Seputla Sebogodi remembered for humility, kindness
Hundreds of mourners attended the memorial service of the late veteran actor, Sephutla Sebogodi, in Polokwane on Friday.
The late actor has been described as a remarkable man who was humble, approachable, grounded, respectful, and always willing to share his knowledge and advice.
Sebogodi, who died at the age of 63 due to diabetes related complications, will be laid to rest in Polokwane on Saturday.
He is best known for his television role as Kenneth Mashaba on SABC 1’s popular soapie, Generations, and has more than four decades in the arts industry.
Amongst those attending his memorial service in Polokwane were Sebogodi’s industry friends and former colleagues, Limpopo MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture, and people from various organisations in the art industry.
On Thursday, a memorial service was held for him at the State Theatre in Pretoria.
TRIBUTES FROM INDUSTRY FRIENDS
Some of his industry friends and former colleagues have described him as a loving, caring and down-to-earth man.
Ruth Tladi, who worked with him on the soap opera Scandal, said the first time she met Sebogodi on set, he welcomed her with kindness and warmth.
Tladi said Sebogodi also encouraged her to use Sepedi when playing her role and stick to it.
“I am deeply saddened because we planned a lot of things with Bra Seputla and we wanted to implement those things right here in our province, Limpopo. But it is well; God will not leave us, and we will still carry on with those plans,” she said.
Kamogelo Maree said she worked with him on the same soap opera for a period of a year.
She said he refers to him as her father.
“We had an immeasurable bond. He was a loving man and a giver. He used to joke a lot with me and asked if I was really blind. He always said you can feel safe with me with your information I won't tell anyone,” Maree said.
Meanwhile, the veteran actor Jerry Phele said Sebogodi left an indelible mark on the industry, and his on-screen mother in the classic drama, Bophelo ke Semphegp, legendary Lydia Mokgokoloshi, said she has lost not just a colleague, but someone who became a son beyond the set.
WATCH: SEPUTLA SEBOGODI FUNERAL
LIMPOPO IS PROUD OF SEBOGODI’S LEGACY: MEC MASEKO
Limpopo MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture Jerry Maseko described the late veteran actor as one of Limpopo’s greatest stories of hope.
Addressing the mourners, he said despite portraying powerful characters on screen, Sebogodi remained humble, soft-spoken, approachable and deeply grounded in real life.
Maseko added that Sebogodi was not only an accomplished actor, but also an exceptional musician, singer and performer, who used his talent to communicate a universal language of humanity.
“In every role he played, he brought excellence and discipline, opened doors, and he helped them open for the next generations of Limpopo artists, writers, directors and performers. He reminded us that our languages, our accents, our auditions are not something to hide. They are sometimes to be proud of and to put on the stage. He inspired us all and reminded us that we have the power to heal, unite and preserve our stories,” the MEC said.
He said the department was privileged to have engaged Sebogodi about the future of arts development in the province and consulted him on a number of programmes and projects.
“We shared dreams about creating opportunities for emerging artists, strengthening the theatre in Limpopo and ensuring that future generations will not have a leap of hope to pursue their dreams in other provinces such as Gauteng. It is unfortunate that he departed before he could see the completion of the Limpopo Provincial Theatre."
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