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Mpho Sebeng's younger sister, Lebo, shared touching memories about her brother, recalling him as the first man to ever buy her flowers and someone who had always looked out for her, even to the point of overprotectiveness.
She fondly remembered how he had introduced her to the glamour of red-carpet events and always made sure she felt loved and protected.
Highlighting the profound bond they shared, she lamented:
On Thursday, the entertainment community, alongside friends and family, convened at the Joburg Theatre to pay tribute to the beloved 31-year-old actor and TV presenter who died in a car accident in North West on Sunday, 5 May. The memorial service was a heartfelt farewell, filled with touching memories and expressions of love for Sebeng.
Mpho's little sister Lebo Sebeng remembers the love of her life, her protector, the 1st man to ever buy her flowers. "It's too soon"#RIPMphoSebeng @City_Press pic.twitter.com/zWdPevl0Xy
— MbaliMbokodo (@mbathambali493) May 9, 2024
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She continued:
Friends from Sebeng's high school days reminisced about their time together, describing him as the heart of their group, always ready to lighten the mood or embark on mischievous adventures.
Damn bro ??#RIPMphoSebeng @City_Press pic.twitter.com/oRzF4zmYCn
— MbaliMbokodo (@mbathambali493) May 9, 2024
They recalled how he used to be the nightmare of one Ntate Max, who was employed at their school, for repeatedly stealing his tractor. Tired of the traditional school colours, Sebeng ensured that his grade 12 class of 2011 at West Ridge High was the first to wear red matric jackets, which he designed.
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Mzwakhe “Robot Bio” Mbuli chuckled at being proven wrong about his assumption that he had been Sebeng’s best friend. The love with which everyone spoke of his friend, Mbuli said, emphasised that blood relations did not compare with the memories and jokes shared with chosen loved ones.
A common memory shared by Mbuli and many others who knew the departed personally, was that Sebeng had been fearless and intentional about sharing his love and affection.
Some of the messages about Sebeng, left by his close friends in their WhatsApp group, read: "A gift that kept on giving." "A masterpiece of love." "A beacon of light who wore his heart on his sleeve."
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Close friend and fellow thespian Rosemary Zimu delivered words that sent the auditorium on a roller coaster of emotions. After reciting a message from Thuso Mbedu, Zimu spoke from her own heart, breaking into a teary recollection of Sebeng’s forehead kisses that had made her feel like a five-year-old.
She said:
Sebeng led with love, kindness and compassion. Industry colleagues and loved ones alike will never forget how he never let his celebrity status go to his head. Unlike some public figures, he chose to remain humble and was a warm person.
Let us all raise our glasses and say cheers to Mpho Sebeng, a young man who was known to toast every occasion with a tot or three.
