Thishiwe Ziqubu is a South African transgender non-binary actor, writer, director, and producer celebrated for standout roles in films like Hard to Get and Tell Me Sweet Something, as well as creating the acclaimed series Emoyeni. Using they/them pronouns (or he/him), Ziqubu actively promotes LGBTQ+ representation across their diverse career.
Profile Summary
| Full name | Thishiwe Ziqubu |
| Date of birth | 5 August 1985 |
| Place of birth | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Parents | Names not publicly disclosed; raised by both parents |
| Nationality | South African |
| State of Origin | Gauteng (Johannesburg area) |
| Partner | Previously Mandisa Nduna (relationship ended around 2020); current status private |
| Children | One daughter, Vangile Ziqubu (born circa 2010) |
| Occupations | Actor, writer, director, producer |
| Net worth | Approximately $200,000 – $700,000 |
Early Life and Education
Thishiwe Ziqubu grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa, initially excelling in sciences during their early years before discovering a passion for the arts as a teenager.
Following high school, they pursued scriptwriting and directing studies, then trained at the African Film and Drama Academy (AFDA) in South Africa. Ziqubu further honed their skills with an Acting for Film program at the New York Film Academy’s Los Angeles campus.
Career
Ziqubu entered the industry with their acting debut in the 2011 film Man on Ground as Zodwa, directed by Akin Omotoso, which garnered international acclaim.
They rose to prominence through roles like Skiets in Hard to Get (2014) and Tshaka in Tell Me Sweet Something (2015), while also writing and directing shorts such as Out of Luck.
Notable achievements include co-creating, writing, and directing the Netflix series Emoyeni (2019), helming MTV Shuga Down South, founding Light Realm Films, and contributing to recent projects like Shaka iLembe.
Personal Life
As a dedicated parent, Ziqubu raises a daughter named Vangile from a past relationship and openly embraces their transgender non-binary identity. They once shared a high-profile partnership with actress Mandisa Nduna, which was celebrated publicly until it concluded around 2020.
Ziqubu remains a vocal advocate for proper gender recognition and greater LGBTQ+ inclusion in South African entertainment.
Net Worth
Thishiwe Ziqubu’s net worth is estimated at approximately $200,000 to $700,000, derived from acting roles, scriptwriting, directing, and production ventures.
Filmography
Key acting highlights include:
- Man on Ground (2011) as Zodwa
- Hard to Get (2014) as Skiets
- While You Weren’t Looking (2015) as Shado
- Tell Me Sweet Something (2015) as Tshaka
- Emoyeni (2019) – Creator, Director, Writer
- Shaka iLembe (2023) – Scriptwriting contribution
Other television appearances include Rhythm City, Book of Negroes, and Madiba.
Awards and Recognitions
Ziqubu earned Best Actress in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (2016) for Tell Me Sweet Something. They also secured Best Achievement in Scriptwriting for TV Drama at the SAFTA Awards (2019) for Emoyeni and (2024) for Shaka iLembe, plus Best Achievement in Scriptwriting for TV Soap (2016) for Rhythm City. Additional honors include a nomination for Best Actress in a Feature Film at SAFTA (2016) for While You Weren’t Looking.
