Wandile Molebatsi is a renowned South African actor, producer, and multifaceted creative who has made significant contributions to film, television, and entertainment. Originating from Soweto, he began as a child performer in the 1990s and later established Coal Stove Pictures as a leading independent production entity. His work extends across acting, executive production, music performance, and fashion ventures with his spouse, focusing on cultural narratives and talent cultivation.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Wandile Molebatsi |
| Date of Birth | 21 March 1991 |
| Place of Birth | Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| State of Origin | Gauteng (Soweto) |
| Partner | Jessica Jane Molebatsi (married 6 July 2013) |
| Children | 2 (Elijah Aruna, born 2014; Onalenna, born 2017) |
| Occupations | Actor, Producer, Casting Director, Musician |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.5–2.5 million USD (2025) |
Early Life and Education
Wandile was raised in Soweto by parents deeply involved in community and faith leadership. His father heads the Ebenezer Evangelical Church, and his mother works as an ANC social worker, fostering an atmosphere of service and spiritual values. As the second of four brothers, early signs of his performative flair prompted his mother to arrange an agent when he was five years old.
His initial screen work included the 1996 film Born Free as Nik Nik, alongside children’s programs like KTV, Cry, Shuba Lodge, and The Beloved Country. He later pursued Drama and Film studies at the University of Witwatersrand, gaining rigorous theatre training that bolstered his endurance in professional shoots.
Career
Molebatsi’s two-decade journey includes child roles evolving into mature leads. His 2011 breakout in A Million Colours as Muntu Ndebele showcased emotional depth in a redemption story that gained festival acclaim.
Key acting credits feature films like Chappie (2015), Machine Gun Preacher (2011), Kalushi (2016), and Mr. Bones 3 (2022), plus TV roles in The Wild, Scandal (Duma), Guilt, and Marked (2025).
Through Coal Stove Pictures, co-founded with collaborators, he produced Hear Me Move (2014), a dance film screened at Cannes. Producing credits extend to The Wife, Guilt, Thula’s Vine, and Silverton Siege. As a musician, he plays percussion with SAMA-nominated band Uju, rooted in church beginnings.
Personal Life
Married to fashion designer Jessica Jane since 2013, their interracial union inspires the Molebatsi label, blending cultures and gaining global exposure in Paris and Milan. Jessica, with 32 years in design, created pieces for Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
They raise sons Elijah and Onalenna while balancing family with creative pursuits. Multilingual in English, Zulu, Tswana, and Xhosa, he stays connected to his Soweto church and supports Kaizer Chiefs FC.
Net Worth
Wandile’s wealth sits at an estimated $1.5–2.5 million USD as of 2025. This stems from acting fees, Coal Stove Pictures profits, executive roles on series like The Wife, casting services, and the expanding Molebatsi fashion enterprise, reflecting strong positioning in South Africa’s creative sector.
Filmography
Films
- Chappie (2015) – Armored Truck Guard
- Machine Gun Preacher (2011) – LRA Commander
- A Million Colours (2011) – Muntu Ndebele
- Safe Bet (2015) – Frank Manaka
- Kalushi: The Story of Solomon Mahlangu (2016) – Cousin Phineus
- Revolt (2017) – Roderick
- Mr. Bones 3: Son of Bones (2022) – Malobanga
- Hammarskjöld: Fight for Peace (2023) – Reporter no 3
- Hear Me Move (2015) – Thami Skhulu
Television Series
- The Wild (2011–2013) – Blessing Dlamini
- Scandal – Duma
- Diamond City – Tebogo
- Guilt (2018) – Detective Mabitsela
- Thula’s Vine (2017) – Nkanyezi
- iKani (2018) – Vince
- Deep State (2019) – Sekou
- Marked (2025) – Donald Mlambo
- Dream World
- Gauteng Maboneng
- Hard Copy
- Liberty
- The Groom’s Price
Production Credits:
- Hear Me Move (2014) – Producer/Actor
- Tooth and Nails: A Gospel Music Story (2012) – Producer
- Remix (2013) – Co-producer
- Guilt (2018) – Producer
- Thula’s Vine (2017) – Producer
- iKani (2018) – Producer
- Sucked In (2021) – Producer
- The Wife (2022–2023) – Executive Producer (58 episodes)
- What About the Boys (2022) – Executive Producer
- Silverton Siege (2022) – Associate Producer
- The Deal (2024) – Executive Producer
Awards and Nominations
Wins
- PRISM Award (2016) – South African PR Campaign of the Year (Hear Me Move)
- SAFTA (2016) – Best Achievement in Sound Design (Hear Me Move)
- Kalasha Award (Kenya) – Best Score and Screenplay (Hear Me Move)
Nominations
- Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) (2016) – 5 nods for Hear Me Move (Best New Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Soundtrack, Best Editing, Best Visual Effects)
- South African Music Awards (SAMA) – Multiple for band Uju
