As one of South Africa’s most recognizable actresses, TV hosts, and media personalities, Pearl Thusi has built an enviable fortune. Sources like NubiaPage, her net worth ranges between $1.8 million and $3 million, thanks to her work in film, television, brand deals, real estate, and production ventures. Let’s explore exactly how Pearl Thusi makes her money and why her name is one of the most searched in Mzansi.
Pearl Thusi: Who Is She?
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sithembile Xola Pearl Thusi |
| Date of Birth | 13 May 1988 |
| Place of Birth | KwaZulu‑Natal, South Africa |
| Professions | Actress, TV Host, Model, Radio Personality |
| Career Start | Hosted iCrew on SABC 3 (2006) |
| Notable Early Roles | The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency (BBC/HBO, 2009), Isidingo |
| TV Hosting Roles | Live Amp, Real Goboza |
| International Breakout | Quantico (2016) as Agent Dayana Mampasi |
| Lead Roles | Queen Sono (Netflix, 2020), Catching Feelings (2017) |
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How Pearl Earns Her Money
a) Acting & Streaming Roles
| Project | Role & Platform |
|---|---|
| The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency | Patricia Kopong (BBC/HBO) |
| Isidingo | Palesa Motaung (SABC 3 soapie) |
| Quantico | Dayana Mampasi (ABC thriller) |
| Catching Feelings | Supporting role (2017) |
| Queen Sono | Lead actress (Netflix, 2020) |
| Tropika Island of Treasure | TV host (SABC 3) |
Streaming platforms like Netflix offer significant licensing fees—Queen Sono being SA’s first Netflix original—which could pay high six-figure sums per project.
b) TV Hosting & Presenting
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Live Amp (2011–2016) – co-host.
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Real Goboza, iCrew, Tropika – high-profile presenter slots.
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Hosted Moments with Pearl Thusi on EbonyLife and Lip Sync Battle (MTV/e.tv).
Seasonal hosting work can earn between R100k–R300k per episode, especially on major networks.
c) Brand Endorsements & Modeling
Pearl is a go-to face for luxury and lifestyle brands—from fashion spreads to televised ad campaigns. She’s appeared on covers of Cosmopolitan, Grazia, City Press iMag, Destiny Hair, True Love, and more These projects may net the low six to seven figures in rand annually.
d) Real Estate & Lifestyle Assets
NubiaPage reports she recently purchased a new home with her children—likely in Johannesburg’s affluent suburbs. Real estate like this is not only a lifestyle marker—it’s a durable asset contributing to her net worth.
e) Other Projects & Investments
Pearl is gradually entering production and creative ownership—potentially producing content or consulting behind the scenes—an area likely to expand in coming years.
| Source | Estimated Annual Earnings |
|---|---|
| Acting & Netflix Roles | $200k – $500k |
| Hosting & Presenting | $100k – $300k |
| Brand Endorsements & Modeling | $100k – $300k |
| Real Estate/Assets | Appreciating equity, not direct income |
| Total Potential Income | $400k – $1.1M/year |
Even with conservative figures, Pearl can generate $500k+ USD annually, aligning well with a $1.8–3M net worth range.
Why Pearl’s Wealth Track Commands Attention
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Media Visibility: She consistently features in headlines and on-screen content.
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Entertainment Credibility: Her credit list spans local and international platforms.
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Diverse Appeal: Fans love her for acting, hosting, style, and advocacy.
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Search Trends: Netflix features (Queen Sono) and brand launches spike her search volume in South Africa and Africa.
Growth Drivers: What Fuels Her Rising Wealth
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Streaming boom – Netflix platforms may renew Queen Sono or similar series, bringing hefty profits.
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Brand expansion – Higher-end endorsements (beauty, fashion, lifestyle deals).
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Media production – Opportunity to produce her own shows.
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Asset appreciation – Real estate in Johannesburg continues to grow in value.
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Regional influence – Potential hosting or acting gigs across the African continent.
Conclusion
Pearl Thusi’s net worth in 2025 is estimated between $1.8 million and $3 million USD, supported by diverse income streams across acting, hosting, brand work, and real estate. She continues to expand her influence through media, streaming platforms, and entrepreneurial ventures—making her one of Mzansi’s most successful and influential female figures today.