Tributes Pour in for South African Actor Mpho Sebeng
The Savage Beauty and Miseducation star passed away at the age of 30 in a car crash in Krugersdorp, Gauteng province, South Africa.
Tributes have been pouring in from the South African arts community since news of the untimely passing of SAFTA-winning actor Mpho Sebeng, 30, broke this past weekend.
Sebeng passed away in a car crash in Krugersdorp, Gauteng province. His notable television roles include The Queen, Rhythm City and Ring of Lies. He also had roles in Savage Beauty, Collision and Miseducation on Netflix.
Sebeng described himself as someone who is trying to "find his way back home," during his appearance on DJ Sbu'sHustlers Corner podcast that aired late 2023. He also shared his journey into acting, starting from his role on Zero Tolerance (2004) alongside Moshidi Motshewa and Tony Kgoroge. In the podcast, he described his process for getting into character, and spoke about how he coped during the lockdown period in 2020 and 2021.
DJ Sbu sent his condolences to the family, adding: "Thank you for your talent, humility, artistry, kindness, wisdom and brilliance. Till we meet on the other side.”
South African media personality Zola Hashatsi, Sebeng’s friend, broke the news on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday. “It is with a sad, deep, painful heart to announce the passing of a young brother, friend…. This one hurts,” he wrote.
For South African actress Thuso Mbedu, Sebeng's passing has "short circuited" something in her. "I want to find the right words, but my mind has blanked," she shares on Instagram. "We all know how determined he was in bettering himself as a person and in his craft."
"We [honor] his memory and celebrate the profound impact he has left on South African television and cinema. May his legacy continue to inspire and uplift aspiring actors for years to come," reads the tribute from the Economic Freedom Fighters on X.
“A life well lived. Rest in peace, Mpho Sebeng,” shared the official NetflixSA account.
The Sebeng family expressed their appreciation for the outpour of love, and asked for consideration during this time, and space to process the news.
"Details of his home going celebrations will be communicated in due course, and we request that you continue to hold the Sebeng family in prayer," the statement further reads.