Rising star Katleho Mabote on Youngins' tearjerker start

After making a notable debut as Mosa in Outlaws (2023) and portraying the vibrant TK in 016FM (2024), Katleho Mabote returns for his third Showmax Original role in Youngins, which trended at #1 on X on Friday alongside the release of its first three episodes.

In the award-winning teen drama, Katleho plays Tokollo, a kind and innocent Grade 8 student at Olifantsfontein High School. The Olifants Five take him under their wing, quickly forming a close bond with him - until their reckless actions lead to devastating consequences.

Zibuyile Dladla chats to Katleho to find out more.

Talk us through the day you found out you got the role to play Tokollo?

When I learned I’d be playing Tokollo, it felt surreal - like an out-of-body experience. Being on Youngins is a dream for many actors, and for me, it was an answered prayer.

How did you approach making your character memorable?

I studied my character rigorously and merged Tokollo’s traits with my own personality. I saw a lot of similarities between us, so I brought my A-game to ensure Tokollo stood out to both the cast and the viewers. Although I’m 20 and no longer in high school, I aimed to make my portrayal relatable as a young man navigating high school life. Tokollo is the kind of character that’s easy to relate to - the class clown who makes everyone laugh. He starts off feeling like an outsider among an older group but is eventually embraced for his humorous nature. Capturing that transition was key to making him memorable.

The Olifants Five have great chemistry. As the new member joining the group, did you and the cast work on building chemistry?

Yes, we clicked right away, like long-time friends. We didn’t struggle to connect, which made working together a joy. The hardest part was saying goodbye after my scenes wrapped, as we had built such a great bond on and off set.

Episode 3 is a tearjerker. Can you describe the atmosphere on set that day?

The atmosphere was sombre and heavy. It was an emotional scene that resonated deeply and felt close to heart. It felt real and brought some cast and crew members into a state of genuine grief.

What is it about Youngins that resonates with both young and older viewers?

Youngins appeals to both age groups because it provides insight into the realities of high school life. For older viewers, it’s an eye-opener to the challenges teenagers face, from peer pressure to the lengths they go to fit in, including risky behaviours like partying, drinking, and smoking. For younger viewers, it’s relatable and authentic, reflecting their experiences and struggles.

If you had the chance to play any other character on Youngins, who would it be and why?

I’d love to play Tshepo. His character is fascinating, and portraying him would be an exciting challenge. Plus, his story emphasises that actions have consequences - an important message for young viewers.

Season 2 is worth watching because...?

Season 2 is worth watching because it dives deeper into how trauma affects students. Despite the laughter and camaraderie, it reveals the underlying struggles they face, such as using smoking as a coping mechanism. It also highlights the importance of speaking up against inappropriate behaviour and reassures students that they’ll be protected if they do. Youngins combines education and entertainment, making it both impactful and enjoyable for its audience.