productions like 'Big Dada,' 'Waiting for Godot,' 'The Rivonia Trial,' 'Once a Pirate,' and 'Mooi Street Moves,' among many others.
For those present, holding the memorial at the South African State Theatre held deep emotional significance. Lenore Goss-Mathie, Chairperson of the South African State Theatre, addressed the audience, reflecting on Sebogodi's long relationship with the theatre. She noted that they had gathered not only to bid farewell to a legendary actor and icon but also to honor a remarkable person whose life was woven into the history of South African theatre.
Goss-Mathie emphasized that Sepule Daniel Sebogodi did not just perform on their stages; he brought them to life. He did not merely entertain the audience; he helped them understand themselves. Through every character he played, every story he told, and every young artist he supported, he reminded them that art is not just performance; it is humanity, truth, and healing, as well as the preservation of our essence.
The theatre chairperson added that the South African State Theatre mourns one of its own. His connection to the theatre was built on decades of artistic excellence, collaboration, and friendship. She thanked Sebogodi's family for sharing Sepule with South Africa and the world, acknowledging that while it is a loss for the family, the theatre shares this bereavement.
In a touching tribute, actress Katlego Danke took the podium to honor a man who was both her colleague and a fiercely protective 'brother.' Recalling the time spent together on the set of 'Generations,' where they played Kenneth and Katlego Dankeab, Danke spoke about how poetic it was to say goodbye on the very stage where they celebrated early career successes.
Danke remembered how returning to that stage evokes a 'strange, beautiful memory,' recalling the evening when they both received awards at the State Theatre. She shared that that night they were nervous, excited, and happy to be among industry colleagues, and that it was the first time they had both received awards in that venue on that stage.
The actress spoke about the unique experience of having a brother who was also a colleague. He always defended her fiercely, both in her presence and in her absence. She noted that people would say, 'Hey, we can't even speak badly about you; Sepule stops it.' Danke also stressed that it was her first experience working with someone she had seen on television since childhood—a living legend. She stated that she had never worked with anyone who believed in her talent more than she did herself, and she deeply appreciated how Sepule Sebogodi believed in her career and her potential.
To lighten the tense atmosphere, she shared a pleasant memory of Sebogodi's subtle appreciation for fine things. She recalled a scene where their characters needed to eat crème brûlée. Danke recounted how he asked, 'What is this thing, how do you eat it?' and then took her to Melrose Arch to eat crème brûlée. She realized that all these small moments led to today, calling it sad yet beautiful.
Beyond his iconic television roles, speakers highlighted Sebogodi's pioneering role as a trailblazer for Black performers in South Africa. Actor, writer, and director Josias 'Dos' Moleele performed a song for the bereaved before speaking about meeting 'Denzel' Sebogodi in his youth in Atteridgeville.
Moleele shared that in his time, Black people could not perform on stages here, and Sebogodi broke down those barriers. He recounted how Sebogodi inspired him toward a career in the arts and later mentored him within industrial theatre productions. He expressed admiration for him and knew he would follow in his footsteps, stating it was an honor to share the stage with someone he admired.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Tebogo Makwela remembered Sebogodi as an outstanding performer, storyteller, and preacher. She said they mourn an iconic artist who leaves behind an exceptional legacy defined by artistic brilliance, educational resilience, deep family devotion, and unwavering faith in God.
Sebogodi, born in Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria, with family roots in Ga-Motapo, east of Polokwane, will conclude his journey this weekend. His funeral service will take place at the Jack Boats hall in Polokwane on Saturday, July 25, where family, friends, and fans will gather one last time to celebrate the life of a true South African legend.
The funeral of South African actor Sepodi is scheduled for Saturday following a memorial service that will be held in Pretoria on Thursday. The actor passed away last week due to complications related to diabetes.
Sepodi's farewell ceremony, who was a South African actor, will take place at the Jack Bothes Hall in Polokwane on Saturday morning. This date has been set amid ongoing reports of disagreements regarding the location of his final resting place.
Sepodi, who was 63 years old, died on Wednesday, July 15th, in the evening, due to complications caused by diabetes. Although he was born in Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria, his family roots are in Ga-Mothapo, east of Polokwane, where relatives insist on burying him near his ancestors.
However, reports indicate that his widow, Machuene Rozina Semenya, whom he married in February 2026, prefers that he be buried at Silicon Cemetery in Polokwane. This alleged dispute has reportedly caused tension between Sepodi's wife and his relatives.
Relatives believe he should be buried in the ancestral grounds, and they have questioned his wife's right to determine the burial conditions after a marriage that lasted only six months. This conflict has added to the grief of the actor's family, who continue to mourn his passing.
Sepodi's older sister, Mary, 67, was reportedly deeply upset upon learning about the proposed burial at Silicon Cemetery, stating that the family wishes for him to rest where his ancestors are buried. Despite the disagreement, the memorial services will proceed as planned. The memorial event will take place at the South African State Theatre in Pretoria on July 23rd, followed by another memorial service at the Jack Bothes Hall in Polokwane on Friday, with the actual funeral service scheduled for Saturday in the same hall.
According to reports, veteran South African actor Seputala Sebogodi has passed away. He participated in numerous productions and was known for his villainous role as Kenneth Mashaba in the series 'Generations.'
The actor's death was announced in a statement published on the Actor Spaces platform. According to this statement released by his immediate family, Sebogodi died on the evening of July 15, 2026, following complications related to diabetes.
The statement notes that Seputala Sebogodi left an exceptional legacy in South African theatre and television. He will be remembered for his memorable performances in projects such as 'Generations', 'Suburban Bliss', 'Bophelo ke Semphego', 'Redemption', and more recently, 'Scandal!', as well as for his acclaimed theatrical work in productions including 'Big Dada', 'Waiting for Godot', 'The Rivonia Trial', 'Once a Pirate', and 'Mooi Street Moves', among others.
The family has requested privacy while they mourn this great loss and go through this difficult time together.
