
Ayakha Ntunja reflects on her breakthrough role in Youngins
Note: Only available on Showmax in South Africa
Ayakha Ntunja is one of the stand-out stars in Youngins, where she plays Amo, a sweet yet fiercely determined boarder from rural KwaZulu-Natal.
In October, the Showmax Original’s first trailer for Season 2 topped a million views online in under 24 hours, after Season 1 became one of the 10 most-streamed titles on Showmax since its relaunch in February 2024. Last week, the Olifantsfontein High teen drama was up for Media Award of the Year at The Feather Awards, Africa's biggest queer award ceremony; Best Newcomer (Kealeboga Masango) at the National Film & TV Awards South Africa; and on the same night, Youngins went on to win Best South African Streaming Series at the Behind The Scenes Awards.
Watch the teaser trailer for Youngins
Ayakha played Thembi in MTV Shuga Down South Season 3, but Amo was her first leading role. With Season 2 of Youngins premiering on Showmax this Friday, 15 November 2024, Xabiso Ngqabe sat down with the breakout star to find out more about how her life has changed and what it was like to reunite with the Olifants Five.
What has been the most rewarding thing about being on Youngins?
Just a year ago, we were auditioning, so it’s amazing to see how much the show has grown. Youngins will always hold a special place in people's hearts as it brought a fresh perspective to teen dramas. It will be remembered as one of the best for a long time.
Were you surprised at how the viewers reacted to Amo in Season 1?
At first, a lot of the viewers felt sympathy for Amo. However, as the show progressed, viewers also began to question her decisions. It’s understandable why they might not agree with all her choices; my character is just trying to navigate life, with her own flaws and mistakes.
How has it been handling all the popularity that comes with being on a show like Youngins?
I haven’t really felt the fame aspect. People often ask me what I mean, but maybe it’s because I’m not particularly focused on that. However, I’m extremely grateful for the support I’ve received. I see the messages, I see the positive things people say, and I’m so thankful. It’s really heartfelt, and I don’t take it for granted. Even as I see my followers growing, I never let it get to me. It’s all about success and gratitude.
What was it like reuniting with the Olifants Five for Season 2?

It was great! It’s always fun when we’re together as the Olifants Five. For me, that friendship is the one thing holding a lot of things together at the school. Despite everything happening, we still understand each other and come together.
How does Amo evolve in Season 2?
Coming into the new season, Amo has grown a backbone. She knows where to position herself, and at the same time, she knows how to stand up for herself. The big issue in Season 1 was her being pushed left, right, and centre without understanding the ins and outs of Olifantsfontein. Now, as she enters Season 2, she’s getting the hang of things and starts to understand what it’s all about.
How is the relationship between Amo and Buhle?
All I’m going to say is, "It’s about to go down." I don’t even want to spoil it, but we definitely go through some turmoil.
What have you learnt from portraying Amo?
One thing I’ve learned from playing Amo is how outspoken and outgoing she is as a person. Despite everything happening in her life, she’s still trying to escape her own world by helping everyone else. I think we often do that as a coping mechanism and to make friends.
Through her story, I’ve learned to be patient and understand that not everything will happen at the same time or at the pace we want, but it's important to keep standing up for what you believe in.
What advice would you give Amo in this love triangle she finds herself in?
I would advise her to look at situations from the perspective of, "Who is going to help her grow?" One thing about Amo is that she always wants to help the next person, which is great, but now the question is, “Who is going to give that back to her?” We’ve seen how she gives a lot but gets nothing in return.
How has this show helped you as a performer?
It has helped by giving me a better understanding of movements, gestures, and the placement of my character in different scenarios. With Amo, I’ve learned to dive deeper into my character without feeling like it has to be anything extreme. Instead, I focus on understanding how Amo feels in various situations. Like: if everyone is happy and laughing, how is she feeling at that moment? Where is she mentally at that time? This approach has taught me that the most important thing is knowing where your character is going and where they’re coming from. Before, I used to approach scenes one by one, but now I understand that it’s about the overall pace and flow, ensuring that when someone is watching, they don’t miss a beat.
What makes you excited about this season?
I'm really excited to see how people will perceive each character, and I'm also looking forward to everyone experiencing the incredible scenes we've filmed for Season 2. There are some moments that left me in awe, and I can't wait for the audience to witness them. The show just keeps getting better and better.
What people are saying about Youngins
A wild ride full of fun, danger, sex and violence. - Aaron Akinyemi, BBC
An unvarnished view of a generation that is defining itself right in front of our eyes. - Alyssia Birjalal, IOL
A nerve-wracking drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat. - Thapelo Ramorobi, City Press
Youngins cast a fun light into the world of Mzansi’s high schoolers and touched on a variety of topics that many teenagers in the country face. - Ntombi Khulu, True Love Magazine
More like this

Art, money and power: a blueprint for The Brutalist
Writer-director Brady Corbet, actor Adrien Brody and the production team behind The Brutalist tease out the tense relationship between art, money and power.

