GOODBYE, TAU!

After almost two decades starring in Generations, Rapulana Seiphemo is swopping boardrooms for bullets in his new TV role

- QHAMA DAYILE

A PETTY crook who builds a criminal empire. A best man on a road trip across Mzansi to get the groom to his wedding on time. A lawyer who discovers his friend is behind a series of cash in-transit heists. Whatever big-lead part you can think of, Rapulana Seiphemo has played it.

He’s acted in everything from soaps to feature films, but if there’s one role he’s known for it’s Tau Mogale. Long before the show became known as Generations: The Legacy, Rapulana played the part of the high-flying businessman everyone loves to hate.

Now he’s parting ways with the soap that made him a household name. After 18 years he’s gearing up for a new adventure. He’s joining the cast of Mzansi Magic’s The Queen, where he’ll be reunited with former co-star Connie Ferguson.

He’s busy wrapping up his final scenes as Tau, he tells us over the phone.

“I am not yet done shooting with Generations but will soon be starting my stint in The Queen,” Rapulana (52) says.

He’s clueless about how he’ll make his grand exit from the popular SABC1 show. “Only the writers know, but I am sure it will leave jaws on the floor.”

Although he’s excited to sink his teeth into a new role, he’s also sad to say goodbye to the production he’s been a part of for almost two decades.

Rapulana reveals it took some persuasion for him to join The Queen.

“I love Generations. It has been my home for many years. It took many meetings and discussions before deciding to take the part.”

The veteran actor joins the show as Hector Sebata, a charming and ambitious high-ranking police officer with a side hustle in the drug trade.