Ms Xasa was appointed as Minister of Sport and Recreation on 27 February 2018 until 25 May 2019. Ms Xasa was the Minister of Tourism of the Republic of South Africa from 31 March 2017 until 26 February 2018. She has been a Member of Parliament since May 2009.

Ms Xasa holds a Masters degree in Public Administration from the University of Fort Hare; a BA degree from the University of Transkei and a BA Honours degree from the University of Fort Hare.

Ms Xasa is a qualified teacher and has taught at several high schools in South Africa.

In 1997, she became the first female mayor of a district municipality, namely the Kei District Council, in the transitional period of local government in the Eastern Cape, a position she held until 2000.

During her political career, Ms Xasa served as provincial treasurer of the African National Congress in the Eastern Cape, and as a member of the Provincial Legislature in the Eastern Cape from 2001 until 2009.

She has also been a Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Social Development; MEC for Housing, Local Government and Traditional Affairs; and MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs in the Eastern Cape.

Ms Xasa has served in several portfolio committees, including Local Government and Traditional Affairs, the Premier’s Office, and Economic Affairs.

Ms Xasa served as the Deputy Minister of Tourism of the Republic of South Africa; a position she held from 11 May 2009 and was reappointed on 26 May 2014 until 30 March 2017.