By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Veteran actor Seputla Sebogodi was laid to rest at the Silicon cemetery in Polokwane on Saturday, 25 July 2026, where family, friends and supporters came to bid him a final farewell.
Sebogodi, 63, died on the evening of Wednesday, July 15, following complications related to diabetes.
His burial follows a memorial service held at the State Theatre in Pretoria on July 23, followed by another memorial service at the Jack Botes Hall in Polokwane on Friday, 24 July 2026.
The actor was well-known for his role as Kenneth Mashaba on “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.
Actors John Morapama and Vusi Kunene said Sebogodi was a consummate professional who believed in ensuring progress for all.
“Seputla has contributed a lot. Seputla spoke on my behalf; Seputla spoke on every artist’s behalf. Seputla became what he is because of the art. But Seputla unselfishly protected the craft. And it’s a pity that, you know, one feels like Seputla died too early. He still had a lot to contribute,” Morapama said.
Kunene said it was important for them to keep the arts alive in South Africa.
“We have to keep doing what he loved so much and protect the arts. We need to make our government recognise the arts, you know. Treat it as an entity, not always attach it to things. Those are things that can be done to honour people like Seputla. To honour all of us while we live,” Kunene added.
Sebogodi’s wife, Rosina Semenya, said she accepts his passing as God’s will.
Her tribute was read by their daughter, Malashi Semenya, who said he was intentional about love and commitment, and never went a day without expressing how much he loved his family.
“You never hesitated about what you wanted, you never said you want a girlfriend, you said you want a wife and you saw that woman in me. From that day on, no matter where you were in the world I never went to bed without you telling me how much you love me”, Semenya said.
His children described him as a loving, vibrant and humorous man who loved them unconditionally.
In an emotional tribute, his daughter Thabang Sebogodi said her father was her first love, best friend and hero.
She said he taught her the true meaning of unconditional love, describing him as a man with a big heart, a contagious laugh and an unforgettable presence.
She added that one of the greatest gifts he gave her was his time, recalling fond memories of spontaneous road trips.
Limpopo MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture Jerry Maseko delivered the eulogy on behalf of Premier Doctor Phophi Ramathuba.
He described Sebogodi as more than a performer, saying he was a nation builder who used his art to preserve identity, promote culture and strengthen social cohesion.
Maseko added that Sebogodi resisted efforts to erode African identity, using his craft as a powerful tool to protect language, tradition and heritage.
“Seputla understood that if anyone seeks to take away your humanity, they begin by taking away your tradition.”
Sebogodi was born in Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria, with family roots in Ga-Mothapo, east of Polokwane.
His career stretched over more than 40 years, during which he entertained, inspired and mentored generations of South Africans.
Long before television made him a household name, Sebogodi had already earned respect on the theatre stage as an actor, playwright and director. He dedicated much of his career to developing young talent and telling authentic South African stories.
His outstanding contribution to the industry earned him several honours, including a Shell Road to Fame Award and South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAS) for his performances in Generations and The Republic.