Actress Xolile Tshabalala shares grief and gratitude

South African award-winning actress Xolile Tshabalala shared her experience of losing her child and expressed gratitude to a woman who supported her during the difficult time in Germany.

Tshabalala spoke about the challenges she has faced, the lessons she has learned, and the person she continues to become during an episode of “The Upside of Failure” on 702 with Relebogile Mabotja. Her story has resonated with many South Africans, particularly women who have lost children due to health conditions.

The actress revealed that she cannot carry a child because she has a condition called fibrosis. She explained that her child, Onkgopotse ditiro tsamodimo, which loosely translates as “remind me about things the Lord has done,” passed away while she was in Germany.

“I cannot carry a child. My body just cannot carry a baby, unfortunately. I thought Onkgopotse was going to stay, but Onkgopotse decided to go, and I was in Germany,” Tshabalala said.

She described a period of comfort and healing, noting that she has a gift of tears and has always cried easily, but now feels at peace when talking about her child.

Tshabalala expressed special gratitude to Tshepi Finca, a dear friend who works for the Berlin Consulate, for supporting her during the loss. “Literally I had nobody at the time there. Everybody was in South Africa. The father of the child was doing the worst things you can imagine. She held my hand. Tshepi will always be the person in my heart. She held my hand till the end,” Tshabalala said.

Her child passed away while admitted at Martin Luther Hospital. Tshabalala added that she hopes to see Finca when she returns to Germany.

Reflecting on life and her legacy, Tshabalala said she hopes people remember her for being kind and a good person. “The world, I am sure, hopefully, people will say she was kind, she was a good person, and she has performed well. But I will not have that child who will carry it on for me,” she said.

Tshabalala’s story sheds light on the personal challenges she has faced and the support she received from friends in moments of deep loss.