Xolile Tshabalala (born April 9, 1977) is a South African actor. She is notable for her roles in several popular television serials, including 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls, Secrets & Scandals, Blood & Water, and Housekeepers.
She was born in Vrede, Free State.She is named after her paternal grandmother. She graduated from the National School of the Arts Theatre with honours and as ‘Best Overall Performer.
During her studies at National School, Xolile had the opportunity to play alongside Thembi Mtshali-Jones, where she became her mentor. They performed together in the play The Crucible, shown at the Market Theatre. The actress has also starred in a large number of television productions, such as Soul City season 7, where she played sister Zama.[clarification needed] Not limited to on-screen acting, Xolile has also starred in various plays, including “Another Child”.
In 2002, she started an acting career with the television series Generations. She played the role ‘Julia Montene’ from 2002 to 2005, which became highly popular among the public.Then, in 2007, she joined NCIS season 5 as ‘Sayda Zuri’, in the episode titled Designated Target. With the success of her roles, she became a household name in television productions such as Secret in My Bosom, Scoop Schoombie, Justice for All, and Isidingo.
In 2005, she took a break from acting. Then she went to the United States to attend the New York Film Academy. She returned to South Africa in 2010 and played the role of ‘Noma’ in the television serial 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls. Then she played a bang, landing the role of ‘Mandi Mbalula’ in the 2011 drama series Fallen. In 2013, Xolile appeared as ‘Gugu’ in High Rollers, which aired on SABC 3.
She has been nominated at several award ceremonies for various roles, especially at the South African Film and Television Awards. In 2006, she was nominated for the Golden Horn Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Generations.
Then, in 2012, she was nominated for the Golden Horn Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Fallen. Next year, she will again be nominated for the Golden Horn Award for Best Actress in a Lead Role for her role in 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls. In 2016, she was nominated for the Golden Horn Award for Best Achievement by a Lead Actress for her role in the television movie Rise.
In 2020, she played the role of ‘Nwabisa Bhele’ in the Netflix original series Blood & Water. The series became one of the most-rated television serials in South Africa.
In 2023, she came back with a bang and starred in the popular educational drama series Skeem Saam. The actress is portraying the procescutor in Leeto’s trial; she is killing her role, and recently, fans have praised her and named her one of the best actresses.