Thulisile Phongolo biography: boyfriend, education, career and cutest photos

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.

Key takeaways

• She pursued a degree in Strategic Marketing Communications.
• Thulisile began her acting journey in 2012.
• She also ventured into the music industry as a DJ.
• She has dated DJ Maphorisa and actor Raphael Griffiths.
• Thulisile often shares her stylish looks on social media platforms

Profile summary

Thulisile Phongolo's biography

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 Phongolo's career

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.

Thulisile Phongolo's salary

Her salary is not apparent. However, judging from her expensive purchases and lifestyle, it is safe to assume that she has some good sums.

Transformation and public reaction

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.

In late 2023, Thuli shared a mirror selfie revealing a fuller silhouette, sparking speculation about a BBL. While she hasn't publicly confirmed undergoing the procedure, the noticeable change in her body proportions led to widespread discussion on social media.

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.

Who is Namhla in real life?

Phongolo is known for her role as Namhla Diale in the soap opera Generations: The Legacy. Portraying a 17-year-old secondary school student with a complex family background, her character was the daughter of Lucy Diale, an ex-convict, and Jack Mabaso, a gangster.

What is the real name of Namhla from Generations?

The real name of Namhla from Generations: The Legacy is Thulisile Phongolo, also known professionally as Thuli P.

Is Thuli Phongolo coming back to Generations?

Yes, Thuli Phongolo has officially returned to Generations: The Legacy. After a seven-year hiatus, she reprised her role as Namhla Diale on April 25, 2025. She shared,

“Returning to Generations: The Legacy feels like coming back home,” Thuli shared.

“I’m excited to reconnect with the cast, crew and fans and to bring new energy to my character’s journey,”

Namhla's character has undergone e significant transformation during her time away. Previously portrayed as a shy and awkward teenager, she now returns as a confident and ambitious woman, having lived and worked abroad.

Her relationship with her parents, Lucy Diale and Jack Mabaso remains complex, with Namhla being drawn into her father's world, which she believes can offer her the life she desires.

Social media presence

Thulisile maintains an active presence on Instagram. Thuli Phongolo's Instagram account is verified and boasts over 4 million followers as of 2025, where she shares glimpses into her life as an actress, DJ, and fashion enthusiast.

She showcases her latest fashion ensembles, behind-the-scenes moments from her DJ gigs, and snapshots from her travels. Her engaging content has solidified her status as a prominent figure in South Africa's entertainment and fashion scenes.

Trivia

• Thuli began her acting career as a teenager
• She often shares her workout routines and promotes a healthy lifestyle.
• Thuli has a strong presence on social media, with millions of followers.
• She is known for her bold and trendy fashion sense, often setting style trends.
• Thuli has collaborated with popular South African musicians in her DJ career.

Thulisile Phongolo's biography showcases a multifaceted woman whose journey is marked by hard work, charm, and unshakable confidence. Whether she's lighting up the screen, spinning records as a DJ, or sharing glimpses of her stylish life online, Thulisile remains a beloved and influential personality.

Briefly.co.za recently published an article about DJ Maphorisa’s bio. Themba Sonnyboy Sekowe, popularly known as DJ Maphorisa, is a South African DJ, songwriter, singer, and record producer. His music is a blend of Afropop, Amapiano, and South African house music.

DJ Maphorisa is among the most popular South African DJs today. He began his musical career at a very young age and has become one of Mzansi’s most celebrated entertainers. Click the link above to learn more!

Source: Briefly News