'He had the biggest heart': Touching moments from actor Mpho Sebeng's memorial service

• Mpho Sebeng's memorial service was held at the Joburg Theatre on Thursday.
• The actor was described as someone who was filled with life, love, and laughter.
• "Mpho met his untimely death in the early hours of Sunday, 5 May 2024, due to a tragic car accident in Potchefstroom," said his family in a statement.

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Life, love, and laughter are the three words that echoed from speakers who described the life of seasoned actor Mpho Sebeng at his memorial service at the Joburg Theatre on Thursday evening.

Friends, family and industry colleagues gathered to share memories of Mphowowo, Luse, Fish, and Phoroza (as he was fondly known), who died in a car accident in the early hours of Sunday. 

Those who took to the stage spoke fondly of Sebeng and described him as someone who made them feel loved, seen, heard and special. 

Many shared sentiments about how the actor lived up to his name, Mpho (a gift).

Actor and director Motlatsi Mafatshe thanked the Sebeng family for lending him to the industry.

He said they spoke of his talent when the late actor arrived and knew he would do big things. 

"He had this amazing aura of being a superstar; you could see he was quality," Mafatshe added.

"He had the biggest heart with his friends. Whenever you've been in the acting game for too long, he would want to know how you do this and how I can better my performance and myself. I've never met anyone who was so professional."

Sebeng starred in various shows, such as Savage Beauty, The Brave Ones, and Miseducation on Netflix, The Queen, The Throne, Z'bondiwe, Scandal, and Hush Money.

Fellow Savage Beauty cast member Rosemary Zimu read Thuso Mbedu's tribute, and in hers, she thanked Sebeng for loving her. 

"I also want to thank God for you and your family, and I pray that God protects them, shines his light through them, and heals their aching hearts. I will look after them. I thank God for your talent, love, and art we created. We got to show the love that we share for one another on screen."

The pair starred as siblings in the series, and Zimu was emotional when she remembered a scene in Savage Beauty when the character Sebeng played dead.

She said he promised her they would grow old together. 

READ | 'Don't forget to be kind': Mpho Sebeng's final message inspires as SA mourns his tragic curtain call

"I want to thank God for how consistent you were, how you served him, and how kind you were to everyone you met.

"I also want to thank God for your unforgettable smile and contagious laugh, the hugs you gave me that felt like home, and the forehead kisses."

Sebeng's little sister, Lebogang, let those gathered at the theatre know her brother greatly loved her.

"This is hard; it was not supposed to be like this, and not now; it's too early. I still need my brother, and I don't know what I'm going to do without me," she said.

"Mpho celebrated my wins like they were his. He encouraged me. He was the first man to buy me flowers and perfume.

"He made me stand on stages and walk red carpets. He opened the door for me everywhere we went. I was a queen. When I was cold, he would give me a jersey to wear. He was so overprotective."