Born 15 May 1992, Busisiwe Xaba is a South African model and actress. She is famous for her role of Palesa on the SABC1’s Generations the Legacy.
Full name: Busisiwe Xaba
Birthday: 15 May 1992 (29 years as of 2021)
Birth Place: Winchester Hills, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Occupation: Actress, Youth pastor, Entrepreneur
Education: Audio-Visual Communication (University of Johannesburg)
Height: 1.61m
Nationality: South African
Early life of Busisiwe Xaba
Busisiwe Xaba was born on the 15th May 1992, in Winchester Hills, in Joburg. Xaba was raised a born again Christian and remains in the faith. Growing up, she attended the National school of arts and got her high school major in drama.
She was always into acting, she would usually entertain her family before night prayers. Little did she know how far that would take her in adulthood. Busisiwe graduated with a degree in Music Theatre at the University of Johannesburg.
Read: Jersey 14’s Kgaogelo Sekgotha full biography and stats
Acting career in depth
Busisiwe Xaba used to be a presenter on the SABC2 kids show Nature Excursion when she was a teenager.
She majored in Drama as a high school student at the National School of the Arts in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, where she graduated with honors in Music Theatre and Best Actress in her grade year of 2010.
She furthermore went on to study Audio-Visual Communication at the University of Johannesburg. But, due to financial constraints, she was unable to complete her studies. However, Xaba auditioned for a presenting job on Top Billing during her second year in 2012. Showcasing her ability to speak French fluently. She dropped out in her final year. And found herself as a video editor for SuperSport through Vision View Productions.
Moreover, in 2018, she was cast as Dimi in the SABC1 drama series Diamond City. The show, which starred Noxee Maqashalala, Angela Sithole, Nambitha Ben-Mazwi, Thabang Molaba, and Lehlohonolo Makoko, debuted on the channel on October 14, 2018. The following year, Busisiwe landed her breakout role as Palesa on the SABC1 soapie Generations: The Legacy. Palesa is Lerato’s (Candice Modiselle) older sister who is determined to stand on her own
Read: Zakhele Lepasa biography
Exploitation in the industry
While most desire to be in the big screens, it is not as easy. Numerous actors and actresses especially have come out of hiding with exploitation in the industry. And, Xaba is one of them. She explained how desperation in the youth leads to their exploitation. However, she herself said she wouldn’t fall victim to such indecencies. Hypothetically because of her faith. Moreover, the temptation of it as she said is pretty illusive and inevitable.
However, she did mention how hard it was even for herself when she was starting out. In fact, according to Xaba, there were days when she was only paid R150 to appear on set. However, Busisiwe is grateful to her faith. And says it kept her from falling victim to obscene endeavours to get up the ladder.
Controversies: Leaving Generations the Legacy
After leaving Generations the Legacy, it was claimed that she had left due to her convictions. Sources claimed that Xaba was unhappy with her storyline as a prostitute in the drama. Xaba herself has not publicly denied the assertions and the source was an insider. It is impossible to determine the truth of the matter. However, other sources claim she was simply fired for not being to square with the character at hand.
