What happened to Rinkie Tleane after playing Matete in Bophelo ke Semphekgo?
Rinkie Tleane has not graced the screens since her role in the 1980s drama set Bophelo ke Semphekgo. Nonetheless, she remains a fan favourite thanks to her ability to bring her character Matete to life. Where is the Sepedi actress, and what has she been up to all these years?
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Little is known about Rinkie Tleane's personal and professional life as she prefers a private lifestyle.
- Her co-star on Bophelo ke Semphekgo, Patrick Shai, was one of the founding members of Free Film Makers of South Africa.
- Matete's rival, Senthaolele, was played by actress-turned-advocate Nakedi Ribane.
Rinkie Tleane's profile summary
| Full name | Rinkie Tleane |
| Gender | Female |
| Year of birth | 1958 (Reportedly) |
| Age | 67 years old (2025) |
| Birthplace | South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Ethnicity | Black |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Hair colour | Black |
| Eye colour | Dark brown |
| Profession | Actress |
Rinkie Tleane is still alive: Her life update
On 2 December 2023, Instagram user @ipf007 posted a photo of Rinkie alongside the caption that in part read:
Guess who the cat brought in!
The photo went viral, with many fans reacting to it in the comment section. One wrote:
My God, Matete! She has not changed a bit!
Another added:
How great it is to see the legend in the flesh.
A fan also commented:
She still maintains the same hairstyle. I am happy she is well because I have wondered what happened to her for years.
Another complimented her good looks, saying:
Rinkie is still so beautiful. She has aged like fine wine!
Source: Twitter
Tleane's photo also went viral on X (Twitter)
X user @mashoto posted Rinkie's photo, and expected fans were thrilled about it. One person expressed her delight that she was still alive, stating:
Why did I believe that she had passed on all these years? Someone lied to me.
Another said:
My childhood favourite! I am so happy that she is still alive. I have been googling information about her for years to no avail.
A fan also commented about her low-key profile, writing:
I love how private and reserved Tleane is. Such a mysterious lady!
Rinkie's Bophelo Ke Semphekgo co-stars: Where are they now?
Set in Soweto, Johannesburg, Bophelo Ke Semphekgo featured several talented on-screen stars. From former model Nakedi Ribane to SAFTA-nominated actor Patrick Shai, the 13-part series encompassed some of the industry's finest.
Nakedi Ribane
Source: UGC
According to The Presidency, Nakedi was born in Ga-Sekhukhune, Jane Furse in Limpopo and raised in Mamelodi, Pretoria. She completed her LLB degree at 59 and is the author of a book titled Beauty: A Black Perspective.
Beyond her villainous role in Bophelo Ke Semphekgo, Nakedi has other acting credits. They include African Skies, Love, Babies and a Big Heart, Waati and The Long Run. In 2002, Ribane bagged an FNB Vita Best Supporting Actress Award for her portrayal of Noria in Ways of Dying.
Patrick Shai
Source: Getty Images
Shai made his career debut as a dancer at Safari Ranch with Mzumba African Drama and Ballet. In 1994, he joined the Soul City cast and, six years later, won an NTVA Avanti Award for his role. Patrick portrayed Nkosheng in Bophelo Ke Semphekgo.
He also appeared on Ashes to Ashes, Zero Tolerance, Generations and Zone 14. Sadly, as reported by SowetanLIVE, Shai took his own life on 22 January 2022 at the age of 65. His wife, Mmasechaba Shai, and his three kids survived him.
Sello Maake Ka-Ncube
Source: Getty Images
Sello played Dr. Mashobadieta in Bophelo Ke Semphekgo. He is also widely recognised for his leading roles as Archie Moroka in Generations, Lucas Nyathi in Scandal! and Kgosietsile in Mzansi Magic's telenovela The Queen.
With a career spanning over four decades, Maake has worked in Europe, Canada, the UK and the USA. He ranks among South Africa's highest-paid actors. Sello is married to Pearl Maake Ka-Ncube.
Lydia Mokgokoloshi
Source: Getty Images
Mokgokoloshi was a schoolteacher before she got into acting. Her most notable role was as Mma Nkwesheng in Bophelo Ke Semphekgo.
The 85-year-old actress has starred in other films and TV shows, including Skeem Saam, Muvhango and Ngwanaka Okae. In 2017, she won a Lifetime Achievement Award at the SAFTAs.
Wrapping up
Rinkie Tleane is best known for her role as Matete in Bophelo ke Semphekgo. Although little is known about the actress's current whereabouts, she is alive and well, as evidenced by a 2024 photo that went viral on social media.
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After graduating from UNISA, Mawhoo entered the music scene in 2018. She has since collaborated with some of SA's biggest stars, including Master KG on Ngiyamthanda, DJ Maphorisa and Visca on Shona Kwelanga, and Sam Deep on Thokoza.
Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
