Youngins, the local hit teen telenovela, is closing the chapter on its journey with a highly anticipated third and final season.
Since its debut, the series has captivated the attention of audiences, telling authentic youth stories while spotlighting fresh talent and socially relevant themes.
Debuting as Showmax’s most-watched local series since its relaunch, the show has captivated viewers by following the experiences of a new girl at a Johannesburg boarding school embroiled in various scandals and personal struggles.
Actor Thabiso Ramotshela, who plays Mahlatse, is among the cast members who have been on their journeys revealing the emotional toll of his role.
“This season was definitely emotionally draining. But more than that, I felt a deep empathy for Mahlatse. I mean, being a teenager is hard enough without also having to worry about how you're going to fund your own education. That’s a heavy load. Even when I wasn’t on set, I’d carry Mahlatse with me. I’d sit with his pain, his drive, his desperation. I had to immerse myself in his world to portray him authentically. If I didn’t, it would have shown on screen. So yes, empathy really grounded my performance. I had to understand him deeply to do him justice,” he said.
Ramotshela also added that working with the cast and crew was “a blessing”, calling the experience both challenging and rewarding.
Fellow cast members echoed the show’s lasting impact. Kealeboga Masango, who plays Buhle, said the series resonates beyond entertainment:
“The show has had a really positive impact. It highlights real-life situations many young people face. For those who haven’t, it helps them understand and maybe even avoid those challenges.”
Veteran actor Simo Magwaza, who portrays Principal Ramathuba, reflected on the generational contrasts the role brought to light.
“Acting with those kids took me back to my school days, only now I’m restoring order instead of causing chaos. This role also made me think about how times have changed. I grew up with corporal punishment as the norm, but today it just fuels rebellion. I had to find ways to instil discipline as my character without resorting to that mindset.”
For Tebogo Matlawa, Head of Scripted Content: Middle and Mass South Africa, the inception of Youngins was always about reflecting youth perspectives honestly.
“We wanted to make a show about the youth, for the youth, to show the world how they feel and live, without them having to explain it themselves. It was a leap of faith, but the audience’s response from the very first episode was a loud, clear vote of confidence,” he said.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star