THE late actor Mpho Sebeng was celebrated and remembered by friends, colleagues, and family during his memorial service at the Joburg Theatre on Thursday, 9 May.
He was remembered as a young man who respected his craft, professional and he always said I love you.
Mpho died in a tragic car accident in Potchefstroom on Sunday, 4 May.
Mpho’s younger sister, Lebogang Sebeng, remembered his brother as the most beautiful man she had ever laid eyes on, and he was so overprotective.
“This is hard; it was not supposed to be like this. I still need my brother. I don’t know what I am going to do without him. When we found him in the hospital, he was still beautiful.
“He celebrated my wins as if they were his. He was the first man who bought me flowers. He opened doors for me everywhere we went. I don’t know who is going to protect me now,” she said.
High school friend Reabetswe Segapane said that in every encounter they had with Mpho, there was love, life, and laughter.
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“You could have met Mpho for 2 minutes, but you’ll leave with something. He lived in the now. Big heart, short but a giant,” Reabetswe said.
Award winner actor Motlatsi Mafatshe spoke on behalf of colleagues, and he thanked the parents for raising an amazing, respectful, and talented young man.
“He had the biggest heart; I’ve never met anyone so professional. He was passionate about what he wanted, and he conquered it,” Motlatsi said.
Childhood friend Sfiso Nkosi said Mpho lived up to his name.
“I was bullied at primary, and he protected me, he made sure to cover me. He was our photographer, and videographer. He made sure every space he entered there was love,” Sfiso said.
Thapelo Morake spoke on behalf of the parents and said he understands the pain they are going through.
“To lose a child is not an easy thing. I know it’s painful. Be strong and courageous. Be strong in the Lord,” he said. Danny Miller from Penguin Films remembered Mpho when he walked in when they were doing Saints and Sinners auditions. “I am so deeply grateful to have worked with him; what a wonderful man, what guy. We love you, man,” he said.
Actress Thuso Mbedu, who was not present at the service, sent a message thanking Mpho’s parents, saying they raised a great man. “You were kind and gentle. You snack into my heart, and you never left. I had the privilege to call you my friend.”
Mzwakhe Robot Boi Mbuli, who spoke on behalf of TRH, said Mpho was a glue in their group.
“We link up every Sunday it’s sad he also passed away on a Sunday. He was a gift who kept on giving, he was clean with a swagg, and he told me how to live with an open heart,” Robot Boi said.
Brotherhood Lucky Mangela said Mpho came to visit him in hospital and said he should get better because he can’t do the life thing without him. “I have to do a life thing without him, he loved everybody so much.”
The funeral will take place on Saturday, 11 May, at Rhema Bible Church North in Randburg at 9am. He will be laid to rest at Westpark Cemetery.
