Sello Motloung Biography: Wife, Age, Death, Movies & TV Shows, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Children

Sello Motloung was a legendary South African actor, presenter, and MC whose versatile performances across television, film, and theatre left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

Known for roles in Backstage, Ring of Lies, The Wife, and the Oscar-nominated Invictus, his ability to embody diverse characters with depth and passion earned him widespread acclaim.

A proud Sowetan and father of four, Sello’s sudden passing in 2024 shocked Mzansi, but his legacy continues to inspire through his unforgettable contributions to storytelling.

Profile

• Full Name: Sello Motloung
• Stage Name: Sello Motloung
• Born: November 4, 1970
• Died: September 15, 2024
• Age at Death: 53 years old
• Birthplace: Meadowlands, Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa
• Nationality: South African
• Occupation: South African Actor, Presenter, MC
• Height: 5’7″
• Parents: Mr and Mrs Motloung
• Siblings: unknown
• Spouse: Nthabiseng Motloung (married 2023–2024); previously married to Thandi Motloung
• Children: Four children (two sons, two daughters; names not disclosed)
• Relationship: Married at time of death
• Net Worth: $300,000–$1 million

Early Life and Education

Sello Motloung was born on November 4, 1970, in Meadowlands, Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa, a vibrant township that shaped his cultural identity and passion for performance. Raised in a Zulu household, Sello developed a love for acting at a young age, inspired by Soweto’s rich artistic community.

Details about his parents and siblings are scarce, as he kept his family life private, but his cultural heritage played a significant role in his career, evident in his fluency in Sesotho, isiZulu, Sepedi, Setswana, English, and Tsotsitaal.

Sello’s formal education included training at prestigious institutions, including the British American Drama Academy, the Soyikwa Institute of African Theatre, and Moving Into Dance Mophatong, where he honed his acting, movement, and stagecraft skills. These programs equipped him with the versatility to excel in theatre, television, and film, setting the stage for a career spanning over three decades.

His early exposure to Soweto’s storytelling traditions and his professional training fueled his ability to connect with audiences across genres.

Career

Sello Motloung’s career, spanning from the 1990s until his passing in 2024, showcased his dexterity as a performer. He began in theatre, debuting with Street Cleaners (1990) and The Awakening (1991), followed by critically acclaimed productions like The Good Woman of Sharkville (1996), The Cherry Orchard (1997), Master Harold and the Boys (1998), Cold Stone Jug (2004), and Socks & Toothpaste (2006).

His role in The Good Woman of Sharkville earned a Vita Award nomination, and his 2013 performance in Cadre at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival highlighted his international reach.

On television, Sello rose to fame as Mpumi in Backstage (2000–2001), a role he played for 18 months, captivating audiences with his charisma. He starred as Thabelo in Mzansi Magic’s Ring of Lies (2016–2017) and Kutloano in SABC1’s After Nine (2007), a controversial mini-series.

His lead role as Sgt. Kokobela Bokako in SABC2’s Sesotho drama Nna Sajene Kokobela (2001) became iconic, and he appeared in over 20 TV productions, including Soul City (2001), The Lab (2006, as Nkabi), Wild at Heart (2006, as Lungi), Jozi-H (2006, as Dumisani), Mamello (2015–2017, as Mr. Thobejane), Lithapo (2020, as Thapelo), The Estate (2021), Blood Psalms (2022), The Wife (2021–2022, as King of Bafokeng), and The Republic.

His final TV role was as Zenzi and Naledi’s father in Netflix’s Unseen Season 2 (2025, posthumous release).

In film, Sello’s standout roles included Chikin Biznis (1998), earning an M-Net All-Africa Film Award nomination, Jerusalema (2008), Invictus (2009, alongside Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon), The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency (2008), How to Steal 2 Million (2011), Happiness Is a Four-Letter Word (2016), An Act of Defiance (2017, as Nelson Mandela), and uBab’ Stivovo (2024), a comedy where he played a father, reflecting his real-life role.

He also appeared in Zulu Love Letter and Chanda’s Secrets (2010). His international credits included Human Cargo (2004) and Tarzan: The Epic Adventures.

As a presenter and MC, Sello brought wit to events, and his voice-over work included a PostBank TVC, remembered fondly by fans as “Dumela Ntate Mofokeng.” Despite industry challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he publicly sought acting opportunities in 2021, Sello’s resilience shone through, landing roles in major productions until his final days.

