Seputla Sebogodi ranks among South Africa’s most accomplished and versatile entertainment professionals, earning respect across acting, gospel music, theatre production, and direction. Born on 31 October 1962 in the township of Lady Selborne, Pretoria, this veteran entertainer has built a career spanning over four decades. Famous for portraying the villainous Kenneth Mashaba in the iconic SABC soapie Generations, Sebogodi has become synonymous with dramatic excellence and character depth in South African television and film.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Seputla Steez Sebogodi (also Septula Steez Sebogodi, Seputla Daniel Sebogodi) |
| Date of Birth | 31 October 1962 |
| Age | 62-63 years old (as of January 2026) |
| Place of Birth | Lady Selborne (Selbourne), Pretoria, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| State of Origin | Gauteng Province (Pretoria) |
| Partner | Makoena Francina Kganakga (engaged 2018; Radio Pulpit secretary) |
| Children | Thapelo (son, actor), Kgothatso (son), Sebogodi (son), Thabang (daughter) |
| Occupations | Actor, Gospel Singer, Theatre Producer, Director, Scriptwriter, TV Host |
| Net Worth | $1 million – $5 million USD (R17–R85 million ZAR) |
Early Life and Education
Seputla Sebogodi grew up in modest conditions in the sprawling township of Lady Selborne on Pretoria’s outskirts. His childhood reflected apartheid-era challenges, yet gained spiritual foundation through his father’s position as a Zion Christian Church (ZCC) pastor. His mother, Annah, offered family support in his early years before her passing.
Early performance exposure came unexpectedly at his uncle’s graduation, where Sebogodi organized entertainment and hosted a successful event that revealed his audience-engaging talent. This moment ignited his interest in performing arts, drawing him toward theatre and acting. Formal training occurred at UNISA with speech studies, and crucially through mentorship under Gibson Kente, pioneer of township theatre who guided numerous black performers.
Career
Sebogodi’s professional acting began in the early 1990s, almost by chance when he replaced an absent actor in a stage production. Early theatre included Not To Die Today, Macbeth, Gathering of the Beasts, and The Theatre of Africa, sharpening his skills in township theatre traditions.
Television entry featured supporting then leading roles. His debut in the Pedi drama Bophelo Ke Semphekgo (1988) as Nkwesheng showcased comedic and dramatic range. Ike Moloi in the sitcom Suburban Bliss (1996) boosted his recognition among viewers.
Casting as Kenneth Mashaba in Generations (2005) marked his breakthrough, turning him into a household name through the complex antagonist’s narrative drive. The role earned industry acclaim.
Post-Generations, he amassed diverse roles. Solomon in Rhythm City (2015) showed sustained relevance. Kgopolo More in ongoing Scandal! keeps him central to daily drama. Films include Hearts and Minds (1995), The Long Run (2000), Mr Bones (2001), Beat the Drum (2003), Max and Mona (2004), Critical Assignment (2004), and The Woman King (2022).
Recent villain roles in 1Magic telenovelas like Mohumi in The River drew strong reactions for psychological depth. A 2024 nomination followed for Redemption. Netflix’s Six in the City marks streaming expansion.
Sebogodi stays connected to theatre via Waiting for Godot—In Africa (2001). He embraces directing and mentoring, stressing skill growth across disciplines for industry longevity.
Personal Life
Sebogodi’s personal journey involves complexity and scrutiny typical of media figures. Three marriages ended in divorce or separation. First with Deborah Futhi produced sons Thapelo (actor) and Kgothatso. Second to Leonette Sebogodi dissolved. Third to Shereen Maubane ended in 2009 after her move from Centurion, Pretoria.
Engaged since 2018 to Makoena Francina Kganakga, a Radio Pulpit secretary, their bond reflects shared spiritual values. Father to four, three sons, one daughter. Thapelo notably continues the acting legacy, training formally and co-starring in The River.
His ZCC roots influence values and gospel work. He favors a discreet lifestyle away from flashy displays.
Net Worth
Current estimates place Seputla Sebogodi’s net worth between $1 million and $5 million USD (R17 million to R85 million ZAR). Earnings stem from acting across TV, film, theatre; gospel music; directing; and production. Steady series like Generations, Scandal!, and The River provide core income, boosted by films and appearances. Son Thapelo’s R700,000 net worth hints at family ventures.
Filmography
Television Series
Seputla Sebogodi’s TV work covers over thirty years:
- Bophelo Ke Semphekgo (1988) – Nkwesheng
- Suburban Bliss (1996) – Ike Moloi
- Hijack Stories (2000)
- Generations (2005) – Kenneth Mashaba
- Rhythm City (2015) – Solomon
- Scandal! (ongoing) – Kgopolo More
- The Republic (2019)
- The River – Mohumi
- Redemption
- Six in the City (Netflix)
- Zabalaza, Zaziwa, iNkaba, Heartlines
Feature Films
- Hearts and Minds (1995)
- The Long Run (2000)
- Hijack Stories (2000)
- Mr Bones (2001)
- Beat the Drum (2003)
- Critical Assignment (2004)
- Max and Mona (2004)
- The Story of Racheltjie De Beer (2019)
- The Woman King (2022)
Theatre
- Not To Die Today
- Macbeth
- Gathering of the Beasts
- The Theatre of Africa
- Waiting for Godot—In Africa (2001)
Awards and Nominations
Seputla Sebogodi’s work has garnered national and continental honors:
South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs)
| Award Category | Year | Production | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Actor in a TV Soap | 2010 | Generations (Kenneth Mashaba) | Won |
| Best Supporting Actor in a TV Drama | 2020 | The Republic | Won |
| Best Supporting Actor in a Telenovela | 2024 | Redemption | Nominated |
Other Awards and Recognition
Africa Movie Academy Awards nominations highlight continental reach. 2020 SAFTA recognition for The Republic marked his second major win. His first award was stolen, underscoring its prestige.
Discography
Sebogodi’s gospel career features three albums:
- Nkuke Morena (“Lift Me Up, Lord”) – Debut with ZCC influences
- Re Tshwarele Melato (2010)
- Buya (2015)
Songs emphasize redemption and spiritual themes, blending church traditions for devotional and broader audiences.
