From Acting together on TV, Father & Son, Mpho Sebeng & Sello Motloung have both died the same year

The South African entertainment industry has been rocked by a devastating tragedy with the loss of two beloved actors, Sello Motloung and Mpho Sebeng, both of whom passed away in the same year. These two stars shared the screen as a father and son duo in the popular TV show *Ring of Lies*, and their untimely deaths have left the industry and their fans grappling with profound sorrow.

Sello Motloung, who passed away at 53, was a highly regarded actor who left an indelible mark on South African television, not only for his role in *Ring of Lies* but also for his work in *Backstage* and *Mamello*. His death has been a particularly heavy blow to his admirers, as he was revered for his depth, talent, and passion for storytellingSello Motloung: A Legacy of Talent and Passion


The announcement of Sello Motloung’s death on Sunday, September 15, was met with widespread grief. Actor Spaces, a respected platform in the South African entertainment community, shared the tragic news on Instagram, marking another heartbreaking moment in the industry this year.

Motloung’s talent for acting was undeniable. He possessed a captivating screen presence that brought his characters to life in a way that resonated deeply with audiences. Not only an actor, Motloung was also a presenter and MC, proving his versatility and dedication to his craft. His appearances in *Backstage*, *Mamello*, and *Ring of Lies* made him a household name, and his ability to portray complex emotions earned him admiration and respect.In *Ring of Lies*, Motloung portrayed the role of a father, with Mpho Sebeng playing his on-screen son. The chemistry between them was palpable, and their performances were heartfelt, drawing audiences into the emotional world they created. Their characters’ bond was authentic, and the tragic real-life coincidence of both actors passing away within the same year has made their loss even more poignant.

### A Hard-Hitting Loss for the Industry

The South African entertainment industry is still reeling from the sudden loss of these two talented individuals. Actor Spaces, in their tribute, reflected the collective sorrow felt across the country. They wrote, “A heartfelt tribute to Sello Motloung, a beloved actor and artist who graced us with his talent, passion, and unwavering dedication. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.”

Motloung’s death is not just a personal tragedy for his family and friends, but also a significant loss to the entertainment community. His performances were marked by a profound understanding of human experiences, and he had a unique ability to convey complex emotions that deeply resonated with audiences. More than just an actor, he was a storyteller who used his platform to reflect real-life experiences and challenges.

### The Impact of Sello Motloung’s Passing

In the wake of his passing, tributes from fellow actors, fans, and industry professionals have poured in. Social media has been flooded with heartfelt messages, stories of Motloung’s kindness, professionalism, and the lasting impact he had on others. His death, occurring shortly after that of his on-screen son Mpho Sebeng, has compounded the sense of loss, leaving a void in the industry that will be felt for years to come.

The loss of Sello Motloung and Mpho Sebeng serves as a sobering reminder of the fleeting nature of life. It also emphasizes the importance of cherishing the legacies left behind by artists who devote themselves to their craft. While the industry mourns the passing of these two stars, it also celebrates the life and career of Sello Motloung, whose passion and dedication will continue to inspire future generations.

### A Final Farewell

The tragic loss of Sello Motloung and Mpho Sebeng in the same year feels almost too heart-wrenching to believe. However, their contributions to South African entertainment remain etched in the hearts of their fans and colleagues. Sello Motloung’s legacy, marked by his powerful performances and unwavering dedication to his roles, will continue to influence and inspire. As the industry bids a final farewell, it holds on to the memories and celebrates the life of an extraordinary artist. Rest in peace, Sello Motloung.

Get to know the multi-faceted entrepreneur Sylvia A. Ravhutulu.

Meet Sylvia A. Ravhutulu. An accomplished businesswoman and academic who handles those duties while being a mother of three and a wife of 27 years. Sylvia is also studying towards completion of a Doctoral Study in Digital Transformation at the University of Johannesburg Business School.


 

Sylvia has used her talents to become the CEO of a non-profit organisation while being a director at a company looking to ease the burden people in rural areas face when it comes to accessing electricity.

“Growing up I had no idea that such an industry existed or was within my reach. I come from a disadvantaged background, growing up in a rural village in Limpopo, Venda. We grew up in a time and area where most of the area was dark and had no lights at all, and I remember that all I wanted growing up was to bring lights as I didn’t like darkness,” she explains.

