HONOURING OUR LEGENDS EQUALLY
Questions Following the Funeral of Bra Seputla Sebogodi
The Creative Passport extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, fellow artists and the countless South Africans who have been touched by the life and work of the late Bra Seputla Sebogodi. South Africa has lost a giant of theatre, television and storytelling - a cultural icon whose contribution to the country's creative landscape will continue to inspire generations. May his family find comfort in the outpouring of love and in the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind.
Image: Seputla Sebogodi Sometimes circumstances beyond our control occur. Public officials may be called elsewhere, schedules may change unexpectedly, and government cannot always be represented at every event by the same individuals. We acknowledge that reality. However, such situations also raise important questions about representation, consistency and institutional responsibility.
On the same weekend, South Africa mourned two remarkable figures: footballer Jayden Adams and legendary actor Seputla Sebogodi.
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie attended the funeral of Jayden Adams, while Deputy Minister Peace Mabe was expected to attend the funeral of Bra Seputla Sebogodi but did not arrive.
This naturally raises questions not directed at individuals personally, but at the institution entrusted with leading South Africa's Sport, Arts and Culture portfolio.
If the Deputy Minister could no longer attend, why was another senior representative not delegated?
Why was the Director-General not sent to represent the Department?
Could another member of the executive or senior management not have ensured that the Department was officially present to honour one of South Africa's most celebrated cultural figures?
These questions are not about protocol alone. They speak to symbolism.
Government representation at funerals of national figures sends a message about how the nation values those who dedicated their lives to serving the country through sport, arts and culture.
Another observation concerns communication.
The Department's social media platforms actively documented and shared content from the Jayden Adams funeral. Yet there appeared to be no similar public acknowledgement of Bra Seputla Sebogodi's funeral.
Was this an editorial decision?
Did the entire communications team accompany the Minister?
Or does the Department have internal guidelines that determine which funerals receive official coverage and which do not?
If such policies exist, would it not benefit the sector if they were made public?
Transparency helps to manage expectations and avoids perceptions of inconsistency or selectivity.
This question is not new.
The Creative Passport recalls a similar experience when one of South Africa's respected jazz legends passed away, Bra Fitzroy Ngcukana. At the time, we engaged both the Department's Communications and Media unit as well as members of senior management to enquire whether official condolences would be issued. Despite those engagements, no public message was released, even though the Department has often acknowledged the passing of prominent figures within the sector.
That experience left many wondering whether there are formal criteria governing official condolences, public acknowledgements and attendance at funerals.
If there are such guidelines, perhaps now is the right time for the Department to share them openly with the sector.
Doing so would strengthen transparency, improve public understanding and minimise unnecessary speculation whenever difficult decisions must be made.
The funeral itself was a dignified and fitting celebration of an extraordinary life.
Rami Chuene served as Master of Ceremonies with grace, warmth and professionalism, guiding the proceedings in a manner that honoured Bra Seputla Sebogodi with the respect he deserved.
The church leadership and choir carried the service beautifully, creating an atmosphere of reflection, celebration and hope.
Family members, friends and fellow creatives delivered moving tributes that reminded everyone of the profound influence Bra Seputla had not only as an actor, playwright and director, but as a mentor, teacher and cultural giant.
Political representation also prompted reflection.
The MEC from Limpopo attended as the representative of the province hosting the funeral.
The MEC from North West was also present.
However, questions remain.
Where was the Gauteng Provincial Government - the province where Bra Seputla Sebogodi spent much of his distinguished professional life and made an immeasurable contribution to the arts?
Where was the Gauteng Department responsible for Sport, Arts and Culture?
The absence of some leaders should not overshadow the dignity of the farewell, nor diminish the heartfelt tributes shared throughout the service. Yet public institutions should also reflect on what their presence or absence communicates to grieving families, colleagues and the broader creative community.
As we bid farewell to Bra Seputla Sebogodi, we hope his legacy will live far beyond speeches, wreaths and promises made during memorials and funerals.
The greatest tribute we can offer is action.
The Creative Passport calls upon the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and its public entities to consider commissioning Bra Seputla Sebogodi's latest play, Black Moon, for a national and international tour so that future generations can continue to experience his artistic vision and hear his voice through his work.
We further encourage the Department and its entities to support the organisations, institutions and initiatives with which Bra Seputla was associated, ensuring that his contribution to South African theatre is preserved, celebrated and developed for years to come.
Legacies should not end at the cemetery.
They should continue on our stages, in our classrooms, in our community theatres and in the hearts of the nation.
That, perhaps, would be the most meaningful standing ovation we could ever give Bra Seputla Sebogodi.
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