South African entertainment mourns veteran performer remembered for his lasting contribution to theatre and television
Veteran South African actor Sello Maake KaNcube has paid a heartfelt tribute to fellow performer Seputla Sebogodi following his death on 15 July due to diabetes-related complications.
The two respected actors, who became well-known figures in South Africa’s entertainment industry, shared a strong professional relationship and mutual respect despite not appearing together in major soap opera roles. Their connection was strengthened through theatre productions, where they worked alongside each other.
In an emotional message shared on social media, Maake KaNcube reflected on the passing of his colleague and revealed that he never expected his previous public comments about Sebogodi would become a farewell.
The actor said his earlier message was written to defend Sebogodi’s dignity after a photograph of the veteran performer was misrepresented online.
“Life has a way of humbling us. When I wrote my last post, my intention was simply to defend the truth and protect the dignity of a fellow artist. I never imagined that those words would become my final public words about Seputla,” Maake KaNcube wrote.
He added that the words now carried a different meaning following Sebogodi’s death.
“Today, they read differently. They feel like a goodbye I never knew I was writing,” he said.
Maake KaNcube described Sebogodi as more than just an actor, calling him a gifted storyteller whose contribution to South African television and theatre would remain part of the country’s cultural heritage.
He also sent condolences to Sebogodi’s family, friends and supporters, offering words of comfort during their time of grief.
“Rest well, Seputla. Thank you for the memories, the laughter, and the legacy you leave behind,” he wrote.
The tribute comes shortly after Maake KaNcube publicly defended Sebogodi following the circulation of a photograph that sparked misleading claims about the actor’s personal circumstances.
The image, which spread widely on social media, was taken during promotional activities for the theatre production “Black Moon” at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda.
However, many online users shared the image without context, creating false impressions about Sebogodi’s situation.
Maake KaNcube criticised those who used the image for online attention, saying artists already face challenges without their professional work being turned into misleading narratives.
“As artists, we already face enough challenges without having our work repackaged as propaganda for engagement,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of accuracy and respect when discussing public figures, particularly those who have contributed significantly to the arts.
“There is a difference between raising awareness and misleading the public. The truth matters. Respect matters. Our industry deserves better,” he added.
Following news of Sebogodi’s death, tributes have poured in from colleagues, fans and members of South Africa’s entertainment community.
Many have remembered him as one of the country’s most talented performers, with a career that helped shape television and theatre over several decades.
For Maake KaNcube, his final words about Sebogodi now represent both a defence of his friend’s dignity and a farewell to a respected artist whose work will continue to influence future generations.
