South Africa will bid a final farewell to legendary actor Seputla Sebogodi on Saturday, as family, friends, colleagues, and admirers gather in Polokwane to celebrate the life of one of the country’s most respected performers.
Sebogodi, best known for portraying the beloved character Kenneth Mashaba on SABC’s long-running soap opera Generations, passed away after suffering complications related to diabetes. His death has left the entertainment industry and fans across the country mourning the loss of an actor whose career spanned television, theatre, and film.
The veteran actor will be laid to rest at Silicon Cemetery in Polokwane following a funeral service scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. at the Jack Botes Hall. Hundreds of mourners are expected to attend the service to pay their final respects to the celebrated performer.
At Sebogodi’s memorial service held in Polokwane on Friday, heartfelt tributes poured in from industry colleagues, community members, and government representatives. Among those who honoured the late actor was Abel Kunutu, head of the Limpopo Arts and Culture Council, who described Sebogodi’s passing as a tremendous loss to South Africa’s creative industry.
Kunutu praised Sebogodi’s remarkable contribution to the arts, saying his influence extended far beyond the screen. He noted that Limpopo was looking forward to benefiting from the actor’s vast experience, particularly with the opening of a new theatre in the province next year.
According to Kunutu, many had hoped Sebogodi would play an important role in mentoring and inspiring future generations of performers once the theatre became operational. His passing, he said, leaves a significant void that will be difficult to fill.
While preparations for the funeral have been completed, the family revealed that there are still unresolved issues regarding certain funeral arrangements. They confirmed that discussions between Sebogodi’s relatives and his wife have not yet resulted in a full agreement, creating uncertainty over whether his remains will first be taken to his family home before the funeral service.
Despite the ongoing family discussions, funeral proceedings are expected to continue as planned, with loved ones gathering to celebrate the actor’s extraordinary life and legacy.
Outside the formal tributes, neighbours also shared fond memories of Sebogodi, describing him as a humble, approachable, and kind-hearted man who maintained strong relationships within his community despite his fame. Many said he never allowed his success in the entertainment industry to change his character and always treated everyone with respect.
Sebogodi’s career earned him widespread admiration over several decades. Although millions of viewers remember him for his memorable performances on Generations, his contribution to South African theatre and film helped shape the country’s performing arts landscape and inspired countless aspiring actors.
His death marks the end of an era for South African entertainment, with many describing him as a true pioneer whose dedication, professionalism, and passion elevated the local industry.
As mourners gather in Polokwane to say their final goodbye, Seputla Sebogodi will be remembered not only as an exceptional actor but also as a mentor, community member, and cultural icon whose legacy will continue to inspire generations of South African performers.
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