Neo Matsunyane: Biography, Age, Wife, Actor

Neo Matsunyane (born 17 January 1967) is a South African actor, director, presenter, and voice artist. He is best known for his leading role in the SABC2 drama series Kelebone (1998) and for presenting the live breakfast programme The Toasty Show on e.tv.

Biography: Zane Meas

Full Name: Neo Matsunyane

Place of Birth: Meadowlands, Soweto, Johannesburg

Date of Birth: 17 January 1967 (Age - 59)

Occupation: Actor, Director, TV Presenter, Voice artist

Known For: Kelebone (1998)

Spouse: Connie Ferguson (1993-m to 1998-div)

Children: Lesedi Matsunyane-Ferguson, MoMo Matsunyane

Nationality: South African

Early Life and Education

Neo Matsunyane was born in Meadowlands, Soweto on 17 January 1967. He was raised and educated in Johannesburg, Sterkspruit, and Mafikeng. He matriculated from Kebalepile High School in Mafikeng in 1983.

In 1991, he obtained a certificate from The School of Broadcasting. Between 1994 and 1995, he completed an intensive seven-month film directing course with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) in partnership with Bateleur Films, under the guidance of the late John Rogers.

He further enhanced his skills through a script analysis course at Pretoria Technikon and a course at the Hollywood Film Institute led by Dov Simens.

Career of Neo Matsunyane

Neo Matsunyane’s career began in 1986 when he landed his first lead role in the first season of Mmalonya. In 1988 he appeared in films like Red Scorpion and Beaten Prisoner. After that in 1994, Neo directed for the first time, an SABC1 youth drama Young Vision. Then in 1998 he bagged a lead role in the SABC2 drama Kelebone and hosted The Toasty Show on e.tv.

Matsunyane shifted his focus significantly toward directing and producing in the late 1990s. In 2000 he became the director of the SABC long-running soap opera 7de Laan. In 2005 he founded Black Brain Pictures which produced notable films like Tsotsi and directed the drama Mzansi. The following year Matsunyane was nominated for the Best Director nomination at the SAFTAs for his work on Mzansi.

In 2010 Neo began directing the SABC1 popular drama Skeem Saam. He has directed several dramas including Soul City, Dube on 2, Soul Buddyz, Afro Café, Motswako The Mix, Scandal!, Muvhango and Backstage. He also appeared in the Ferguson Films productions such as The River and Kings of Joburg. He has also worked as an assistant director on productions such as Reflexions, The Gift, the Face of Africa final in 1998, and S’camto.

He has hosted game shows such as Ho Taka and Doors, quiz shows like Bop Shop and Motsamai and educational programmes including Science Club and Turn on to English. Apart from acting and presenting, Matsunyane is voice-over artist who worked for commercials for corporate brands such as Edgars, Standard Bank, Sasol and Breweries.

Personal Life of Neo Matsunyane

Neo Matsunyane was famously married to actress Connie Ferguson from 1993 to 1998. They have a daughter together named Lesedi Matsunyane-Ferguson. He also has another daughter with Penny Lebyane, actress MoMo Matsunyane.

Outside of film Neo loves motorcycles and has served as a brand ambassador for BMW Motorrad. Matsunyane’s home language is Setswana and he is multilingual speaker who is good at English, Afrikaans, North and South Sotho, Xhosa, Zulu, and SiSwati.

He currently resides in Johannesburg.

Filmography (Actor)

Movies:

• Red Scorpion (1988) — Role: Beaten Prisoner.
• Kwagga Strikes Back (1990) — Role: Himba Male Lover.
• Oh Schucks… Here Comes UNTAG!.
• Wheels & Deals.
• Vusi the Voter (Educational short film).

Television Series:

• Kings of Jo’burg (2023) — Role: Young Masire Senior.
• The River (2021) — Role: News Reporter.
• Grootboom & Sons (Season 1) — Role: Doctor.
• uSkroef noSexy (2012) — Role: Evangelist Kenny.
• Generations (Original series).
• Yizo Yizo (Season 2) — Role: Vuyani.
• Isidingo — Role: Jefferson Sibeko.
• isiBaya — Role: Bhekifa Ngubane.
• Jacob’s Cross — Role: Paul Lebone.
• Soul City (Season 10) — Role: Tifo Miya.
• Sleurstroom (1995) — Role: Nelson.
• Vleuels (1989) — Role: Cyclist.

Director Credits:

• 7de Laan (2019–2021) — Directed over 15 episodes.
• Skeem Saam — Award-nominated for Best Achievement in Directing.
• Muvhango.
• Scandal!.
• Mzansi (2005) — Nominated for SAFTA Best Director (2006).
• Soul City.
• Soul Buddyz (Seasons 3 & 4).
• Backstage.
• Usindiso (Redemption) (2007–2008).
• Emzini Wezinsizwa.