Tsholofelo Matshaba's dramatic weight loss and the family she keeps away from the public eye

Tsholofelo Matshaba's dramatic weight loss and the family she keeps away from the public eye

Tsholofelo Matshaba is a celebrated South African actress with extensive experience in the country's entertainment industry. Despite facing personal challenges, including the loss of her husband, she has continued to display stellar on-screen performances. Her recent physical transformation has also drawn significant attention from fans who are keen to know the reason for her weight loss.

Tsholofelo Matshaba posing for photos
Tsholo during the 3rd DSTV Mzansi Viewers Choice Awards on March 14, 2020 (R) and the 6th Annual Royalty Soapie Awards at The Galleria on March 11, 2023 (R). Photo: Oupa Bopape (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • Matshaba has dedicated her time to a fitness regimen and disciplined lifestyle.
  • She was married to Chris Matshaba, a businessman, radio presenter, and DJ at Motsweding FM.
  • They tied the knot on December 27, 2014, in Ramokokastad.
  • Sadly, Matshaba passed away three years later after losing the battle with cancer.
  • The actress has a daughter from a previous relationship with Dingaan Mokebe.

Tsholofelo Matshaba's profile summary

Birth name

Tsholofelo Monedi

Nickname

Tsholo

Date of birth

July 4, 1983

Age

43 years old in 2026

Birth sign

Cancer

Place of birth

Mabopane Township, Tshwane, Gauteng, South Africa

Current residence

Johannesburg, South Africa

Nationality

South African

Gender

Female

Sexual orientation

Straight

Marital status

Widowed

Husband

Chris Matshaba (2014 until he died in 2018)

Children

A daughter

Education

Tshwane University of Technology (Musical Theatre)

Profession

Actress

Net worth

Approx. $200,000

Social media

X (Twitter)

Read also

Who is Rachel Sennott's boyfriend? Her full dating history

Who is Tsholofelo Matshaba?

Tsholofelo (popularly known as Tsholo) is a South African actress who has featured in several movies and TV shows such as River and Kings of Jo'burg. Here are some important details about her life.

How old is Tsholofelo Matshaba?

Tsholofelo Matshaba's age is currently 43 years old. The actress was born on July 4, 1983, in Mabopane Township, Tshwane, Gauteng, South Africa.

Tsholofelo Matshaba's weight loss

The River actress has shed some pounds if you compare her before and after photos. She currently has a toned body with a ripped physique that she showcases on her social media.

Matshaba occasionally shares her workout routine, which includes lifting weights and boxing. In a June 2024 post on X (Twitter), she uploaded a series of her gym photos with the caption,

Still building that everyday, 7 days a week discipline to exercise hard... I'll get there.

Read also

Sol Phenduka's biography: from Vosloorus roots to Podcast and Chill co-host

Tsholofelo Matshaba facts
Top 5 facts about SA actress Tsholofelo Matshaba. Photo: @tsholo_matshaba_ on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: Original

Is Tsholofelo Matshaba married?

Tsholofelo Matshaba was married to Chris Matshaba, a businessman, radio presenter, and DJ at Motsweding FM. They tied the knot on December 27, 2014, in Ramokokastad.

What happened to Tsholo Matshaba's husband?

Sadly, Chris passed away three years later, in February 2018, after losing the battle with cancer.

Tsholo occasionally celebrates her late husband with tributes on social media. On what would have been his 43rd birthday in October 2021, she uploaded a photo of them together with the caption,

Today would have been your 43rd birthday, My Love. I know that heaven is having a bash this entire weekend. Happy Heavenly birthday Baby. Love you, Always and Forever.

Does Tsholofelo Matshaba have children?

Tsholofelo Matshaba's daughter was born around 2009 during her relationship with Dingaan Mokebe. The actress met Mokebe on the set of Muvhango, in which they played each other's love interest. The child's identity has been kept secret.

Read also

Get to know Denise Zimba: The star's career, marriage, and motherhood

Mokebe previously accused Matshaba of denying him access to their daughter during an interview on Kaya FM's Home with Mapaseka Mokwele in March 2016. He revealed that since 2010, the actress has not allowed him to see the child, prompting him to stop paying child support in 2011. Tsholo denied the claims, saying,

What Dingaan told Kaya FM listeners was blatant lies. I've never deprived him of seeing his daughter. Dingaan has never made an effort to see his child, even when we were together. What he forgot to mention in that interview is that he used to physically and emotionally abuse me.

Tsholofelo Matshaba's baby daddy recently revived the claim during his sit-down with veteran broadcaster David Mashabela on 6 September 2023. Saying that he has been denied access to his daughter for years.

Wherever my daughter is, she is being told, 'Your father wants nothing to do with you.'
Actress Tsholofelo Matshaba with her late husband, Chris Matshaba
Actress Tsholofelo Matshaba with her late husband, Chris Matshaba. Photo: @tsholo_matshaba_ (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Tsholofelo Matshaba's career

Tsholo holds a National Diploma in Musical Theatre from Tshwane University of Technology and has been in the South African acting scene since the mid-2000s. She became a household name across the country after playing Meme on SABC2's Muvhango.

The SAFTA-winning actress has since portrayed multiple characters in top local soapies. She has also appeared in several theatre productions, including The Lion King, Jesus Christ Superstar, Soweto Story, Robinson Crusoe, RSA 2, Aladdin, and Melodies of Love.

