Israel Matseke Zulu

Israel Sipho Makoe Matseke-Zulu (formerly known as Israel Makoe) is a South African actor, poet and dancer primarily known for his roles in motion pictures like iNumber Number (2013) and its series sequel, Four Corners (2013), Tsotsi (2005), Hard to Get (2014) and Gomora (which he exited because his legs were immobile) just to mention few. Quotes I grew up in court. I knew the justice system. Boys will be boys was the judgement and I knew the judgement before it was even given. Z'bondiwe's Israel Makoe opens up about losing his son News24 (retrieved 18 November 2025) Being arrested was a blessing in disguise. Actor Israel Makoe recounts his life of crime: 'Being arrested was a blessing in disguise' Daily Dispatch (5 December 2016) I think there is a need for people in the public eye to take a stand against crime, violence, gangsterism and other sensitive issues that affect us as black people, especially the youth. I’m an actor with a purpose. My intention is to open the eyes of young boys who want to travel down the road of gangsterism. My message in my art is crime does not pay. I like roles that emphasise the gospel that prison is not paradise and crime does not pay. ‘I like roles that emphasise the gospel that prison is not paradise’: Israel Matseke Zulu Medium (3 December 2016) During those days, we survived on the principles of ubuntu. Money was not as important as it is today. Israel Makoe: SA's ultimate badass City Press (18 May 2015) I draw a line between acting and real life. Movie star Israel Makoe can’t shake off the bad boy image Mail & Guardian (2 september 2014) These activities are important for young people because if they are doing nothing they will get involved in drugs and crime. I always tell them [youth] that take whatever you do and your life serious. I tell them that success does not go hand in hand with drugs. Stealing or going to jail in order to be successful is wrong. I give them this information so that when they decide to take a decision they take an informed one. Sports safeguard youth, says Matseke-Zulu Sowetan (20 June 2022) I spend most of my time happy, I struggle to be an angry person, I think it’s because I know that when I feel upset I close myself indoors to be alone. I know what heals me when I am troubled, I learn to calm myself, I have my own ways of keeping myself together, if I need to cry I will. People always expect you to be happy, they think just because you on TV your life is better, but truth is we all go through the same life issues. I don’t take advantage that I am a star. I struggle to be an angry person, says Israel aka 'Ma Orange' Sowetan (28 November 2014) External links Category:1974 births Category:Living people Category:Actors from South Africa Category:Poets from South Africa Category:Dancers from South Africa Category:Television personalities