Little Known Details About Sdumo From Gomora

Mzansi Magic’s Gomora is currently one of the most popular shows in South Africa and it's mostly loved because of its great characters that are played by great actors and actresses.

One character on Gomora that viewers loved but were sadly robbed of by death was Sdumo, the young carjacker. 

Here are a few fun facts about the life and times of Sdumo from Gomora in real life that you probably missed. May his young soul find peace.

Sdumo from Gomora’s real name was Siyabonga Zubane. He was born on the 5th of October 1998 and was 23 years old at the time of his death.

Siyabonga Zubane was born into a small family of four. He had two brothers and a sister and he was the second child in the family.

The actor came from an artistic family, his younger brother Thabiso Zubane sang for Bana Bama Afrika Tap and Clap the Choir. 

The young actor’s life began in Alexandra, Soweto where he was born. His childhood was spent between Alexandra and Tembisa before he finally left for Pretoria.

After high school, he joined the Tshwane University of Technology to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Performing Arts and Dance. He, however, had to drop out of the university because he couldn’t afford the fees. 

Although he clearly enjoyed the performing arts, in a past interview with The Drum Magazine, Zubane revealed that he wished he had studied Law at varsity as it would have helped him understand contracts better.

Siyabonga Zubane’s first big role on television was when he landed the role of Bhungezi on Mzansi Magic's soapie Isibaya.

He landed his biggest and sadly last role when he was cast as Sdumo on Mzansi Magic’s Gomora where he played the role of a notorious carjacker. 

His performance as Sdumo was so outstanding, and although he was not a main cast on the show, he did catch the eyes of viewers.

The young, gifted actor breathed his last on the 7th of May 2022 in what some suspected to be suicide although his family and friends disputed this claim and explained that they were still waiting for a comprehensive autopsy report from the forensics team and the police.

Following his sudden death, two memorial services were held in Siyabonga Zubane’s honour. One was held at Tshwane University of Technology’s Arts and Design campus in Pretoria on 11th May 2022 where the actor had been a student and a second one was held on the 12th of May 2022 at the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein on 12th May 2022.

During his second memorial, Siyabonga Zubane’s former co-stars on Gomora including veteran actress- Connie Chiume paid their tribute to the young actor and celebrities such as Enhle Mbali and Vusi Nova also sent their condolences to his family.

Sdumo from Gomora’s funeral service was held on the 15th of May 2022 at the Klipfontein Community Hall after which he was buried at the Waterfall Cemetery in Midrand, Johannesburg.