“My inspiration comes from the desire to bring lights. I’ve always been interested in making a meaningful difference in people’s lives, and I realized as I got into the corporate world that infrastructure development, particularly in rural areas, is a powerful way to uplift communities. The technical services sector now allows me to combine my business acumen with my passion for development, and this combination has inspired me to pursue a career where I can contribute to both economic growth and social impact.”

Thabang and Makhumo have let their love win at the end of the Married at First Sight Mzansi.

They were looking for love.

They searched far and wide until an unconventional solution came along.


 

It was a social experiment.

Getting married at first sight it was.

Khumo had been looking for someone with whom she could connect, and she’d hope that they’d be on the same page.

“Sometimes it leads to a long-term monogamous relationship, sometimes it leads to something more casual but equally fulfilling, sometimes it leads to a whole lot of drama, and sometimes it doesn’t lead to anything in truth though I needed to feel safe as I have intense trust issues.”

Thabang, on the other hand though, had been single for two years as he navigated what he calls “internships” here and there. These relationship internships were nothing stable or even worth proclaiming until eventually, the need to have a companion came knocking on his door.

“I felt that I’m at an age and stage in my life where I need to have a wife of my own that will in turn breed discipline and reduction on the street life,” he says.

A week before the Married at First Sight (MAFS) experiment, Khumo says she had to break off a situationship that she had been in.

“The reality is that relationships are compromise, two worlds amalgamating to form a beautiful union called marriage that isn’t easy and as the saying goes ‘beauty is pain’ but one thing we can both agree on is our mental health – neither of us wanted to find ourselves mentally bruised due to the relationship or it’s stresses,” they both concur.

Of all the relationships in the first season of MAFS, they are the youngest and by virtue, most fun. But when it goes south, it goes all the way south!

If there’s any moment that they are never going to forget though, it is when they first met at the aisle, with Thabang in a tuxedo and Khumo in her ballgown wedding dress.

While Thabang admits that he instantly thought that she was beautiful and that she matched his descriptions, Khumo jokes to say, she was too focused on how cold the day was although she normally goes for dark men, she didn’t mind having her coffee with a little bit of milk.

Overtime, the two fell head over heels with each other.

“Thabang is patient and gentle, I had never experienced a love that has room for trial and error, he was also very protective from the beginning he’d wake up in the early hours while I got ready (sometimes walk me to the car) and stay on the phone with me till I got to work any chance he got he’d call or text to check up on me – that was rare,” says Khumo.
Thabang also says he fell in love with how well Khumo could express her feelings as well as her emotional intelligence.

“I was always stunned by how well she can express her feelings; her emotional intelligence always stood out for me and as much as I would fight it at the time I knew she was the driving force I probably need. I loved how no matter how intense the situation was she’d always find a way to make me laugh; talking to her wasn’t as hard as I thought, and I had to learn that some of my fears are on my head instead and not even real she listens with love but will not spare you in her responses (a giver of tough love),” he says.

“Somehow through all the fun we were having we started drifting apart and to a certain extent we thought it was Makhumo’s working hours but to our shocker it wasn’t, we were so focused on shooting and trying to figure the unimportant factors out that we forgot about each other; that caused a discord and I saw my wife detach we started hanging in separate rooms and talking less so my husband came into the room one night and we had a discussion all of this unraveled and it wasn’t pretty at all,” they add.

Towards the end of the experiment when they were given the opportunity to still go ahead with their marriage or call it quits, Thabang dropped a bomb on Makhumo.

He exposed details of Makhumo still entertaining her past lover, still giving him hopes of a future together which alluded to her living a double life as a cheat, blindsiding him.

“At no point in the experiment was I suspicious that there could be a third party until she brought it up that only then had she officially cut all ties with the person I felt my uncertainty became worse and my trust shatter. The feeling wasn’t so pleasant, I had an epiphany at the brunch table with the couples, I felt lonely and jealous more especially seeing how everyone else was enjoying the beautiful setting with their partners wishing mine could’ve been next to me.”

“It took a lot of emotions for me to be at that breaking point, looking back at myself I wish I could’ve handled the situation better than I did. I chose the wrong time to address the issues I had with her we always said we will deal with things privately, I did not consider how my actions and behaviour contributed to her actions, she could’ve retaliated but she didn’t if only I had resorted to doing the same,” Thabang adds on what was going through his mind at that moment.

