By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Veteran actor Seputla Sebogodi’s memorial service was held at the South African State Theatre in Pretoria on July 23, which will be followed by another one at the Jack Botes Hall in Polokwane on Friday.
Sebogodi, 63, died on the evening of Wednesday, July 15, following complications related to diabetes.
His funeral service is scheduled to take place at the Jack Botes Hall on Saturday, 25 July 2026.
Acclaimed actors, musicians and entertainers gathered at the State Theatre to honour the life and legacy of veteran actor.
Chairperson of the South African State Theatre, Lenore Goss-Matjie reflected on Sebogodi’s decades-long relationship with the theatre.
“Today we gather not only to say goodbye to a legendary actor, an icon, but to honour a remarkable human being whose life became woven into the story of South African theatre.
“Today the South African State Theatre mourns one of its own. His relationship with the State Theatre was built through decades of artistic excellence, collaboration and friendship
“To the Sebogodi family, thank you for sharing Seputla with South Africa and with the world at large. We know that today is your loss and it is deeply personal, but please also know that we share the loss with you.”
In a moving tribute, actress Katlego Danke took to the podium to honour the man who was both her co-star and fiercely protective “brother”.
Danke, who played the role of Dineo Mashaba (Sebogodi’s on-screen wife on Generations), says she will always remember the words Sebogodi used a lot on the soapie.
Walking in here today brings back a weird, beautiful memory,” Danke recalled, reflecting on the night they both took home awards at the State Theatre.
“That night we were nervous, excited, happy to be amongst our industry colleagues … That night we both took home awards, the first for both of us at this venue on this very stage.
“To be reminded of that, to say goodbye to him on the very same stage that we had a first together. There were lots of firsts with Seputla.”
She recalled a scene where their characters had to eat crème brûlée.
“First time being on set with somebody who had a love for finer things that was quite hidden. I remember the one time being on set and Kenneth and Dineo had to have crème brûlée, and he was like, ‘What is this thing, how do you eat it’.
“He made me take him afterwards to Melrose Arch to eat crème brûlée. Little did I know that all these little moments would lead to today. Sad, but beautiful.
“Our last conversation was me asking him to do a project for me, and he said, ‘Of course’. I said, ‘I haven’t even asked you, you don’t know what I want’. He said, ‘Anything for you, anything’.
“You will be missed. You will be sorely missed,” said Danke.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Tebogo Makwela remembered Sebogodi as an extraordinary performer, storyteller and preacher.
“We mourn the passing of an iconic performer … He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy defined by artistic brilliance, educational resilience, deep family devotion and unyielding faith in God,” Makwela shared.
Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie said: “Bra Seputla was not just an actor, he was family to millions of South Africans who welcomed him into their homes for decades. Kenneth Mashaba became a legend because Seputla brought that character to life in a way that nobody else could. He opened doors for so many young artists and showed the world what South African talent looks like. We have lost one of the greatest to ever do it. We thank him for everything he gave this country. May he rest in peace.”
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.
He will forever be remembered for his iconic role as Kenneth Mashaba in Generations, a character that became part of South African television history. His talent was also seen in productions such as Yizo Yizo, Scandal!, Rhythm City, The River, The Republic and the internationally acclaimed film The Woman King.
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.