Mamodibe as Buang: The woman behind the warrior in Outlaws

Mamodibe Ramodibe makes her Outlaws debut this season as Buang, a fierce and determined young woman caught under Tlali and Nyakallo’s rule.

Buang storms onto the scene ready to shake up the Biyela family but, in a twist of fate, she finds herself falling for the enemy. Her unexpected romance sets the stage for the tangled web of love, loyalty, and betrayal that defines the new season.

Known for her standout performances in Black Tax, MTV Shuga, GO! and more, Mamodibe opens up about stepping into Buang’s world, working alongside Thandolwethu Zondi again, and more.

Watch the trailer for Outlaws S2

There’s a new romance brewing between Mthunzi and Buang, but their love faces many obstacles. In a parallel universe, if you were Buang’s friend, what advice would you give her about her relationship with Mthunzi? 

I’d definitely affirm her in what she’s pursuing. The heart wants what it wants. Despite what society says about who should or shouldn’t be together, you can’t undo a decision the heart has already made. I’d encourage her to go for it. What value do the naysayers really add or subtract from what already exists between them? All the obstacles are external, which means there’s something worth taking a risk for. She should definitely pursue it.

You portray younger characters so convincingly: from Arebeng (13) on MTV Shuga to Sihle Dlamini (18) on Black Tax. Buang also seems younger than you. When preparing for younger roles, what do you watch or read to get into character? 

Mamodibe Ramodibe as Buang

It was much easier to portray teen characters when I was under 25 because I was closer to that late-teen phase. Now that I’m older and living a more adult life, it takes a lot more effort. I have to re-enter those spaces to pick up on lingo, energy, and mannerisms. It’s made me realise how detached you become from young people once you’re working and dealing with adult responsibilities.

The trick isn’t to strip anything away emotionally but to remember how emotions translate differently at different ages. For example, I have more agency now than a 16-year-old, who still has to answer to her parents. So I have to revisit my younger self and remember how impulsive, outspoken, or erratic I was, whereas now I’m more measured and choose my words carefully.

It’s about tapping into familiar memories but also recognising that a 16-year-old in 2025 isn’t the same as one in 2012. So I do a lot of observation and research, and I also work closely with a performance coach for guidance on things that now feel out of reach. Sometimes you just need that reminder to reconnect with certain instincts.

You’ve reunited with Thandolwethu Zondi, whom you previously worked with on GO!. How has it been reconnecting on Outlaws Season 2, and what do you appreciate most about him as a fellow actor? 

It’s honestly been such a blessing. I don’t believe in coincidences: I think our first big collaboration on GO! laid the foundation for what we’re doing now on Outlaws. GO! had such heavy themes, so coming into Outlaws felt natural. We already had a solid professional base that allowed beautiful, authentic moments to unfold effortlessly.

What I love about Thando is that he’s still in that “everything is new” learning phase. Working with someone whose eyes are wide open reminds me to stay teachable and find freshness in things I already know.

There was definitely pressure because we both knew people would compare the chemistry from GO! to Outlaws. This challenge was breeding ground for artistic exploration.

You’ve been in the industry since you were 16. If you could tell your younger self everything you’ve achieved so far, how would she react? 

Oh, I’d cry. I cry over everything! [Laughs]. She’d definitely break down and wail all day.

It would be so affirming because, at 16, I was still exploring. I was always artistic: debating, musicals, plays, and I was on YOTV at the time. But I went to a traditional school, not an art-focused one, so I didn’t get to formally study the craft early on. At home, my parents supported me but still expected top grades, so I had to balance both worlds.

If I could talk to my younger self now, I’d tell her to keep going. Stay the course; it all works out beautifully.

Some actors take on roles for the paycheck, while others do it because the character truly resonates. What was it about Buang that made you say, “Yes, I want to bring her to life”?

Fun fact: aside from my dream of becoming a comedy star (yes, I highly rate comedy!), I’ve always wanted to play an action hero.

So when Buang came along, it felt like an answered prayer. I’d been asking for a physically demanding role, and she was exactly that: she rides horses, handles guns, fights, and has this tough, warrior-like presence. I thought: that’s my girl; bring it on!

But what I loved even more was her depth. Often, you get a tough character with little emotional range, but Buang has both. She’s physically strong yet emotionally complex. That balance was exciting. And she doesn’t look or feel like anyone else on screen; she’s different, and I’m drawn to that. I love a challenge.