This is the biography of Thuli Thabethe, a renowned South African actress, micro-influencer, and brand strategist. She has gained recognition for her exceptional acting skills and has graced the screens in various popular television shows.
Thuli Thabethe Age
Thuli Thabethe was born on April 5, 1985. As of 2023, she is 38 years old.
Thuli Thabethe Biography (Image Credit: Instagram @rulerofself)
Early Life and Education
Thuli Thabethe was born in Meadowlands, Johannesburg. She grew up in a loving family, with both of her parents hailing from Soweto. During her childhood, she spent most of her time at her grandmother’s house, moving between Meadowlands and Dobsonville. Thuli has a sibling, Mbali, with whom she shared a close bond. She received her education at the National School for the Arts in Johannesburg, where she studied speech and drama.
Passion for Acting
Thuli’s passion for acting was ignited during her formative years. She, like many other children in her neighbourhood, indulged in street games, imaginative play, and reenactments of scenes from popular soap operas. This early exposure to acting and creativity laid the foundation for her future career in the entertainment industry.
Thuli Thabethe Career
Thuli Thabethe’s career in the entertainment industry has been marked by remarkable achievements. She made her debut as a featured extra on SABC3’s “Isidingo” at the young age of 19. This marked the beginning of her journey in professional acting.
Throughout her career, she has portrayed various characters in television shows, leaving a lasting impact on her audiences. Notable roles include Malaika in ETV’s “Ashes to Ashes,” Pinky in “Zone 14” on SABC1, and the iconic character of Phumzile on “City Ses’la,” for which she received a South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA).
Thuli has also hosted television shows, such as the first season of “Our Perfect Wedding” and the thirteenth season of the South African Film and Television Awards. Her versatility and talent have made her a prominent figure in the South African entertainment industry.
TV Roles
Thuli’s diverse acting portfolio includes roles in several television series, where she breathed life into various characters. Some of her notable TV roles include:
- “Ashes to Ashes” (2015-2016) as Malaika
- “City Ses’la” (Season 2 & 3) as Phumzile Cele
- “Hard Copy” (Season 1) as Young Reporter
- “iNkaba” (Season 1) as Young Nomsa
- “Isibaya” (Season 4-8) as Beauty
- “Isidingo” (Season 1) as Maria
- “iThuba Lokugcina” (Season 1 & 2) as Philile Dlamini
- “Kota Life Crisis” (Season 1) as Busi
- “Lingashoni” (Season 1) as Puleng Cele
- “Mtunzini.com” (Season 1) as Detective Maseko
- “Our Perfect Wedding” (Season 1) as Host
- “Thandeka’s Diary” (Season 3) as Katleho
- “The Bantu Hour” (Season 1) as Cast Member
- “The Mayor” (Season 1) as Mercia Sithole
- “The Road” (Season 1) as Vero
- “The South African Film and Television Awards” (Season 13) as Presenter
- “Tshisa” (Season 1) as Doctor
- “Zone 14” (Season 3 & 4) as Pinky Khumba
- “Scandal!” as Me’shell
Awards and Nominations
In 2019, Thuli Thabethe’s outstanding performance in “City Ses’la” earned her a South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) Golden Horn award for Best Actress. This accolade is a testament to her remarkable acting skills and contribution to the South African entertainment industry.
Brand Strategist
In addition to her thriving acting career, Thuli Thabethe has pursued a career as a Creative Brand Strategist. She holds a Diploma in Strategic Brand Communications from the Vega School of Brand Leadership. Thuli leverages her expertise to work on brand strategy, event coordination, and social media campaigns.
Personal Life
Thuli Thabethe’s personal life has seen her navigating significant relationships and co-parenting. Between 2004 and 2008, she was in a relationship with Thabo Molefi, popularly known as Tbo Touch, a prominent live presenter and DJ on Metro FM. Their relationship culminated in the birth of their son, Ruri, in 2009. Although their engagement ended in 2010, they have maintained a friendly co-parenting relationship for the well-being of their child.
Thuli Thabethe biography/ Thuli with Tbo Touch (Image Credit: Instagram @rulerofself)
After their separation, Tbo Touch married Nandi, and the two have their own family. Thuli, on the other hand, is not married, but she maintains an amicable relationship with Thabo for the sake of their ten-year-old son. What makes their situation unique is Thuli’s friendship with Nandi, Thabo’s wife, exemplifying a harmonious blended family dynamic.
Thuli Thabethe and Yvonne Chaka Chaka Relations
Thuli Thabethe’s family ties extend to South African music icon Yvonne Chaka Chaka, who is her aunt. This familial connection links her to a prominent South African music industry figure, further enriching her family history.
