Bio
Busisiwe Xaba is a South African actress, minister and entrepreneur best known for her role as Palesa on the SABC1 soap opera Generations: The Legacy.
When she was a teenager she was a presenter on the kids show Nature Excursion, on SABC2.
Busisiwe studied Drama as a high school major at the National School of the Arts in Braamfontein, Johannesburg where she graduated full colours in Music Theatre and with the Best Actress award in her grade year of 2010.
She went on to study Audio-Visual Communication at the University of Johannesburg, which she was unable to complete due to financial constraints. During her second year, in 2012, she auditioned for a presenting job on Top Billing, showcasing her ability to speak French fluently.
She dropped out in her final year to work for SuperSport as a video editor through Vision View Productions.
In 2018, she landed the recurring role of Dimi in the SABC1 drama series Diamond City. The series, starring Noxee Maqashalala, Angela Sithole, Nambitha Ben-Mazwi, Thabang Molaba and Lehlohonolo Makoko, premiered on the channel on 14 October, 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.
But like many young South Africans who move to Johannesburg looking for employment – she struggles. Without any tertiary education and no work experience, Palesa finds herself in vulnerable and desperate situations.
Busi made her first appearance in the role on Friday 14 June, 2019.