The South African entertainment industry is in mourning after the sudden passing of actor Mpho Sebeng. Sebeng, a rising star with a bright future ahead of him, died tragically in a car accident early Sunday morning in Potchefstroom. He was 31 years old.

Sebeng’s family released a statement confirming the news. “Mpho met his untimely death in the early hours of Sunday, 5 May 2024, due to a tragic car accident in Potchefstroom,” the statement reads. Tributes from friends, colleagues, and fans flooded social media, remembering Sebeng for his talent, dedication, and kind personality.

Born in Soweto in 1992, Sebeng’s passion for acting was evident early on. He honed his skills at West Ridge High School, where he earned drama honors. His career blossomed on television, with roles in popular shows like “Justice for All,” “Zero Tolerance,” and “Ring of Lies” – the latter of which earned him a coveted SAFTA nomination for Best Actor in 2018.

Sebeng wasn’t limited to the small screen. He also impressed audiences with big-screen appearances in movies like “Winnie,” alongside Hollywood stars Jennifer Hudson and Terrence Howard, and “The Jakes Are Missing,” which garnered him an AMVCA nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 2017. His versatility was further showcased in shows on Netflix, like “Savage Beauty” and “Miseducation,” solidifying his status as a sought-after actor.

Fellow actor and friend Zola Hashatsi expressed his grief on social media, calling Sebeng “a young brother” and “a thespian” whose “star was only beginning to shine.” Actress Florence Masebe echoed the sentiment, highlighting Sebeng’s talent and dedication to his craft. Tributes also poured in from the SABC, Netflix SA, and numerous colleagues who cherished Sebeng’s warmth and generosity.

Details regarding Sebeng’s funeral service will be announced later this week. Though his life was tragically cut short, Mpho Sebeng’s contributions to South African entertainment will not be forgotten.