Read also

King Monada's net worth and lavish lifestyle: How rich is the South African star?

Tsholo made her Afrikaans film debut in December 2023 with her role as Detective Mahlangu in Die Onderonsie on Showmax. While talking about her new adventures in Afrikaans dark comedy, the actress told Showmax,

I love languages, and Afrikaans is actually one of my favourite languages, so whenever the opportunity arrives, I will grab it with both hands. Although I didn't get to speak it, it was just as fulfilling.
Actress Matshaba during a Cocktails & Chill appearance on Palm TV
Actress Matshaba during a Cocktails & Chill appearance on Palm TV in August 2021. Photo: @tsholo_matshaba_ (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Tsholofelo Matshaba's films and TV shows

Project

Season/Year

Role

Die Onderonsie

(Showmax)

2023

Detective Mahlangu

Yoh! Christmas

Season 1

Sales assistant

The Wild

Season 2

Cindy

The Throne

Season 1

Princess Odirile Kwena

Dream World

Season 2

Lebo

Greed & Desire

Season 1

Bonang Moabi

House of Zwide

Seasons 2&3

Maria

Intersexions

Season 2

Lerato/Tshidi

iNumber Number

Season 1

Amahle

Kings of Jo'burg

Season 1

Detective

Mamello

Seasons 1, 2, & 3

Keneilwe Mogotsi

Muvhango

Season 1

Meme

Rockville

Season 4&5

Olga

Skeem Saam

Season 4

Molahlegi

Skwizas

Seasons 2,3,4, &5

Tiny

The River

Seasons 2,3,4,5, &6

Kedibone Mokoena

Tsholofelo Matshaba's tattoos

The actress is a fan of tattoos and has a few inked on various parts of her body. In the centre of her back, she has the head of a lion and the name Vincentia above it. Her left arm features her date of birth, while her left thigh has a tribal tattoo. She has not publicly revealed the meaning behind the art.

Read also

What is the name of Rene's wife on Storage Wars? Meet the queen of bargains

Actress Tsholo during a gym session and enjoying a drink
Actress Tsholo during a gym session (L). Tsholo enjoying a drink (R). Photo: tsholo_matshaba_ (modified by author)
Source: UGC

FAQs

From her early days in Mabopane to becoming a celebrated actress, Tsholofelo Matshaba has grown into one of Mzansi's beloved entertainers. Below are some frequently asked questions about the actress;

Where is Tsholofelo Matshaba's place of birth?

The Mamello actress is a native of Mabopane Township, Tshwane, Gauteng, South Africa. She currently resides in Johannesburg.

What is Rakgadi's real name from The River?

Rakgadi's real name in the 1Magic soapie is Kedibone Mokoena. Actress Tsholofelo Matshaba portrays the character.

What is Kedibone's (The River) age?

The actress who plays Kedibone, Tsholofelo Matshaba, was born on July 4, 1983, and is 43 years old as of 2026. The character on the show is portrayed to be older than her real-life age.

What is Tsholofelo Matshaba's home language?

Matshaba's home language is Setswana. As a Motswana, she has expressed pride in speaking her mother tongue and is highly proficient in acting and voice-over work in multiple languages, including English, Sepedi, and Sesotho.

Read also

Has anyone ever seen Gawr Gura's real face? What is known about the VTuber

Does Dingaan Khumalo have a child with Tsholofelo Matshaba?

Yes, they share a daughter together who was born in 2009.

ActressTsholofelo Matshaba during a photoshoot
ActressTsholofelo Matshaba during a May 2024 photoshoot. Photo: @tsholo_matshaba_ (modified by author)
Source: UGC

What languages does Tsholofelo Matshaba speak?

The actress speaks English, Sepedi, Sesotho, and Setswana.

Does Tsholofelo Matshaba have a son?

The actress only has a daughter with fellow actor Dingaan.

Tsholofelo Matshaba continues to be a prominent figure in the Mzansi entertainment industry. Her hard work can be seen through her extensive acting portfolio after being in the show business for about two decades. Matshaba has also dedicated significant time to her fitness to maintain her body and observe discipline.

Briefly.co.za published all you need to know about Wiseman Mncube's life on and off the screen. The actor has appeared in soapies like Uzalo, eHostela, and My Brother's Keeper, which have cemented him as a household name in the country.

Wiseman comes from a family of entertainers, and his brothers Ntando and Omega are also making waves in the industry. Check the article for the actor's full biography.

Proofreading by Rianette Cluley, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Alice Wabwile avatar

Alice Wabwile (Lifestyle writer) Alice Wabwile is a multifaceted content creator and Project Assistant at AfDAN, boasting over four years of experience. Holding a BCom degree from the University of Nairobi School of Business, she has cultivated a dynamic skill set through roles such as her tenure at Strathmore University's Data Science Department, where she contributed significantly to research. Recognized for her exceptional talent, she clinched the Writer of the Year Award. Beyond her professional endeavours, Alice is an engaged member of the Rotaract Club of Kabete. For inquiries, reach out to her at alicenjoro01@gmail.com

Glenn Omondi avatar

Glenn Omondi (Lifestyle writer) Glenn Omondi is a writer with more than 5 years of experience. He has a Bachelor's degree in Actuarial Science from Kenyatta University, having graduated in 2025. He specialises in celebrity biographies, educational content, guides and listicles. Glenn finished the Google Digital Skills for Africa certification in 2020. You can reach him via glennomondi@gmail.com.