Before coming to the Bar, Xolani was admitted as an attorney in 1998. He practiced as an associate at Chennells Albertyn and Tonner in Durban and became a part time Commissioner for the CCMA.
He also spent many years in the commercial sphere as a labour law consultant and industrial relations manager (clients included Total, Bhp Biliton and BP).
He was a director and partner of Perrott van Niekerk & Woodhouse Matyolo Inc for many years and left this position to do his pupillage in 2012.
He has also served as an acting Judge of the Labour Court.