Thapelo Sebogodi is the son of Kenneth Mashaba

The apple does not fall far from the tree indeed.Some of The River fans were surprised to know that the actor who plays the character of Khabzela on the DStv soapie, is none other than Seputla Sebogodi’s biological son.

Seputla Sebogodi is well known for his legendary role in Generations as the villainous Kenneth Mashaba.Khabzela, who’s real name is Thapelo Sebogodi, is the first born son of Seputla Sebogodi.

On close inspection, Thapelo actually bears an uncanny resemblance to his famous father.At first, Thapelo had no plans to be in the film industry like his father, as he thought it was unsustainable.After attaining his education at the University of Pretoria, he went into the retail business.

Thapelo also tried to pursue politics, but fate had something different in store for him.He made his stage debut in 2007 and found that he felt quite comfortable with acting.Thapelo made his first screen appearance on SABC1’s reality series Life’s a Stage back in 2012.

He started getting more TV roles, featuring in Greed & Desire and Donkerland.

Despite having a famous father, he insists that he has never used his father’s name to open doors for him in the film industry and neither does he mention his parentage to get by in film auditions.

He says his father only helps him with understanding film scripts, but has never helped him secure TV roles.Thapelo Sebogodi reckons it’s a good thing that he has made his own name in the film industry, without riding on his father’s name.

Seputla has said in the past that he is really proud of his son. Thapelo is a lot like me, but he’s a better version of me. He’s better looking, smarter and very hardworking.”