Even though all this went down, he clarifies that Makhumo did not have sexual relations with the ‘third party’ during the experiment.

Read more | Are Ultimatum SA’s Nolla and Lebo back together?

Looking back at the experiment, Makhumo says she wishes that she could’ve let Thabang love her more and to the best of his abilities.

“My insecurities always stood in his way; I was so scared that it was all a facade that I forgot to consider that my being nonchalant could easily be translated as not being interested so I’d ignore certain advances.”

The first season of MAFS has officially come to an end with a two-hour special reunion in which most eyes were on Thami and Zithobile.

Only two days separate the deaths of Papa G and Sello Motloung.

It hasn’t been an easy year.

It continues to prove that it can get worse.

One loss after another, the talent in the entertainment industry is wearing thin.

Since Mpho Sebeng’s passing earlier this year due to a car accident, the industry has suffered even mor losses.


 

 

 

 

 

Last month, the country was mourning the passing of Mam’ Connie Chiume who has loved as Mamokete on Rhythm City, cherished as a featured actress on Black Panther and appreciated as Mam’Sonto on Gomora, among other roles she played during her decades in the acting scene.

Right after, the entertainment industry also lost broadcaster and producer Thabiso Sikwane who had recently divorced from DJ Fresh and before anyone knew it, Sandile ‘Mapaputsi’ Ngwenya was also gone.

Read more | Industry giants remember Connie Chiume following her passing

Last week, Darlington Michaels who was best known as Papa G, Georgie Zamdela on Isidingo for years, was pronounced dead.

The news of his passing caught many by surprise.Darlington was 78 years old at the time of his passing on 13 September after suffering a short illness.

“It is with profound sadness that the Ndarana family confirms the passing of the legendary actor, Teboho Ndarana best known as ‘Darlington Papa G Michaels,” the family statement launched.

“The family kindly requests for privacy as they navigate this deep and painful loss,” it concludes.

Condolences have since been pouring in as his memorial service is set to take place at Soweto Theatre on Thursday, 19 September and his funeral service is scheduled to take place in Soweto on Saturday, 21 September.

Just as the country was grappling with this loss, another death hit.

Happy birthday to James Sithole

Happy birthday to James Sithole 🎂🎉James Sithole is a South African actor popular for his role Mdala on Scandal! Despite this being his debut role on the small screen, he executes it flawlessly. His unrivalled flair always leaves viewers wanting more of his charming face. As he is becoming a fan favorite, let’s find out more in James Sithole Biography: Age, Career, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Scandal!
James Sithole Biography Age, Career, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Scandal!
James Sithole Image Credit: @Instagram
Profile Summary


 

 

 

 

 

Full Name: James Sithole

Birthday: 17 September

Birthplace: KwaMhlanga Mpumalanga

Profession: Actor, Producer, Stage Manager and Entrepreneur

Relationship Status: Married

Net Worth: R500 000
What is James Sithole’s Age?
James Sithole Biography Age, Career, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Scandal!
James Sithole Biography Age, Career, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Scandal!

The actor has only divulged his birthday and remains mum on his age. His stature gives late 30s vibes and if ever he is older than that then he is the definition of “black don’t crack”.
How does James Sithole’s career start?
James Sithole Biography Age, Career, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Scandal!
James Sithole Image Credit: @Instagram

In a bid to perfect his translating skills, the actor studies language practice after passing matric. Enrolling at Pretoria Arts academy, James whets his acting skills. In 2012, he commences his studies at the University of South Africa. That same year, the actor enrolls at Youth In Trust State Theatre to study Communication Arts and Films. All skills acquired have molded him to make stellar performances wherever he features.
Which shows has James Sithole featured in?
James Sithole Biography Age, Career, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Scandal!
James Sithole Image Credit: @Instagram

Performing in theatre plays subsequent to finishing his studies, James finally lands a television role. The cameo role as Mdala on Scandal! has attracted him a huge following and Mzansi wants to see more of him. With the kind of flair he possesses, he is likely to land more roles on his lap.
What is James Sithole’s role on Scandal!?
James Sithole Biography Age, Career, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Scandal!
James Sithole Image Credit: @Instagram

Dynamite comes in small packages and Mdala is one small package. Probably the most feared thug on Scandal!, all comes tumbling down when Nhlamulo, his wingman goes on a path to repentance. Finding himself behind bars, Tlogi, his trophy wife decides to go on a new path. Will Mdala let her off the hook so easily.
Does James Sithole have a wife?

