Thabiso Ramotshela on the heart-wrenching Youngins Season 3

Give this young man his flowers already! No, scratch that. In the words of Youngins fans, just give him his SAFTA already. 

We’re only nine episodes into Youngins Season 3, and Thabiso Ramotshela, who plays the beloved Mahlatse, has viewers either wrapped around his finger or reaching for the tissues every time he’s on screen. 

This season, Mahlatse’s storyline serves as a reminder of the shame and pressure poverty places on young people. Especially on a Grade 10 learner whose biggest concerns should be passing his grades, hanging out with friends, and dating the girl of his dreams. But things take a hard turn when Mahlatse learns he’s lost his scholarship. Once again, he’s forced to grow up fast, hustle for survival, and figure out how to stay in school so he doesn’t return to the poverty waiting for him back home.

We caught up with actor Thabiso Ramotshela to talk about stepping into Mahlatse’s shoes, portraying the weight of poverty, the power of friendship, and the realness of hustle culture. 

From Season 1 to Season 3, we’ve seen Mahlatse evolve from a nerdy, love-sick teen to a frustrated young man carrying the world on his shoulders. How did it feel playing Mahlatse in this final season of Youngins? 

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. 

Your scenes with your on-screen mother Mary (played by Maki Mokhitli) have left many viewers in tears. What was it like working alongside her? 

Working with Maki Mokhitli was an honour. We really held space for each other – especially in the more emotional scenes. 

Their daily life is a struggle. Mary is a single mother, painfully aware of their dire situation. The only peace she gets is knowing her son is safe at boarding school with three meals a day and access to education. And for Mahlatse, the bursary meant security - until that falls through. 

Maki and I understood how delicate this storyline was. We approached it with vulnerability, care, and respect. Their story reflects so many South African households. It’s a mirror of our society, the cruelty of poverty and how it strips away dignity. 

If Thabiso had to come across a real-life Mahlatse, what would be his words of advice to him?  

I’d tell him that it’s going to be okay and not everything is in his control. I’d tell him to stop putting so much pressure on himself. He’s only a teenager. His job is to pass his grades, be a good friend, and stay out of trouble, although with the way the Olifants Five are moving, that’s tough! [laughs] 

More than anything, I’d tell him to ask for help. He carries everything alone and tries to solve problems beyond him. That leads to frustration. No one can do it all on their own. 

With so much weighing Mahlatse down, what’s the one positive takeaway from his journey?  

His friendship with the Olifants Five. Even though this season tests them, the bond is real. He cares deeply for them.

Also, his hustle. Mahlatse's story highlights how resilient young people are when faced with financial hardships. Hustle culture is real, especially for the youth. Mahlatse could sell honey to a bee! Sure, his hustle is sometimes misguided, but the potential is there. You can’t ignore it. 

Viewers have been moved to tears this season, with many saying you deserve a SAFTA nod. What’s your take on that? 

Firstly, I just want to give all praise and glory to the Lord. I feel amazing, grateful, happy, and incredibly appreciative. It’s nothing but gratitude from both me and my family. 

I also want viewers to know that I do this for them - especially for the kids out there who are really going through what Mahlatse is experiencing in the story. I grew up with a father; Mahlatse didn’t. His character is deeply inspired by my dad - how he grew up, the struggles he faced. That’s why this role means so much to me. I know there are many Mahlatses out there, and I just want them to know: I see you. I may not have lived exactly what you’re going through, but through my father’s journey and through this character, I’ve come to understand parts of that pain. 

As for the SAFTA talk - I’m truly humbled. I’m passionate about what I do and knowing that the story resonates with people makes me want to keep going. Thank you to the entire teams behind Youngins, and thank you to everyone who’s watching and feeling something. I just hope I can use this gift to reach and help as many people as possible. 

It’s the final season of Youngins. Any parting words for your cast members? 

It’s been an absolute blessing. To dive into such emotional, challenging, and rewarding scenes with this team, from the lead cast to the extras, it’s been incredible. I’m grateful. 

Catch Thabiso Ramotshela as Mahlatse in Youngins Season 3, streaming with three new episodes every Friday on Showmax as his friends notice him struggling in silence – just like we have. Is help on the way? Keep watching to find out.