Mourners arrived in numbers to bid farewell to their friend, colleague, and actor Mpho Sebeng who died on Sunday 5 May, following a car accident

His funeral service was held at the Rhema Bible Church in Randburg Johannesburg.

GOODBYES

Mpho's memorial was held on Thursday at Joburg Theatre where friends spoke about the impact he had in their lives. Today, mourners gathered to say their last goodbyes and take him to his final resting place at West Park Cemetery. Leading the proceedings was actor Aubrey Pooe who surprised mourners with his enchanting singing voice. Lindy Mokoena described Mpho as humble, talented, different, kind, well-mannered, and a God-fearing young man. "He sought to be a person of value and he became a valuable asset to the industry. He stood out from the crowd and demonstrated resilience." She says Mpho did not struggle to fit in. "His uniqueness came from finding his gift at the age of 12 years old. He had a discussion with his parents and was selected. He never sought success; it chased him." Tladi Morake from the Sebeng family says Mpho comes from a generation of leaders, and his success does not come as a surprise to them. "Thank you for helping us to raise our child."

SPECIAL TIMES

Actress Vele Manenje spoke about her bond with the late actor. She said he was a brother, a best friend and her daughter's godfather. "I am the adopted daughter of Nomsa Sebeng, Bra Joe. The adopted sister to Lebogang and the entire family," she said. "He became my brother from another mother," Vele said. The two met on the auditions of Queen Of Katwe. She said the best years of Mpho's life, she believes were spent with her. "I danced and sang with my heart open and my soul open." Reading from her notes, she said, she saw God in his eyes. "I now trust because you trusted me with your life," she said closing off her tribute with a traditional Tshivenda bow.

MEMORIES

Close friend and colleague, Warren Masemola travelled outside of Johannesburg to pay his last respects. The two worked together on Ring Of Lies. "He was a very young man at the time, I didn't understand the amount of confidence he had. In him, I saw myself when I was his age. Mpho and I fell in love and the three of us (including Vele Menenje) were a trio," he said. "Mpho was so hungry for knowledge about performance and the arts, and he asked me to give him special performing classes. He couldn't and passed him on to a neighbour, and he travelled to Johannesburg from Witpootjie," he recalled the good times. "I took Mpho to a strip club in Lagos, Nigeria. Mpho and I had a lot of fun, we told Vele about it, and she was so jealous. He was such a loving young man. What was ours, was ours."

The Westridge Highschool choir where Mpho attended school shared a poem and song. Mpho's friend of 17 years, Lesego Mabheka said they attended school together. "He was already a child star, and everyone knew him." He said Mpho knew what he wanted to be from when they were young. Saxophonist Bongani Radebe shared a tribute while influencer Mandisa Jakavulu sang Amanda Black's AmaZululu.

MPHO'S PARENTS

Mpho's mother, Nomsa Sebeng joined the choir on stage for a dance before his sister read a message from his parents. "Mpho, you lived up to your name, mfanam. As the Bible says, blessed is the hand that giveth. Our life is a manifestation of the scripture as I witnessed the blessing you were to the many lives, here to celebrate you. My boy, you lived dreams your ancestors couldn't ever fathom"," his mom wrote. "My boy, we are proud of you. You made us proud. My boy, you lived dreams your ancestors couldn't ever fathom. You touched lives." She said she did not expect to be burying him so soon. Please promise me mfanam that you will come visit us and tell us what happened. Lala kahle my boyza." Gospel singer ushered the family to the grave with the song Injabulo.