Phalo was the second son of Tshiwo but his older brother Gwali was from a junior wife and Phalo was in line for the throne. Tshiwo died the same year of Phalo's birth so his uncle Mdange took over the reigns as regent. Gwali joined forces with Ntinde, chief of the AmaNtinde clan, to overthrow Phalo but was not successful.

Phalo had five sons Langa ka Phalo (1705), Rarabe ka Phalo (1722), Gcaleka ka Phalo, Lutshaba ka Phalo (1730) and Nukwa ka Phalo.