Lebohang Mpyana

Lebohang Mpyana
Born(1989-01-03)3 January 1989
Limpopo, South Africa
Died1 November 2023(2023-11-01) (aged 34)
South Africa
OccupationsActress, comedian, MC
Years active2010s–2023
Known forDiepCity (as Khelina)
AwardsRoyalty Soapie Awards – Viewers' Choice: Best Actress (2021)

Lebohang Mpyana (3 January 1989 – 1 November 2023) was a South African actress and comedian best known for playing Khelina in the Mzansi Magic telenovela DiepCity.[1] She won the Viewers’ Choice Best Actress award at the 2021 Royalty Soapie Awards for the role.[2][3]

Early life

Lebohang Mpyana was born 3 January 1989, in Limpopo, South Africa.[4][5]

Career

Mpyana rose to national prominence portraying Khelina Maponya in DiepCity, a Black Brain Pictures production broadcast on Mzansi Magic that premiered in April 2021 and concluded in March 2023.[6] Her performance earned her the Viewers' Choice Best Actress accolade at the 2021 Royalty Soapie Awards.[7][8]

Beyond television, she performed widely as a comedian and master of ceremonies, working predominantly in Sepedi and English.[6] She was also associated with Sepedi-language radio drama on SABC's Thobela FM; her social media identified her as "Sylvia" on the long-running drama Mahlakung.[9]

In 2023 she appeared in the comedic series Abomkhulu alongside co-stars including Obed Baloyi.[10]

Death

Mpyana died on 1 November 2023 after a short illness, as confirmed by a family statement.[4][11] Memorial services were held on 8 November 2023 at the Joburg Theatre and at the Library Gardens Auditorium in Polokwane, with live-streaming provided by Mahuma Group.[12][13][14] She was laid to rest on 11 November 2023 in Mmotong, Limpopo.[15]

Awards

  • Royalty Soapie Awards – Viewers' Choice: Best Actress (2021), for DiepCity (as Khelina).[2][7][16]

Filmography

  • DiepCity (2021–2023), as Khelina Maponya[6]
  • Abomkhulu (2023)[17]

References

  1. ^ Tshabalala, Compiled (2 November 2023). "DiepCity actor Lebohang Mpyana, 34, has died after 'short illness'". News24. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
  2. ^ a b "All the winners from the Royalty Soapie Awards". Bizcommunity. 21 September 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
  3. ^ "All the winners from the 2021 Royalty Soapie Awards". Kaya 959. September 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
  4. ^ a b Tsewu, Siya (2 November 2023). "TV industry mourns the death of young actress Lebogang Mpyana". DRUM (News24). Retrieved 27 August 2025.
  5. ^ "'DiepCity' actress Lebohang Mpyana's cause of death, memorial service details". The South African. 7 November 2023. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
  6. ^ a b c "DiepCity actor Lebohang Mpyana, 34, has died after 'short illness'". News24. 2 November 2023. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
  7. ^ a b "5th Year Special Edition for the Royalty Soapie Awards – Winners". Royalty Soapie Awards (official). September 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
  8. ^ "2021 Royalty Soapie Awards: all the winners". TVSA. 21 September 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
  9. ^ "Lettie Lebohang – Instagram profile". Instagram. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
  10. ^ "Abomkhulu Season 1 – Cast and Crew". TVPlusSoapies. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
  11. ^ Mphande, Joy (7 November 2023). "Details for Lebohang Mpyana's memorial service announced". TshisaLIVE (TimesLIVE). Retrieved 27 August 2025.
  12. ^ Keteyi, Oluthando (7 November 2023). "Lebohang Mpyana's memorial service to be held at Joburg Theatre". IOL. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
  13. ^ "Khelina's memorial service underway". Daily Sun. 8 November 2023. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
  14. ^ "'DiepCity' actress Lebohang Mpyana's cause of death, memorial service details". The South African. 7 November 2023. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
  15. ^ "Khelina did it for love, not fame – Mahuma Group honours DiepCity actress Lebohang 'Lettie' Mpyana". Daily Sun. 12 November 2023. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
  16. ^ "All the winners from the 2021 Royalty Soapie Awards". Kaya 959. September 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
  17. ^ "Abomkhulu Season 1 – Cast and Crew". TVPlusSoapies. Retrieved 27 August 2025.