Neo Matsunyane: Biography, Age, Wife, Actor

Neo Matsunyane (born 17 January 1967 in Johannesburg) is a South African actor, director, television 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. ^[1]

Acting Career of Neo Matsunyane

Neo Matsunyane has built a strong acting portfolio across television and film.

Television

In addition to Kelebone, he has played leading roles in productions such as Maitemogelo, On the Right Track, Getting it Together, Class of ’92, Kgweetsa, and Mmalonya I and II.

He has also made cameo appearances in numerous series, including Generations, African Skies, Going Up, Rhodes, Ke Nyala Mang, Matswakabele, Grondbaronne, Soul Buddyz, and Usindiso.

Film

His film credits include Red Scorpion, Oh Schucks… Here Comes UNTAG!, Wheels & Deals, and the educational short film Vusi the Voter. ^[2]

Television Presenting and Voice Work

Matsunyane has also enjoyed a successful career as a presenter. Besides The Toasty Show, 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.

In addition, he is an experienced voice-over artist and has contributed to corporate productions for brands such as Edgars, Standard Bank, Sasol, and South African Breweries, as well as public awareness campaigns for the SABC. ^[1]

Directing Career

Matsunyane is also an accomplished director. He made his directorial debut in 1994, directing three episodes of the SABC1 youth drama Young Vision. Since then, he has directed a wide range of popular South African productions.

His directing credits include Soul City, Takalani Sesame, Take 5, Emzini Wezinsizwa, Dube on 2, Mzansi, Soul Buddyz, Afro Café, Motswako: The Mix, Scandal!, Jika Majika, Muvhango, Backstage, Taxi To…, Curious Culture, and Usindiso (Redemption).

In 2006, he received a nomination for Best Director for his work on the SABC1 drama series Mzansi.

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. ^[3]

Personal Life of Neo Matsunyane

Neo Matsunyane was famously married to actress Connie Ferguson from 1993 to 1998, and they have a daughter, Lesedi Matsunyane-Ferguson. He also has another daughter, actress MoMo Matsunyane, with Penny Lebyane. ^[5]

Outside of film, he is an avid motorcycle enthusiast and has served as a brand ambassador for BMW Motorrad. Matsunyane’s home language is Setswana, and he is multilingual, also speaking English, Afrikaans, North and South Sotho, Xhosa, Zulu, and SiSwati. ^[6]

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:

Matsunyane made his directorial debut in 1994 with Young Vision. Since then, he has directed for several major productions, often noted on platforms like TVSA and IMDb:

Dramas & Soaps:

• 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.