Gail Mabalane née Nkoane; born 27 December 1984 is a South African actress, model, media socialite, businesswoman and singer. She is most notable for acting roles on South African television series “The Wild”, and recently starred on tele-novel series “The Road”, which airs on Mzansi Magic every weeknight.
Life and career
Early life
Mabalane was born Gail Nkoane and raised in the town of Kimberley, Northern Cape in South Africa. She is the middle child of three children. Her mother entered her into her first pageant, “Miss Tinkerbell” when she was five years old. It was at this point that her family noticed her potential. In 2005, she was a Top 5 Miss SA Teen Finalist.
Breakthrough
In 2010, Mabalane auditioned for and became a Top 10 Finalist on the 6th Season on Idols South Africa. She was the first to be eliminated from the Final Top 10 after performing “Please Don’t Leave Me”, originally by P!nk.
In 2011, Mabalane obtained her major acting debut role as Lelo Sedibe on the MNet TV Series “The Wild”, alongside major South African actress Connie Ferguson. The show was later cancelled by MNet in 2013. In August 2015, she made her first appearance on South Africa’s most viewed television soapie, Generations: The Legacy, once again alongside Connie Ferguson.
Filmography
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Idols | Herself | Season 6 Top 10 Finalist |
| 2011 – 2013 | The Wild | Lelo Sedibe | Lead role |
| 2013 – 2014 | Rockville | Vicky | Minor role |
| 2015 | Generations: The Legacy | Sarah Westbrook | Minor role |
| 2015 | The Road | Kedibone “Kedi” Seakgoe / Stella Phiri | Main role(Episode 1 to 60) |
| 2016 | Rockville | Vicky | Main, recurring |
| 2018 | The Imposter (TV series) | Kelenogile Mokoena | Main role(Season 2) |
| 2020 | Blood & Water | Thandeka Khumalo | Main role |
Films
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Zion |
Personal life
Mabalane’s brother died in an electrical accident in 2006. Her mother succumbed to a long-term illness later that year on Christmas Eve. Gail married South African Kwaito music legend Kabelo Mabalane in a private ceremony on 9 February 2013. Her father died later that year. Gail and Kabelo have two children.