Seputla Sebogodi: Soapie Villain's Final Days Marred by Cyberbullying and Ill Health

You were not yourself... You were sick, and we prayed for your recovery.

Mandisi "Dr Disi" Sindo, a friend and promoter of Seputla Sebogodi, penned this tribute after the news of Sebogodi's passing spread online.

Seputla Sebogodi, best known for his portrayal of soapie villain Kenneth Mashaba, has died just days after being targeted by cruel online trolls. The TV actor and thespian, 63, passed away on Thursday, 15 July, due to complications of diabetes. In his final days, he was reportedly in poor health, struggling to keep up with his acting commitments due to his condition.

According to Sindo, Sebogodi had been working tirelessly to promote his theatre production, Black Moon, at the National Arts Festival in Makanda (formerly Grahamstown). The thespian had hopes of taking his play to every province and showcasing his talent on a national stage. Sindo reflected on Sebogodi's final days, recalling that despite the cyberbullying and cruel allegations, Sebogodi remained a strong and proud man.

The truth was more painful. Bra Seputla was not well. He told me himself that, because of his health, he had lost TV jobs. Theatre was his last hope, his last stage to show the world that his talent was still alive.
Mandisi "Dr Disi" Sindo, a friend and promoter of Seputla Sebogodi.

In a scathing attack on social media, Sindo shared that the cruel trolls who had mocked Sebogodi's appearance were far off the mark. Sebogodi's family and friends were well aware of his health struggles, and they were working tirelessly to support him. The veteran actor had a loving family and a home, but online, he was savaged by trolls.

They mocked you, saying things that weren’t true about you. You had a home and the family members who loved you and appreciated your presence. Yes, you were not yourself… You were sick, and we prayed for your recovery.
Mandisi "Dr Disi" Sindo, a friend and promoter of Seputla Sebogodi.

Seputla Sebogodi's career spanned decades, with notable roles on popular soapies like Generations, Rhythm City, The River, Scandal!, and Gomora. The veteran actor had also ventured into theatre, where he showcased his writing, directing, and mentoring skills.

In those last weeks, I was working closely with him and the Black Moon team to take his play further. We were booking the Market Theatre’s Kippies, the Fringe in Hull Street in the Northern Cape, and Jika Nation Theatre in the Free State. We wanted his story and his gift to travel to every province and be seen. But God had other plans. God called him home. And when the heavens open their arms, there is nothing we on earth can do.
Mandisi "Dr Disi" Sindo, a friend and promoter of Seputla Sebogodi.