Rapulana Seiphemo is a renowned South African actor, filmmaker, writer, and educator who has been active in the entertainment industry since 1989. He is widely recognized for his iconic role as Tau Mogale in the popular soap opera Generations and its sequel Generations: The Legacy. His versatile talents have been showcased across theatre, television, and film, making him one of South Africa’s most respected performers.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Rapulana Seiphemo |
| Date of Birth | 4 November 1967 |
| Place of Birth | Meadowlands, Soweto, Gauteng |
| Nationality | South African |
| State of Origin | Gauteng |
| Partner | Olga Rubeiro (married 2003), Zandile Tshukulu (married 2025) |
| Children | Three (including daughter Katlego) |
| Occupations | Actor, filmmaker, producer, writer, lecturer, director |
| Net Worth | $3 million USD |
Early Life and Education
Rapulana was born and raised in Meadowlands, Soweto, in Gauteng province. He completed his secondary education at Anchor Comprehensive High School in Orlando West, Soweto.
He later moved to the United States to study at Texas A&M University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with studies focusing on Acting, English, Psychology, Sociology, and Theatre Production. This education laid the foundation for his subsequent career in the performing arts.
Career
His professional journey began in theatre with a role in Athol Fugard’s play My Children, My Africa, which toured South Africa and England. After completing his studies abroad, he returned home and engaged in teaching drama and performing with theatre groups.
Seiphemo is best known for his roles in major South African soap operas, including Generations (as Tau Mogale), Isidingo (as Godlieb Mofokeng), and Muvhango (as Pheko Mokoena). He also starred in the telenovela The Queen as Hector Sebata.
In film, he has been a lead or prominent actor in several acclaimed titles such as Hijack Stories, Tsotsi, Gangster’s Paradise: Jerusalema, White Wedding, and How to Steal 2 Million. Beyond acting, he co-founded a production company and an acting academy, contributing significantly to the South African entertainment landscape both on and off screen.
Personal Life
Rapulana married Olga Rubeiro in 2003, and they have three children together including a daughter, Katlego, who is also an actress.
In 2025, he married Zandile Tshukulu in a traditional ceremony. He is known for maintaining strong professional relationships within the industry, and his personal life remains admired by many fans.
Rapulana Seiphemo Net Worth
His estimated net worth is approximately $3 million USD. His income comes from diverse roles in acting, production, storytelling, and teaching, making him one of the wealthier figures in South African entertainment.
Filmography
Television
- Generations: The Legacy (Tau Mogale)
- Isidingo (Godlieb Mofokeng)
- Muvhango (Pheko Mokoena)
- The Queen (Hector Sebata)
Film
- My Children My Africa (Theatre)
- Jump the Gun
- Tarzan and the Lost City
- Hijack Stories
- Tsotsi
- Gangster’s Paradise: Jerusalema
- White Wedding
- How to Steal 2 Million
- Layla Fourie
- Task Force
- Santan
Awards and Nominations
Rapulana has received multiple accolades, including winning the Best Actor Duku Duku Award in 2002 for his role in Generations.
He has also been honored for his performances at film festivals, such as the Durban International Film Festival and the Ouagadougou Panafrican Film and Television Festival.
Additionally, he has earned nominations for prestigious awards like the South African Film and Television Awards and the African Movie Academy Awards.