His mentorship of young talent, including collaborations with MultiChoice Talent Factory graduates, underscored his commitment to nurturing the next generation.

Awards and Nominations

• 1996: Vita Award, Best Supporting Actor – The Good Woman of Sharkville (Nominated)
• 1998: M-Net All-Africa Film Award, Best Supporting Actor – Chikin Biznis (Nominated)

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @sellomotloung
• Facebook Handle: Sello Motloung Official

Personal Life

Sello Motloung, who passed away at 53 on September 15, 2024, lived in Johannesburg, South Africa. He married Nthabiseng in 2023, and they shared four children—two sons and two daughters—though their names remain private.

Some sources mention a previous marriage to Thandi Motloung, but details are unconfirmed. Sello’s role as a father was central to his life, as he noted in a 2024 interview about uBab’ Stivovo: “I’m raising four girls, so I can relate to being a father more than anything.”

His sons delivered an emotional tribute at his funeral, held at St. Hubert’s Catholic Church in Alexandra, with burial at Westpark Cemetery.

An avid Orlando Pirates supporter, Sello often poked fun at Kaizer Chiefs fans on social media, showcasing his playful side. He was deeply rooted in his Zulu heritage and used his platform for philanthropy, raising awareness for social issues.

In 2021, he faced industry struggles due to the COVID-19 pandemic, humbly requesting auditions on Facebook, a move fans praised for its courage. Sello’s sudden collapse at home, followed by his death at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital due to breathing problems (possibly a heart attack per some reports), left his family and colleagues in shock.

Tributes from Katlego Danke, Dineo Langa, and the SABC highlighted his warmth and mentorship.

Filmography

Television:

• Backstage (2000–2001) – Mpumi
• Soul City (2001, Season 5) – Supporting Role
• Nna Sajene Kokobela (2001, SABC2) – Sgt. Kokobela Bokako
• Human Cargo (2004, Mini-Series) – Supporting Role
• The Lab (2006, SABC3) – Nkabi
• Wild at Heart (2006, Season 3) – Lungi
• Jozi-H (2006, CBC) – Dumisani
• After Nine (2007, SABC1) – Kutloano
• Second Chance (2007, SABC1) – Supporting Role
• Isidingo – Supporting Role
• Generations – Supporting Role
• 90 Plein Street – Supporting Role
• Khululeka – Supporting Role
• eKasi: Our Stories (2012, e.tv) – Lead (Episode)
• Mamello (2015–2017, SABC2) – Mr. Thobejane
• Ring of Lies (2016–2017, Mzansi Magic) – Thabelo
• Lithapo (2020, SABC2) – Thapelo
• The Estate (2021, SABC3) – Supporting Role
• The Wife (2021–2022, Showmax) – King of Bafokeng
• Blood Psalms (2022) – Supporting Role
• The Republic – Supporting Role
• 016FM – Supporting Role
• Unseen (2025, Netflix, Season 2, posthumous) – Zenzi and Naledi’s Father

Films:

• Chikin Biznis (1998) – Supporting Role
• Jerusalema (2008) – Supporting Role
• The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency (2008) – Supporting Role
• Invictus (2009) – Supporting Role
• Chanda’s Secrets (2010) – Supporting Role
• How to Steal 2 Million (2011) – Supporting Role
• Zulu Love Letter – Supporting Role
• Happiness Is a Four-Letter Word (2016) – Supporting Role
• An Act of Defiance (2017) – Nelson Mandela
• uBab’ Stivovo (2024) – Supporting Role

Theatre:

• Street Cleaners (1990) – Ensemble
• The Awakening (1991) – Ensemble
• The Good Woman of Sharkville (1996) – Supporting Role
• The Cherry Orchard (1997) – Supporting Role
• Master Harold and the Boys (1998) – Supporting Role
• Cold Stone Jug (2004) – Supporting Role
• Socks & Toothpaste (2006) – Supporting Role
• Cadre (2013) – Supporting Role
• Habituals – Supporting Role

Net Worth

Sello Motloung’s net worth at the time of his passing was estimated at $300,000 to $1 million. His income stemmed from over 30 years of acting in television, film, and theatre, as well as presenting, MC work, and voice-over commercials like PostBank.

The range reflects varying source estimates, with his humble lifestyle and industry challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic suggesting the lower end is more likely.