On July 3, 2023, the South African film and television industry lost one of its most significant figures, filmmaker and producer Teboho Moseling Mahlatsi. The news of his untimely demise was communicated by comedian David Kau on his Facebook page. However, the cause of Mahlatsi’s death remains unknown at the time of this report.
Early Career and Education
Born in Johannesburg, Mahlatsi embarked on his journey into the world of film and television after completing his course at the Africa Cultural Centre. For five years, he contributed to various projects, gradually establishing his reputation in the industry.
Significant Works
Mahlatsi was renowned for his work both in film and television. One of his key projects was the creation, production, and direction of “Ghetto Diaries”, a documentary aired on South Africa’s SABC Education TV.
Yizo Yizo: A Television Phenomenon
He is probably best known for the controversial TV series, “Yizo Yizo”. This groundbreaking series, which Mahlatsi wrote, produced, and directed, was widely polarizing but undeniably popular. The series not only won Best Director and Best Drama Series at the Avanti Awards, South Africa’s equivalent of the Emmys, but also received the highest ratings in South African television history.
Acclaimed Films
Mahlatsi made an impactful debut as a film director with his film “Portrait of a Young Man Drowning”, winning him the Silver Lion at Venice Film Festival 1999.
His other works such as “The Mbhaco Maker” (2017), “Shuga” (2009–2012), and “Sekalli le Meokgo” (Meokgo and the Stick Fighter) (2006), have also been well-received, reinforcing his status as a prominent figure in South African cinema.
Industry Recognition
In 2002, Mahlatsi was awarded the Tribute Entertainment Achiever of the Year, and later, in 2018, he was recognized at the USIBA Awards for his groundbreaking efforts in the audiovisual and creative industries.
Mahlatsi’s Legacy
Beyond his role as a director and producer, Mahlatsi was also the founder of The Bomb Shelter Film Company (Pty) Ltd. His wide array of works, which included impactful documentaries and popular drama series, contributed greatly to South African television and cinema.
Mahlatsi leaves behind an astounding body of work that transcends film and television, as well as numerous people he inspired through his groundbreaking efforts. He will be greatly missed by fans, colleagues, and those inspired by his life’s work.
