Burial Dispute Erupts As Seputla Sebogodi’s Family And Wife Clash Over Final Resting Place
Preparations for the funeral of veteran South African actor Seputla Sebogodi have been overshadowed by a reported disagreement between his family and his wife over where he should be laid to rest.
The celebrated actor, who died on Wednesday at the age of 63 following complications related to diabetes, will be honoured with a funeral service at Jack Botes Hall in Polokwane on Saturday morning.
However, reports indicate that his relatives and his widow have differing views on his final resting place.
Also Read: Veteran South African Actor Seputla Sebogodi Dies at 63
Family wants actor buried at ancestral home
According to reports, Sebogodi’s family wants him buried at his ancestral home in Ga-Mothapo, east of Polokwane, where his forefathers are buried.
Although the actor was born in Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria, his roots trace back to Ga-Mothapo, and relatives believe he should be laid to rest there.
The dispute reportedly centres on his wife, Machuene Rosina Semenya, whom Sebogodi married in February 2026.
Widow reportedly prefers Polokwane cemetery
Reports claim Semenya wants her late husband buried at Silicon Cemetery in Polokwane instead of the family’s ancestral burial site.
Family members reportedly argue that, having been married to the actor for only six months, she should not make the final decision regarding the burial venue.
They also reportedly claim she had never visited Sebogodi’s ancestral home.
The actor’s elder sister, Mary, 67, is reported to have broken down in tears after learning of the proposed burial at Silicon Cemetery, saying she wanted her brother to rest alongside his ancestors.
Memorial services to honour screen legend
Despite the reported family dispute, arrangements to celebrate Sebogodi’s life are continuing.
A memorial service will be held at the South African State Theatre in Pretoria on 23 July, before a second memorial at Jack Botes Hall in Polokwane on Friday.
His funeral service is scheduled to take place at the same venue on Saturday morning.
Neither Sebogodi’s family nor his widow had publicly commented on the reported disagreement at the time of publication.