Thulisile Phongolo’s biography is a captivating tale of beauty, talent, and ambition. Known to many as Thuli P, she is a South African actress, DJ, and media personality who first rose to fame through her breakout role as Namhla Diale on Generations: The Legacy. Born and raised in Soweto, Thulisile has built an impressive career that spans TV, music, and social media influence.
Thulisile was born on the 22nd of January 1994 in Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa. This makes her 31 years old in 2025. She grew up in a family of five, with an older brother and sister.
Who are Thuli Phongolo’s parents?
While she has shared glimpses of her personal life, including moments with her mother, she maintains a level of privacy regarding her father’s background. In a 2018 interview, Thulisile mentioned that her father is friends with Mfundi Vundla, the executive producer of Generations: The Legacy, but no further information has been made public.
Education
She attended Allen Glen High School in Roodepoort, where she served as a school prefect. Pursuing higher education, she enrolled at the University of Johannesburg, earning a degree in Strategic Marketing Communications.
Who is Thulisile Phongolo’s husband?
Thuli Phongolo and Maphorisa were once a high-profile couple in South Africa’s entertainment scene, blending her acting and DJ career with his music production. However, their relationship ended, and in 2024, Thuli confirmed she is now single, putting to rest rumors about their status.
Besides Maphorisa, Thuli Phongolo’s ex-boyfriends include other public figures such as actor Raphael Griffiths. Despite the public interest, Thuli maintains privacy around her personal life, choosing to focus on her growing career and professional achievements.
Thulisile began her acting career in 2012 when she played the role of Zama in Tshisha, a SABC 1 series. The following year, 2013, she joined e.tvs Craze-e, a youth piece program. While at Craze-e, she introduced and facilitated several shows in the company of Kriya Gangiah, Zola Hashatsi, and Stephanie Sandows.
In 2014, she was recruited for the new-look Generation. This was after the initial sixteen-member crew reached a stalemate due to a compensation dispute. She was assigned the role of Namhala, a 7-year-old secondary student, whose mother is an ex-convict, Lucy Diale, acted by Manaka Ranaka.
Before undergoing a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), Thuli Phongolo was known for her natural, slender physique. Her before BBL look, especially in her earlier years around 2012–2014, showcased a more modest frame, often seen in casual attire and her role as Namhla Diale on Generations: The Legacy. These appearances highlighted her youthful and toned figure, which many fans admired.
Thulisile Phongolo’s cars and houses
Thuli has made headlines with her impressive lifestyle, including luxury cars and real estate. In 2023, she bought her first home but listed it for sale in early 2025 before purchasing a second property the same year. Her car collection features a Mercedes-Benz AMG, a Lamborghini Urus, and reportedly a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon gifted by DJ Maphorisa. Thuli’s success in acting and DJing reflects in her taste for luxury and stylish living.