Tshamano Sebe, born on December 24, 1960, in Soweto, South Africa, Is a well-known South African actor, director, and stage performer famous for roles in films, TV shows, and plays, especially as “Biza” in the sitcom Stokvel. His work spans local and international projects, earning him many fans and awards.
Profile Summary
| Full name | Tshamano Sebe |
| Date of birth | December 24, 1960 |
| Place of birth | Soweto, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| State of Origin | Limpopo (parents’ origin) |
| Partner | Wife, met in Berlin |
| Children | Daughters |
| Occupation | Actor, director, voice artist |
| Net worth | $1-2 million |
Early Life and Education
Sebe grew up in Soweto and started theater in 1976 after the Soweto Uprising stopped his school. He trained with playwright Alpheus Siebane, learning to sing, dance, and act. He helped start the Soyikwa African Theatre group in the late 1970s and toured Europe with plays like Imbumba and Pula, winning a Fringe First Award in 1983.
Career
Sebe moved to Berlin in the 1980s. There, he did theater like Aporee with the Zata Theatre Group and acted in German TV films for almost 10 years. He came back to South Africa in 1993, before the 1994 elections, and lived in Cape Town’s Woodstock area.
On stage, he played Sam in Master Harold…and the Boys in 1999 and 2013, acted in Giants and Green Man Flashing in 2005, played Jack in King Kong at Fugard Theatre in 2017, and directed Pula in 2004. His big TV break was as Biza in Stokvel from 2002 to 2012 on SABC2.
In films, he was Rebel Commander in 24: Redemption in 2008, appeared on ER in 2006 and Black Sails in 2016, and did voice work since 2012, like Captain Dorego on radio. Recent movies include Low Rider in 2025 as Truck driver, G20 in 2025 as South African President, Inkabi in 2024 as Frank, Devil’s Peak in 2023 as Madison Madikiza, In Your Dreams in 2023 as Ezra, Ludik in 2022 as Charlie Dzike, and Down So Long in 2022 as Joseph Mabena.
He also starred in Supa Team 4 in 2023 with voices like Mr. Sibanda, Indemnity in 2021 as Colonel Dos Santos, and Abraham Lincoln miniseries in 2022 as John Cook. He has over 50 roles in total.
Personal Life
A devoted family man, Tshamano Sebe met his wife during his Berlin years, and together they raised daughters in a nurturing, female-led household he affectionately calls home to “the mama and the girls.”
Now settled in Cape Town, he unwinds through gardening, which serves as personal therapy amid a demanding career. His multilingual fluency across South African tongues reflects deep cultural ties, while a low-key lifestyle underscores his grounded nature away from the spotlight.
Filmography
- Low Rider (2025) – Truck driver
- G20 (2025) – South African President
- Inkabi (2024) – Frank
- In Your Dreams (2023) – Ezra
- Devil’s Peak (2023) – Madison Madikiza
- Supa Team 4 (2023) – Mr. Sibanda, Garbage Man, Person 1
- Ludik (2022) – Charlie Dzike
- Down So Long (2022) – Joseph Mabena
- Abraham Lincoln (2022) – John Cook
- 4229 (2021) – Samuel
- Angeliena (2021) – Mr. Majaba
- Beauty of Africa (2021) – Mr. Majaba
- Indemnity (2021) – Colonel Dos Santos
- Woke (2021) – Luthando
- Nomvula (2019) – Dingane
- The Soul Collector (2019) – Lazarus
- Of Good Report (2013) – Vuyani
- Endgame (2009) – various
- 24: Redemption (2008) – Rebel Commander
- Stokvel (2002-2012) – Biza
- Charlie Jade (2005)
- Lady Cop (1994)
Net Worth
Tshamano Sebe’s net worth is estimated at approximately $1-2 million, drawn from decades of acting, directing, voice work, and theater across South Africa and abroad.
Awards and Recognitions
Sebe clinched the Fleur du Cap Theatre Award for Best Actor in 1999 alongside the Vita Award for Most Promising New Actor (Gauteng, 1999/2000).
SAFTA Golden Horns followed with Best Actor in a Feature Film for The Soul Collector (2021), Best Supporting Actor in a Feature Film for Angeliena (2022) and Of Good Report (2014), plus Best Actor in TV Comedy for Stokvel (2010).
Further honors include the Seattle International Film Festival Grand Jury Prize (2020, The Soul Collector) and AMAA nominations.
