'Suburban Bliss' stars Sue Pam-Grant and Motshabi Tyelele share tributes to Seputla Sebogodi
Sue Pam-Grant and Motshabi Tyelele shared touching memories of working alongside the late actor, Seputla Sebogodi.
South Africa is still mourning the death of one of its most celebrated actors, Seputla Sebogodi.
Sebogodi passed away on 15 July at the age of 63 due to complications related to diabetes. On Thursday, fellow actors, friends and members of the arts community gathered at the South African State Theatre in Pretoria for his memorial service, where they honoured the legendary performer and reflected on his legacy.
Among those who paid tribute was actress Motshabi Tyelele, who played Sebogodi’s wife in the iconic sitcom 'Suburban Bliss' in the 90s.
Reflecting on their years together on set, Tyelele said she could not remember a single day when they fought.
“I’m not lying when I say I don’t remember a day when Seputla and I were not talking to each other or had a fight.”
She also shared a humorous story about Sebogodi’s smoking habit, saying he always respected the fact that she disliked smokers.
“Seputla used to smoke. Just before the scene, he would go to the bathroom, brush his teeth and gargle… not that there were going to be kissing scenes, but even if there were.”
Laughing, she added that despite his efforts, she still refused to kiss him.
“I would say, ‘No kissing. Suburban Bliss is a family show, we don’t even have to kiss.’ And I would refuse.”
Tyelele said beyond the jokes, Sebogodi was a caring and respectful colleague who made every day on set enjoyable.
“Over and above that, I respected him, and we would have fun. Oh my goodness, we would have fun,” she said.
Government urged to do more for the entertanment industry
Tyelele also used the memorial to call for greater respect and support for artists, saying many performers continue to struggle despite their contribution to South African storytelling.
“I want to celebrate my brother, but I also want to challenge us as a society to say, let us continue the fight until things get right for all the people.”
She urged government and the entertainment industry to do more for actors.
“Things have to change… from the work that we do to how we are treated.”
In an emotional plea, she added:
“I humbly ask you to help us be the best storytellers we can be.”
Sebogodi’s funeral will be be held on Saturday, 25 July, at Jack Botes Hall in Limpopo, his hometown.
Remembered not only as an accomplished actor but also as a musician and respected storyteller, Sebogodi leaves behind a legacy that has inspired generations of South Africans.
'Kobie' pays tribute to 'Ike'
Another 'Suburban Bliss' cast member who paid tribute to Seputla is Sue Pam-Grant. Taking to social media, the actress spoke about how heartbroken she is.
"Oh my Ike, my funny, my gorgeous, Ike Maloi!!! My Partner in Suburban Bliss Crime! We broke Boundaries- we made a nation laugh at ourselves!! This is just too sad - I am heartbroken," she wrote on Facebook.
"You will always be in my heart, in my love and most importantly in my laughter!!!! Thank you for supporting me when ‘They’ wanted to go ahead with the disastrous Season Two of Suburban Bliss - NO KOBIE - then there will be NO IKE!!! we really were team mates in that one - thank you for all the laughter and love - Fly high my beautiful friend - this feels so very hard to process," she said.
See the heartwarming post below.
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