- A 2022 interview featuring Seputla Sebogodi resurfaced after news of his death, reigniting discussion about the challenges he faced in the entertainment industry
- South Africans were divided by his remarks, with some sympathising with his experience while others argued that actors must adapt to industry demands
- The formerGenerationsstar previously clarified his financial situation shortly before his passing
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Seputla Sebogodi opened up about his career challenges before his passing. Image: seputlasebogodi_official
A video of veteran actor Seputla Sebogodi discussing the challenges he faced in the South African entertainment industry has resurfaced following news of his death, sparking an emotional debate online.
The clip was shared on X by user @joy_zelda on Thursday, 16 July 2026, shortly after news broke that the beloved actor had passed away. Sharing the video, the user claimed the entertainment industry had failed the actor because he could not speak Zulu.
“The Entertainment Industry failed the actor Seputla Sebogodi đŸ˜đŸ’” because he couldn’t speak Zulu he turned downed 5 Soapies and he became jobless struggling to make ants meet.”
What did Seputla Sebogodi say?
The resurfaced clip is from a 2022 episode of the King David Podcast, hosted by David Mashabela. During the interview, the formerThe River and Generationsstar reflected on how language had affected his career.
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Sebogodi explained that he had declined five television productions because they required actors who could speak Zulu.
“This year I said no to five soapies or drama series. Because you ask me, ‘Can you speak Zulu’? My brother, if you can’t speak Zulu, be prepared to starve. Tell me one soapie without Zulus, I will give you a million (rand). In SA, if you can’t speak Zulu, you are as good as scrambled eggs. It’s a big thing,” he said.
The actor, who won over audiences with his portrayal of Kenneth Mashaba on the original Generationsand later appeared on The River, said the language requirement had become a significant hurdle in his career.
Mzansi debates Seputla Sebogodi’s remarks
The resurfaced interview quickly gained traction on social media, with South Africans sharing mixed opinions about Sebogodi’s comments.
Some sympathised with the late actor and argued that the industry should be more inclusive, while others felt language requirements were simply part of the profession.
“It’s a lesson: provide skills the market needs, learn skills/languages that provide economic opportunities for you. Unfortunately, the market will not change to accommodate you. It’s uncomfortable as it is reality. Actuary earns more than Nurse, Teacher for this reason.”
“That’s nonsense. This guy has been on our screens for many years & as a leading actor. Writers can’t change the script because he can’t speak Zulu; clearly, he didn’t qualify for those roles.”
“It’s sad that we fight for them when they are goneđŸ’””
“I know what you’re doing. Based on the comments, it’s working for you.”
“He said ‘No’ to 5 soapies. The soapies didn’t say ‘No’ to him.”
“I will also struggle to make ants meet, that will be hard, don’t you think đŸ˜‚”
“No one failed anyone… no one owes anyone anything… just how things work.”
Seputla Sebogodi debunk reports he’s struggling
Seputla Sebogodi’s passing comes days after Briefly Newsreported that he had debunked reports that he was ‘broke’and ‘homeless’.
It was revealed that the viral photo of the actor was actually taken during a promotional shoot in Makanda at the festival.
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Tayananiswa Zvikaramba (Editor)Tayananiswa Zvikaramba is an entertainment writer at Briefly News. He previously worked as a profiler, sports, human interest, entertainment, and current affairs writer at Pindula (2016-2022) and iHarare (2022-2025). He holds a BA Honours in Archaeology from the University of Zimbabwe (2010-2013), YOAST SEO for Beginners (2023), YOAST Block Editor Training (2023), and YOAST Structured Data for Beginners (2023). Email: tayananiswa.zvikaramba@briefly.co.za
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