By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Arts and Culture is mourning the sad passing of veteran actor Seputla Sebogodi, whose remarkable career shaped generations of South African storytelling.
Sebogodi passed away following complications related to diabetes, his family confirmed.
He was 63.
“The immediate family of Seputla Sebogodi confirms, with profound sadness, his passing on the evening of 15 July 2026 following complications related to diabetes.”
The family added: “The family kindly requests privacy as they mourn this immense loss and navigate this difficult time together.”
Sebogodi leaves behind a remarkable legacy as one of South Africa’s most respected actors, with a career-spanning decades across television and theatre.
“Seputla Sebogodi leaves behind an extraordinary legacy in South African theatre and television. He will be remembered for his memorable performances in Generations, Suburban Bliss, Bophelo ke Semphego, Redemption and most recently Scandal!, as well as his acclaimed theatre work in productions including Big Dada, Waiting for Godot, The Rivonia Trial, Once a Pirate and Mooi Street Moves, among many others.”
Sebogodi’s death comes just days after he publicly dismissed rumours that he had fallen on hard times after a photograph of him circulated on social media. The veteran actor clarified that the image had been taken on a film set and criticised the false claims about his wellbeing.
He first gained prominence in the 1990s through roles in productions such as the Setswana sitcom Bophelo Ke Semphekgo and the e.tv series Suburban Bliss.
He achieved widespread recognition for portraying the scheming businessman Kenneth Mashaba on the long-running SABC1 soap opera Generations from 2005 to 2014, a role that earned him his first South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) for Best Actor in a Soapie in 2010.
His television credits also include notable appearances as Mohlomi in Mponeng (2005), Joseph “Jazzman” Cele in Zabalaza (2013), and Solomon in Rhythm City (2015), alongside guest roles in series like iNkaba (2012) and the Netflix drama Six in the City (2023), where he played a gay taxi owner.
From unforgettable performances on television to a powerful presence on stage, his contribution to the arts leaves an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire for years to come.