Nothing Like Velaphi: Mzansi Shares Alleged Real-Life Encounters With Late Actor Ray Ntlokwana
- Social media users have been sharing their alleged encounters with beloved 90s isiXhosa comedy-drama actor Ray Ntlokwana
- Ntlokwana's on-screen persona as the timid and comical Velaphi was reportedly nothing like his real-life personality
- One X user recalled a childhood encounter with the late actor that left her and other kids completely stunned
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South Africans who grew up watching the beloved SABC 1 isiXhosa comedy-drama Velaphi in the 1990s may be surprised to learn that the man behind the iconic character, Mvuyiswa Renek "Ray" Ntlokwana, was reportedly far removed from the gentle, bumbling figure he portrayed on screen.
On 16 October 2026, the X page History ZAR, which documents and commemorates cultural, political, and historic moments and figures across South Africa, shared a photo of Ntlokwana, prompting a wave of nostalgic responses from followers. However, the conversation quickly took an unexpected turn as netizens began sharing their alleged personal encounters with the Eastern Cape-born actor.
Beyond Velaphi, Ntlokwana built an impressive career across television, film and stage, with credits including Trouble in Constantia and Senzekile. His dedication to his craft earned him recognition from the Western Cape provincial government, which awarded him a provincial merit award for his contribution to drama in the region, an honour he received just months before his passing. Ntlokwana died on 20 July 2000 at his home in Gugulethu at the age of 63, after a battle with colon cancer. Sadly, earlier reports suggested that he died poor and without the means to fund his surgery.
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Those who knew him in person say the actor strongly disliked being identified with his character's name, preferring instead to be addressed as "Bhuti Ray" - a distinction that apparently defined much of his real-life interactions with the public throughout his life and career.
X user MsAphelele diverted from the celebratory tone of the original post by sharing her alleged not-so-great experience with Ray Ntlokwana. She recalled how, as a child in Gugulethu, she and other kids rushed towards him in excitement, only to be met with a sharp response.
"As kids, seeing him eGugulethu, we ran up to him and screamed, 'Nank' uVelaphi, nank'uVelpahi!' [There's Velaphi.] Akasithuka kanje [He swore at us.]"
Others in the comment section shared their own alleged unpleasant experiences with the late actor.
Oskava16 claimed:
"He swore at one of my friends as well, and we all became embarrassed on his behalf; he was very rude."
nkujamangweni offered some context, noting:
"He hated being called Velaphi; he told us that we should call him Buti Ray."
Y78947Yekani wrote:
"At least he only swore at you; he chased my friends and me with a whip."
Despite these stories, Ntlokwana remains a treasured figure in South African television history, and his legacy as the face of Velaphi continues to resonate with those who grew up watching him.
See the viral post below.
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