Saagar Kote
Netflix’s ‘Yoh! Bestie’ centers on the lives of Thando, a nurse living in Johannesburg, and Charles, her best friend and roommate. They share a close bond and often trust each other with secrets. Their dynamic shifts when Charles moves to New York City to pursue a different career. For the next two years, the friends maintain their relationship through online chats, exchanging stories of their hardships and humorous moments. Thando deeply misses Charles and longs for his return to Johannesburg. Upon Charles’ eventual homecoming, he delivers a surprising announcement that he is engaged to a woman named Rea and plans to marry soon.
When he asks Thando to be his best man, she is unexpectedly hit with a wave of jealousy. Despite their relationship being strictly platonic, Thando grapples with a range of emotions as she comes to terms with Charles getting married. Aside from delivering a refreshing romantic tale through compelling performances by the cast, the movie pays a heartfelt tribute to two individuals before the end credits roll — Sello Motloung and Sue Steele. Their passion and dedication to the craft left an indelible mark not only on the industry but also on the people they worked and interacted with.
Sello Motloung and Sue Steele Were Luminaries of the South African Film Industry
Sello Motloung was born on November 4, 1970, in Meadowlands, South Africa. He began his acting career in 1996 with the portrayal of Baktun in ‘Tarzan: The Epic Adventures.’ He appears as Saunders in the movie ‘The Long Run,’ and as Milos in ‘Man to Man.’ Subsequently, his depiction of Nkabi in ‘The Lab’ and Inspector Sithebe in ‘Jacob’s Cross’ earned him more recognition. He is best known for his performances as Detective Modisane in ‘Gangster’s Paradise: Jerusalema’ and as Mandela’s Doctor in ‘Invictus’. He is also recognized for his portrayals of Rre Makgothi in ‘The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency’ and Ancient Monarch in ‘Blood Psalms.’ He also plays Elias Nkosi in ‘The Estate.’ Apart from TV and films, he has also been part of theatre productions since the 1990s. He was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor Award at the M-Net All-Africa Film Award in 1998 for playing Babyface in ‘Chikin Biznis … The Whole Story!.’
Sue Steele is known for her contributions as a costume designer, art director, and production designer in the South African Film Industry. She began her costume design career in 1983 with the TV series ‘Mattewis en Meraai.’ This was followed by her work in ‘Geel Trui vir ‘n Wenner’ and ‘Tawwe Tienies.’ Her other contributions are in ‘Wild Maneuvers’ and ‘Vehicle 19.’ Her efforts in ‘When We Were Black’ earned her the Best Achievement in Costume Design – TV Drama award at the SAFTA Golden Horn in 2007. For her work in ‘Dam,’ she was nominated in the category of Best Achievement in Art / Design Production – TV Drama in the SAFTA Golden Horn in 2024. She was also nominated in the category of Best Production Design at the African Movie Academy Awards in 2020 for her work in ‘Zulu Wedding.’ She has also been instrumental in mentoring the next generation of South Africa’s art designers.
Sello Motloung and Sue Steele Tragically Passed Away in 2024
A terrific artist and a stellar contributor to the South African Film Industry, Sello Motloung reportedly passed away on September 15, 2024. According to reports, on the fateful afternoon, the veteran collapsed at his residence in Johannesburg, South Africa. His beloved wife rushed him to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. Sadly, he succumbed to his reported illness and met his demise. The free-spirited personality was adored and admired by family, friends, and professional collaborators alike. Therefore, his death left a deep void in the lives of his loved ones. The 54-year-old actor graced the world of entertainment with his talent, passion, and dedication, which inspired many and would continue to guide others in the future. As per reports, his last known acting work is in the film ‘uBab’ Stivovo.’
Having devoted much of her life to uplifting and shaping the film industry in South Africa, Sue Steele breathed her last on December 26, 2024. The circumstances of her tragic death remain unknown. Her passing was acknowledged by the Commercial Producers Association of South Africa, which called her a mentor, an independent woman, and an individual with a significant legacy. Her colleagues hailed her as the brightest of lights in the South African film industry and considered her a magical presence. She will be remembered for her intricate world-building style and the beauty she created on film and television sets. Sue’s incredible dedication to bringing visions to life through her craft was also celebrated by her friends.
Sue’s friends and colleagues also appreciated her sense of fashion and beauty. She was a loving mother to her sons, Callum and Ross, and left behind a legacy of warmth, colours, and inspiration for the next generation. Thus, ‘Yoh! Bestie’ does its part in celebrating the lives of the two individuals who have served the industry for a long time.
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