Mbali Zulu is a single mother with one daughter, Mbali's family plays a significant role in her life. She grew up in a Christian family of eight and attributes her success to her mother Deli Zulu and her late father Stanley B. Zulu, who she considers a remarkable man. In 2010, Mbali self-published a book and has since written several Zulu and English children's stories for publisher in South Africa. She has also published academic articles while she is working and studying.