The South African entertainment industry is mourning the loss of a beloved veteran actor, Sello Motlaung, who passed away on September 15, 2024. Known for his outstanding performances in various roles, Motlaung’s death has left a deep void in the hearts of his colleagues, fans, and the entertainment community at large.
One of the most heartfelt tributes came from actress Florence Masebe, a well-respected figure in the South African entertainment scene. Masebe took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express her sorrow and frustration over the industry’s ongoing issues regarding artist compensation. She highlighted that, despite the many tributes being paid to Motlaung, artists like him are often still denied royalties for their work.
In one of her posts, Masebe wrote, “Just RIPs. Still no royalties,” accompanied by heartbroken emojis. This brief but powerful statement reignited conversations around the compensation struggles faced by many South African artists. Masebe has been a vocal advocate for artists’ rights and has been involved in campaigns pushing for fair compensation and royalty payments for performers.https://twitter.com/Penguin_films/status/1835651681662406803?s=19
In another post, Masebe shared a picture of both Sello Motlaung and the late Mpho Sebeng, writing in her native Tshivenda, “Vhathu vhanga,” which translates to “My people,” further expressing her grief over the loss of these talented individuals.
### Social Media Reacts
Florence Masebe’s posts quickly gained attention, with many of her followers and fans of Sello Motlaung echoing her concerns and offering their condolences. Social media users praised Masebe not only for her tribute but for continuing to shed light on the difficult circumstances many artists face behind the scenes. One user, @Mphahleletk, commented, “I remember you making a submission in parliament, but the Bill is yet to be signed. Do you, by any chance, know why?”
Others expressed their sorrow and shared memories of Motlaung’s performances, with some even tagging government officials like the Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, calling for action on the royalties issue. Another user, @i_am_shumani, tweeted, “She’s talking to you @GaytonMcK @SportArtsCultur @PresidencyZA,” urging officials to address the concerns raised by Masebe.
### Tributes from Fellow Actors
Katlego Danke, another prominent figure in South African television, also paid tribute to Sello Motlaung. In her emotional post, Danke spoke about the profound impact Motlaung had on her and other actors who had the privilege of working alongside him. His sudden passing has left a lasting mark on the industry, with actors and fans alike remembering him for his exceptional talent, humility, and kindness.
### The Struggles of South African Artists
The untimely death of Sello Motlaung has once again brought to the forefront the financial difficulties faced by many artists in South Africa. Despite their contributions to the industry, many performers, especially veterans like Motlaung, struggle to secure financial stability after their careers have peaked. Masebe’s advocacy serves as a reminder of the need for systemic changes to ensure that artists are adequately compensated for their work, both during and after their careers.
As the South African entertainment industry continues to pay tribute to the life and legacy of Sello Motlaung, his passing has become a moment of reflection on how the country values and treats its artists. Fans and colleagues will remember him for his captivating performances, but the ongoing conversation about artists’ rights, championed by the likes of Florence Masebe, ensures that his legacy will also be one of change and advocacy for those who come after him.