Owen Sejake

Owen Lebakeng Sejake (born 1950) is a South African stage, film, and television actor known for his roles in Tsotsi, Beat the Drum (2003), and several acclaimed local television dramas including Yizo Yizo, Zone 14, and Empini. He has worked across theatre, film, and television for over five decades and is recognised as one of South Africa;s veteran actors.

Early life Sejake was born in 1950 in the township of Daveyton in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng, South Africa.

Career

Theatre Sejake's theatre career spans numerous acclaimed productions. He has performed in works such as Death and the King's Horseman by Wole Soyinka and The Captain's Tiger by Athol Fugard.

Film Sejake gained international attention for his film roles. He portrayed Nobe in Beat the Drum (2003) and Gumboot Dlamini in the Academy Award–winning film Tsotsi (2005), directed by Gavin Hood.

Television Sejake has appeared in a range of South African television series, including Yizo Yizo, Ke Nako, Soul City, Zone 14, and Fallen.

Acting style and influence Sejake is fluent in multiple South African languages, including Sesotho, Setswana, isiZulu, isiXhosa, Afrikaans, and English.

Awards and recognition

Best Supporting Actor Award at the Monaco International Film Festival for Beat the Drum (2003). Sejake also commented on tensions between veteran and younger actors, urging collaboration and mentorship within the industry.

Selected filmography

Film

Beat the Drum (2003) – Nobe

Tsotsi (2005) – Gumboot Dlamini

Hijack Stories (2000) – Bra Dan

Knuckle City (2019)

Country of My Skull (2004)

Mandela and De Klerk (1997)

Television

Yizo Yizo (SABC 1)

Ke Nake

Soul City

Zone 14

Fallen

90 Plein Street (2009) – President Nkosi

Empini (2024) – General Moeti

Legacy With a career spanning over fifty years, Sejake is considered one of South Africa's most respected veteran actors. His performances in socially conscious dramas and films have contributed to South Africa's post-apartheid cultural landscape, inspiring a new generation of performers.