- Seasoned thespian Sello Motloung was rushed to the hospital after collapsing at home and later died.
- Motloung has a career spanning more than 20 years in TV, film and theatre.
- He starred in multiple productions and was nominated for prestigious awards.
South Africa suffered another blow to the creative arts industry after veteran actor Sello Motloung died.
In the past two months, the country has witnessed the deaths of many thespians who have left the nation shocked and heartbroken.
Motloung collapsed on Sunday at his home and was rushed to the hospital, where he later died.
Paying her tribute after the news broke, actor Katlego Danke shared how 2024 was “a very difficult year.”
“A year filled with pain and loss. I suppose we also have to remind ourselves of the gift and true celebration of life. Sello…my brother, my friend… I will miss you. I can’t believe I’m saying these words, but RIP.”
Motloung was hailed for the way he carried his character since his days of playing Sajene Kokobela. All his roles have left a memorable mark on viewers.
Outlaws actor Ikobeng Moatlhodi took to his Instagram account to pay tribute to the star.
“I met this incredible thespian, Bra Sello Motloung, in 2013 in Scotland, Edinburgh Fringe Festival. I was in the multi-award-winning show The System, and he was doing a play, Cadre, starring Ta Omphile and Lillian Malulyck. He contributed to our industry growth by coming to our theatre shows and gave us contractive critiques, and he used to advise me on my social media usage also. His wittiness in my comment section will be missed,” he wrote in his tribute.
The seasoned thespian had an illustrious career, with an impressive CV that spanned more than 20 years in theatre, TV, and the silver screen.
Motloung, born in Meadowlands, Soweto, was married to Nthabiseng. The pair tied the knot in 2023 and share four children.
According to his Facebook bio, the legendary thespian trained and studied at the British American Drama Academy, Soyikwa Institute of Africa Theatre, and Moving Into Dance Mophatong.
READ | ‘We are devastated’: Family of veteran South African actor Sello Motloung announce his sudden death
He was fluent in English, Sesotho, isiZulu, Sepedi, Setswana, and Tsotsitaal.
He has starred in over twenty TV productions, including Nna Sajene Kokobela, The Republic, The Estate, Blood Psalms, and The Wife.
The award-winning actor starred in various theatre productions, including Socks and Toothpaste, Habituals, The Cherry Orchard, The Good Woman of Sharkville, and “Master Harold” and the Boys.
He was nominated for the Vita Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in The Good Woman of Sharkville.
He was a multi-talented actor, well-versed on the silver screen, featuring in films like Chikin Biznis, in which he starred alongside the late Connie Chiume and Darlington Michaels. He was also nominated for the flick in the Best Supporting category in the M-Net All African Film Awards. He also starred in An Act of Defiance, Invictus, Happiness is a Four-Letter Word, and How to Steal 2 Million.
Although he had done a stellar job in the industry, Motloung raised concerns about senior actors being sidelined in shows.
In an interview with the Sowetan, when he got a role on Showmax’s The Wife, he told the publication he struggled to understand why television stories did not feature older actors.
He said:
It is quite unfortunate in our country that acting and main roles are seen as something for young actors. We forget that for young actors to be where they are, they were inspired by people who were in the industry before them.
He added that he looked up to actors like Owen Sejake, Ramolao Makhene and Arthur Molepo, who were in the industry before him. He also compared South African and American film industries.
“Yet, when you look at Hollywood, Nollywood and England, senior actors anchor the story, and make the story far more relevant. We get easily swayed and charmed by people who have a social media following,” he said.
The veteran actor’s last known production was the film uBab’ Stivovo.
The fantastical comedy follows the journey of Stivovo, a carefree and indifferent new father and boyfriend, who is suddenly thrust into “Daddy Camp” after a life-altering wake-up call.
He said of his role, “I’m raising four girls, so I can relate to being a father more than anything. The combination blends well because it’s the closest thing to reality.”
The film is directed by Abulele Peterson and Bongo Jwaqa, both graduates of the Multichoice Talent Factory.
Reflecting on his role and the collaboration with the Multichoice Talent Factory, Motloung emphasised the importance of nurturing young talent.
“It’s imperative to be open to new ideas and perspectives that emerging talent brings. They bring fresh, groundbreaking, creative ideas that keep us current,” he said.
READ MORE | Comedy and heart: Sello Motloung and Ishmauel Songo team up in upcoming uBab’ Stivovo
