Mtshali is a South African surname that may refer to the following notable people: Eric Mtshali, South African politician Gugu Mtshali, South African politician Lindokuhle Mtshali, South African soccer player Lionel Mtshali (1935–2015), South African politician Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali (born 1940), South African poet Themba Mtshali, South African politician Thembi Mtshali-Jones (born 1949), South African actress