Social media users spilled the tea about their unpleasant real-life encounters with renowned actor Ray Ntlokwana, better known as Velaphi Mjongeni, from the 90s isiXhosa comedy drama Velaphi on SABC 1.
While the Eastern-Cape native portrayed a timid and comical character on screen, netizines claimed he was quite the opposite in real life, often coming across as rather serious and intense.
FANS SHARE REAL-LIFE ENCOUNTERS WITH ‘VELAPHI’
@MsAphelele shared a post from History ZAR on her X (formerly Twitter) timeline on 16 October 2026. The page celebrates the creative contributions of various African artists.
However, she diverted from the celebratory tone of the original post by sharing her not-so-great experience with Ray Ntlokwana.
She recalled how, during her childhood in the Eastern Cape, she and other kids excitedly fawned over the legendary actor, only to be met with a far more stoic and reserved version of him than they had expected.
She wrote: “As kids seeing him eGugulethu, we ran up to him and screamed “nank’ uVelaphi, nank’uVelpahi!”[here’s Velaphi] Akasithuka kanje [He swore at us].”
As kids seeing him eGugulethu, we ran up to him and scrome "nank’ uVelaphi, nank’uVelpahi!" Akasithuka kanje😭😭😭🤣💔
— Thole loMthwakazi 🇵🇸 (@MsAphelele) October 16, 2026
FANS SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES WITH ‘VELAPHI’
@Oskava16: Wathuka one of my friends as well, and we all became embarrassed on his behalf; he was very rude.
@bongolesizwe1: He never liked called Velaphi. I think he was depressed and exploited; there was much happening in his personal life. Even when he was here in Uitenhage, ebebathuka abantu abambiza ngo Velephi. His brother lives in my area; he still alive.
@KeithFuturistic: He hated that and hated being called by his screen name. wayeserious umeck in real life.
@nunnah_M: I’ve heard this story so many times. ebeRude uTimer!
@Mashaba_Ntobs: He never liked to be called by character name, if you say bhuti Ray. He would be okay with it. He was making nice sandals
RAY NTLOKWANA: A FORMIDABLE ACTOR
Ray Ntlokwana’s range as an actor exceeds the comedic roles many know him for.
Beyond his unforgettable performance in Velaphi, he has starred in many other projects, including Trouble in Constantia and Ingqumbo Yeminyanya, where he played a serious character named Ngxabane.
Ntlokwana has received several accolades throughout his career as an actor.
In March 2000, the Western Cape provincial government honoured him with a merit award by for his inspiring contribution to the arts.
He also won the Best Actor in a Comedy award for his role in Trouble in Constantia.
The Velaphi character was so iconic that even the younger generations continue to appreciate his artistry.
‘LIKE FATHER LIKE SON’
Popular TikToker Stunning Maze has dubbed himself “Velaphi’s son” because of his admiration for the late actor. In one of his videos, he playfully styles his hair to match Velaphi’s distinctive hairstyle.
@stunningmaze Like father like son #xhosastorytellers #stunningmaze #velaphimjongeni #AfricaRising ♬ original sound – Phiwe Mkhuzo
@stunningmaze #greenscreen #stunningmaze #xhosastories #velaphimjongeni #velaphii ♬ original sound – Phiwe Mkhuzo