Israel Matseke Zulu is a well-known South African actor, poet, singer, and dancer, born in 1974 in Johannesburg’s Alexandra township. Despite attending Gordon Combined School, Matseke turned to a life of crime starting in 1988, resulting in an eight-year prison term for home invasions. However, he used his time in prison to organize the Abaqobi Drama Group. Upon his release in 1999, Matseke found work with the Victory Sonqoba Theatre Company and landed his breakthrough role in the acclaimed SABC1 drama series Yizo Yizo. Since then, he has appeared in numerous television and film productions, becoming well known for his roles as Skroef in Avenged and a Bracelet soldier in The Good Lie.
Matseke has two sons but has never been married. Tragically, one of his sons, Tebogo, was fatally shot in 2011. In addition, Matseke had to have his leg amputated due to gangrene, which if left untreated could have threatened his kidneys and other limbs. He eventually agreed to the amputation after spending four weeks in the hospital at the Rob Ferreira Hospital in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.
Despite his challenges, Matseke’s estimated net worth is $10 million, with $150,000 coming directly from his work as an actor. He remains active on social media, with an Instagram account under the name @Israelmatsekezulu and a Twitter account under @GP MaOrange.
In summary, Israel Matseke Zulu is a respected South African actor with a successful career in film, television, and theater. Despite past struggles, he has found success and continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry in South Africa.