Despite being a private person, the actor has mentioned that he is married. He however has not divulged details on his love life.
James Sithole Biography Age, Career, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Scandal!

Actor, Sello Motloung has passed away at the age of 53.

ANOTHER sad day for the Mzansi entertainment industry.

Actor Sello Motloung died on Sunday, 15 September as announced by Actor Spaces on their Instagram.

The 53-year-old actor, presenter, and MC was best known for his roles on TV shows such as Backstage, Mamello, and Ring of Lies.

In the post, Actor Spaces said that it’s a very hard period for the industry. ANOTHER sad day for the Mzansi entertainment industry.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Actor Sello Motloung died on Sunday, 15 September as announced by Actor Spaces on their Instagram.

The 53-year-old actor, presenter, and MC was best known for his roles on TV shows such as Backstage, Mamello, and Ring of Lies.

In the post, Actor Spaces said that it’s a very hard period for the industry. “A heartfelt tribute to Sello Motloung, a beloved actor and artist who graced us with his talent, passion and unwavering dedication. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. Rest in peace bra Sello. Your light will forever shine in our hearts,” Actors Spaces wrote.

Reat In Peace Sello Motloung 🙏🏽🕊️#RIPSelloMotloung pic.twitter.com/79JXVeO2DM
— Jabulani Macdonald ⚡️ (@Jabu_Macdonald) September 16, 2024

Another great South African Actor Ntate Sello Motloung has fallen

The Actor who starred in Backstage, Mamello, Ring of Lies and other productions, passed away on Sunday, 15 September 2024. May his soul rest in peace 🕊️ 🕯️#RIPNtateSello pic.twitter.com/ACowGdYErv

Xolile turns tyre tubes into bags!

“FASHION embodies love.”

These are Xolile Mabuza’s motivational words.

The 27-year-old seamstress and Siswati cricket analyst from Msogwaba Village in Mpumalanga creates eco-friendly, durable, waterproof, ethically sourced, and stylish bags from old rubber tubes of car tyres.

Xolile is the founder of Tendalo Trading, established in 2018 after she suffered a stroke that changed her life.

With less than seven years in the business, Xolile’s creativity, business understanding, and growth potential have earned her and Tendalo Trading as one of the Creation Africa programme’s top 12 entrepreneur finalists.

They were selected for incubation, seed funding, and immersion through investment networks.

“I had to relearn to do things, use my hand, walk, and be alive again. Working with rubber tubes, washing them, I felt I was cleansing a bigger, dirty part of me. When I started sewing rubber tubes, it felt I was sewing all the broken pieces in me back together,” Xolile said.

Her passion was also stimulated by her childhood, when she used to see her grandmother create magic through her sewing machine.
business,culture,family
Xolile Mabuza, founder of Tendalo Trading.

She said through collecting and washing rubber tubes, she found a source of comfort during a dark period in her life.

“I noticed problems caused by dumping and burning rubber tubes and opportunities that came with solving the issue. Then, it connected with my healing.”

ALSO READ: Farmers walk away with big zaka!

Xolile said she was taught the culture of love from a young age by her family, from seeing the love in her parents’ eyes every morning when they were dressing her and her siblings up for school.

“I was taught the culture of love because it teaches you to embrace things. I learned that fashion embodies love, a collaboration of identities and cultures, and a map of who we are as a people, where we’ve been, and what our future looks like.”

She said her belief in God, talent, and the support from the community have kept her grounded in the business world.

“On days when I felt I was failing, I trusted that God’s plan for my life wouldn’t fail me. Having a supportive family and community has always been a game changer. They bring my efforts to light, for me to see and learn that I’m doing fine.”

 

 
Xolile further shared that people, especially Africans, should honour and cherish their roots. She highlighted that the world needs to know where we come from.

“The world deserves to know who we are, as Africans. They need to know the magic that runs in our veins, that lies beneath our tongues and the different languages we speak. We’re people of colour and character with a DNA of beautiful cultures.”

