Thandolwethu Ngidi is a 24 year-old South African actress. She was born and raised in South Africa. She developed an early love for performing arts. Her passion for acting grew while watching local television dramas.
Education
She studied acting at the Market Theatre Laboratory in Johannesburg. The school helped her build discipline and skill. She learned stage performance, character work, and storytelling. She graduated ready to work in film and television.
Acting career of Thandolwethu
Thandolwethu began her career with small roles in local productions. She took every opportunity to improve. Her confidence and natural presence quickly stood out. Afrter that the casting directors noticed her energy and authenticity.
Her big break came when she joined the cast of Scandal! on e.tv. On the drama she played Thembelihle Lihle Gasa, a young woman full of ambition and conflict. Her role of Lihle on Scandal introduced her to a national audience. She impressed viewers with her emotional range and intensity. The storyline showed her ability to carry drama and subtle emotion. Viewers of the show love, however they have been disappointed recently after she fell inlove with a older man played by Charlse Phasha.
Furthering her career
After Scandal!, she appeared in the Showmax series Youngins-Cemeo in 2024. The show focused on young South Africans finding their way in modern life. Thandolwethu played a vibrant and determined character which added charm and relatability to the story.
In 2025, she joined the Mzansi Magic drama Inimba. She played Tsaki, a supportive and caring character. This role highlighted her versatility. She handled serious scenes with maturity and calm expression.
Thandolwethu speaks English, isiZulu, and isiXhosa. This language skill makes her adaptable to many roles. On top of that she is also a dancer and voice-over artist. Her movement and rhythm help her bring life to her characters.
Personal life
She is 24 years old and stands 1.56 metres tall. Her petite frame contrasts with her strong on-screen presence. She uses her physicality and expressions effectively in every performance.
Thandolwethu says she draws inspiration from real people. She studies how others speak, move, and react. This helps her make each role believable. She believes acting is about honesty and emotional truth.
She has worked with several respected South African directors and actors. Her colleagues describe her as focused and professional. She always arrives prepared and willing to learn.
Thandolwethu hopes to act in international productions in the future. She dreams of telling African stories to the world. She also wants to mentor young women who want to act.
Off-screen, she enjoys reading, dancing, and spending time with family. She stays grounded and humble despite her growing fame.
Thandolwethu Ngidi continues to rise as one of South Africa’s promising young actresses. She brings talent, discipline, and passion to every project she joins. Her journey has only just begun, but her star is already shining brightly.