The Brutalist (2024)
Adrien Brody delivers an Oscar-winning performance in this period drama about a visionary architect who meets a wealthy client who changes his life.

Rianza Snyman on Vaal Riviera and being a stay-at-home mom
Rianza, the matriarch of the Snymans, talks Vaal Riviera and her family. Catch the reality series now on Showmax, with new episodes every Tuesdays.
Amahle Khumalo talks about her role as Nosipho in Empini S2
Amahle Khumalo opens up about her breakthrough role as Nosipho in the Showmax Original Empini. Catch all the episodes now on Showmax.

17 medical dramas to stream in an entertainment emergency
From New Amsterdam to The Good Doctor to House, these compelling medical shows are all streaming on Showmax.

SA siblings’ debut film chosen for BFI London Film Festival
Finding Optel, co-directed by 20-something Mikayla and Jesse Brown, will make its international premiere at the BFI London Film Festival in October.

Simo Magwaza on his challenging role as De Klerk in Youngins
Veteran actor Simo Magwaza reflects on his role as the Olifants principal known as De Klerk in Youngins. Stream S3 from 19 September on Showmax.

Chicago Med S6-10
Another compelling instalment of the pulse-pounding medical drama about the courageous team of doctors at a trauma centre in Chicago.
Laugh Africa Comedy Festival S2 on Showmax
Youngins S3, coming soon to Showmax
More drama? Try Adulting

Showmax Gen Z stars speak out for Youth Day 2025
The young stars of Youngins, Soft Life, and Adulting share what Youth Day means to them and how their roles are influencing their generation. See them all on Showmax.

Nhlanhla Kunene drops masterclass ahead of Adulting finale
Nhlanhla Kunene delivers a masterclass ahead of the highly anticipated Adulting Season 3 finale, highlighting how to portray men with authenticity, vulnerability, and complexity.

Women take control in Adulting S3, shaking the gents to their core
The women are shaking things up and embracing their power in Adulting S3, ensuring that the gents in their lives feel their presence. Catch new episodes every Saturday on Showmax.

Adulting's Thembinkosi Mthembu on marriage and toxic masculinity
SAFTA winner Thembinkosi Mthembu opens up about marriage and his role as Bonga Tembe in the Showmax hit series Adulting Season 3. Catch new episodes on Saturdays.
Latest Stories

Uncover the soul of South African football with the boxset of Giants

The best Premier League signings of 2025's summer window

Simo Magwaza on his challenging role as De Klerk in Youngins

Alexander Isak a great option for LFC's attack, say former Liverpool striker David Ngog

What to watch on Showmax in September 2025

Kate and Annie take charge in Ten Pound Poms Season 2

Tshepo Miya talks about being on Married at First Sight

Vilakazi's verdict: Sundowns to "edge it" in high-stakes MTN8 semi-final

Khaki Fever and more sexy Afrikaans movies and series

Rivalries reignite in thrilling Premier League games on Showmax

5 patients you’ll meet in The Pitt Season 1
.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Ilana Glazer delivers in Babes

Makoto on what really went down in her Married at First Sight journey

Palesa Mphaki on being Married at First Sight, her husband and more

5 new reality shows on Showmax in August

The Big 6ix on new Premier League season and their SA adventure

Will anyone stop the champs? Booth on Downs' quest for a 9th title

The curtain rises: Wembley Showdown - LFC vs Crystal Palace

Showmax Premier League weekly watchlist: 4-9 September 2025

Showmax PL kicks off football fiesta with MTN8 quarter-finals

Melissa Kape Saili tips Morocco to win WAFCON final

Must-watch trailer: upcoming Showmax reality show Vaal Riviera

Showmax PL kicks off new football season with unmatched action

Shaka iLembe's Dawn Thandeka King on Untied