She said it’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure that customs and cultures are honoured, cherished, and passed on to the next generations.

‘Isibaya’ star Gcina Mkhize: ‘I’ve only worked five days in 2024’

Legendary actress Gcina Mkhize reveals she hasn’t been able to work in the entertainment industry.
GCINA MKHIZE: ‘THE ACTING INDUSTRY IS CUTTHROAT’

The former Isibaya actress Gcina Mkhize tells Sunday World that the last project she worked on was Showmax’s brand-new legal series, Law, Love, and Betrayal.

Mkhize, who is famously known for her role in Isibaya adds that she’s only worked for five days this year.

“Since the beginning of 2024, I have only worked five days. The acting industry is cutthroat, and secondly, when you stand up for yourself in this industry, people do not like you,” she says.

The actress also reveals that there are people who were probably still offended by the video she did about Covid vaccines.

 
She adds that she’s made peace with the fact that the industry has its own people. She is ready to pack her bags and leave and venture into other things.

“At 51, I cannot be begging for roles I have mentally and physically checked out; I do not care about the fame that I wanted when I was younger.”‘ISIBAYA’ ACTRESS’ VIRAL VIDEO

The former Isibaya actress, Gcina Mkhize recently trended on social media when she asked for donations.

“Good morning, South Africa. As you can see, I slept in this house with only a curtain acting as my door. My safety and my children’s safety is compromised.”

“I lay awake, asking myself what can happen in the middle of the night when my home is like this. Because anyone can just come in and do as they please.”

“We need to be connected to the outside world. We don’t have any resources, and we need the help of law enforcement agencies to help us,” she adds.

“We need food, and I am a single mom. But I will not leave this room because what this person wants to do is constructive eviction,” she adds.

IOL reveals that it’s unclear if Mkhize is renting or owning the property.

Cassper takes student to Matric Dance in Maybach

One lucky Rustenburg had the amazing opportunity to be chauffeured to their Matric Dance by rapper Cassper Nyovest in a multi-million rand Mercedes Maybach.
CASSPER NYOVEST CHAUFFERS STUDENT TO MATRIC DANCE

In a clip posted on social media, Cassper Nyovest was seen chauffeuring a Selly Park Secondary student to their Matric Dance.

The celebrity encounter included sitting pretty in a luxury ride driven by the rapper – a Mercedes Maybach.

 

 

 
The sleek silver car was part of an entourage that included two other Mercedes G-Wagons.

Cassper – wearing an all-black suit – was seen being swarmed by adoring fans and official photographers.

Take a look…
Cassper Nyovest is known for his impressive multi-million car collection.

They include the following:
Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS600, which costs upwards of R4 million.
Silica White McLaren GT, with a price tag of over R5 million.
Bentley Continental GT V8, valued at over R5 million
Rolls Royce Wraith, which costs over R8 million

Muvhango lost viewers in August

SABC2’s soapie ‘Muvhango’ lost roughly 300,000 viewers when the new season premiered, starring Wiseman Zitha and Leleti Khumalo. TVSA states that Muvhango had 1.325.878 million viewers in July, whereas BRCSA confirms that it had 1.084.399 million viewers in August.

Viewers of the soapie revealed on X that they preferred to watch previous episodes from June and July, which finished in August.

 

A fan of the show, @Papi_Mphuthi, says, “I would wait until 9 p.m. just to watch old seasons and even record those episodes because it was so dope back then.”

@DeeJosta stated, “Old Muvhango boosted those numbers.”

Season 27 debuted on August 5 at 21:00, starring actress Leleti Khumalo as Dr. Nonhlanhla Ximba and her spouse Avhatakali Ramabulana.
Lloyd Nedohe joined the cast as Avhatakali, and Tyson Mathonsi plays Sakhile Ximba.

Khumalo’s character is a medical doctor who has switched careers to business and building and is the CEO of Siyabusa building.
She wants to lead MMC with plans to expand it and is a strong champion for women’s empowerment.

“Dr. Ximba’s enigmatic presence as a construction entrepreneur is poised to upend Muvhango’s familiar environment. The press announcement reads: “Paving the way for unprecedented intrigue and groundbreaking storytelling.”

The Sunday Tribune reported that Muvhango had reappeared with a new logo, opening sequence, and characters.