Thabisile Zikhali is a rising star whose journey from the streets of KwaMashu to the world of film and television is nothing short of inspiring. With an unshakable passion for acting and a determination to break barriers, she has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry. From playing challenging roles that push her limits to receiving international recognition, Thabisile’s story is a testament to perseverance, talent, and unwavering faith. In a candid interview, she shares her experiences—from navigating the complexities of her craft to her dreams of taking on even more daring roles.
Growing up in the dusty streets of KwaMashu was not easy. Many young people had no hopes or dreams, as KwaMashu is considered one of the most dangerous townships in the country. Most kids either lost their way or settled for safer, more stable careers. Thabisile’s parents were very strict, which meant she and her siblings rarely participated in outdoor activities after school. This, however, led to an unexpected blessing—her love for acting. She spent most of her time watching TV soap operas, mesmerised by the performances she saw on screen. “I watched TV stars perform daily, and I just fell in love with the art of acting,” she recalls. Her passion grew stronger, leading her to write her own short stories, which she would perform in front of the whole school. “I was the first learner to introduce acting at my school,” she proudly states. From a young age, it was evident that she was destined for the big screen.
However, stepping into diverse roles is never easy, and Thabisile faced one of her biggest challenges when she had to portray a sex worker. “Playing a sex worker was a bit of a challenge because I couldn’t relate to the character,” she admits. Unlike previous roles that had some similarities to her real-life personality, this one was completely different. As a woman of faith who occasionally preaches at church, she found the role especially difficult. To do justice to the character, she dedicated herself to deep research, spending time with sex workers to understand their world. “It opened my eyes and made me see the world from their perspective,” she explains.
Thabisile’s most memorable experience as an actor was playing Biyela, a character who underwent a drastic transformation. Originally written as an innocent, dedicated, and soft-hearted police officer, the role was rewritten to turn her into an antagonist—a cocky cop who feared no one. “Embodying such a complex character was truly extraordinary,” she says. “I’ve never played a role like this before—someone who evolves from an honest cop to the ultimate antagonist. It was a wonderful challenge for me as a performer.”
Recognition soon followed, and Thabisile’s talent was acknowledged beyond the borders of her home country. Winning the Best New Actor award on an international platform was a defining moment in her career. “It felt like a pat on the back for me because I take great pride in my work,” she shares. This recognition opened many doors, leading her to be cast in some of the biggest shows in the country.
Though acting has always been her main passion, Thabisile’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident from a young age. In primary school, she ran an informal salon from her home, braiding her neighbors’ hair every weekend. She even put up a sign outside her house inviting potential customers—though her mother, sister, and aunt were the only ones who got free services. “I even wrote a business proposal in primary school to turn our garage into a salon, but I didn’t have the resources,” she recalls. Her dream came full circle when she later opened a luxury salon, something she never expected as her first business. “I’m truly grateful to God for His grace!” she says.
When it comes to preparing for roles, Thabisile is deeply committed to understanding her characters. “I thoroughly research my character’s backstory, analyse the script to understand their motivations, explore their physicality through body language and mannerisms, and practice improvisation to delve deeper into their psyche,” she explains. She also draws from her personal experiences to connect emotionally with each role, paying close attention to how the character would express themselves physically and emotionally. However, when preparing for a photoshoot, her approach is different. “I read the briefing and try to understand the style, mood, and clothing required. It’s mostly about getting the mood right and following the photographer’s direction.”
Throughout her career, Thabisile’s faith has been her anchor, helping her overcome both personal and professional challenges. “I honestly wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for my faith!” she exclaims. “I’m able to take on any role, regardless of its complexity, because I believe that as long as I put in the necessary work, there’s nothing I cannot do.”
Despite her success, Thabisile acknowledges that acting comes with its own set of misconceptions. Many people struggle to separate actors from the characters they portray. “It’s important to understand art from the perspective of consumers,” she says. “Some people think we are the characters we play.” She recalls how one of the members of her church judged her for portraying a sex worker on screen. Instead of taking it personally, she took the opportunity to educate her church community about the world of acting. “I held a seminar to explain the craft. I don’t take such reactions personally anymore—they just lack knowledge.”
Thabisile’s story is one of resilience. Coming from an underprivileged background, she never let her circumstances define her future. “You can become anything you want to be if you believe in yourself and put in the work,” she says. “You’re the engineer of your own life, so make every day count.”
Looking ahead, Thabisile is eager to challenge herself with roles that are vastly different from those she has played before. “I would love to play a fearless drug lord or a mentally disturbed psychopath,” she reveals. “I’ve always played soft characters that are a bit similar to my personality, but now I want to push myself further. I want to explore tougher and stronger characters that are completely contrary to who I am as a person.”
With her talent, dedication, and fearless approach to new challenges, Thabisile Zikhali is undoubtedly an actress to watch. Her journey so far has been remarkable, but it’s clear that this is only the beginning.
