As Youngins gears up for its final season, set to premiere on Showmax from September 19, Keneilwe Matidze, actress and casting director behind the show’s dynamic ensemble shares the story behind assembling this energetic, authentic teen cast from Seasons 1 to 3.
Not only has Keneilwe played a key role in shaping the show’s cast, but she also portrays the unforgettable Life Orientation teacher, Pearl. Known for her work on other hit Showmax Originals like Adulting, Outlaws, and Law, Love & Betrayal, Keneilwe has long been a driving force in casting South Africa’s most talented young actors.
Reflecting on the process, Keneilwe shared, “Honestly, yes! During the auditions, the energy was electric. Kids showed up from 8am to 8pm, and despite the long hours, we ended up dancing together outside. That vibe was contagious. I thought, ‘If I were watching, I’d be hooked!’”
The chemistry at those auditions was palpable, and that same energy is what made Youngins such a hit. From the first season, the show connected with audiences thanks to its raw, authentic depiction of teen life. One of the standout performances came from Lebogang Lephotsoana, who plays the beloved Tumelo. “We needed triple threats — kids who could act, sing, and dance. Lebo was always dancing, full of life and positivity. Tumelo is the glue in the friend group, and Lebo naturally fits that role. He’s collaborative, contagious with his energy, and even helped me keep up with TikTok slang and dance moves!” Keneilwe says with a smile.
Equally compelling is Thabiso Ramotshela, who plays Mahlatse. His portrayal of Mahlatse’s emotional journey in Season 2 left a lasting impact on viewers. “Thabiso’s intensity matched Mahlatse’s journey perfectly. It wasn’t easy; he really dug deep to connect with the audience. At times, I worried about him, but his dedication made Mahlatse’s struggles feel real and relatable,” she recalls.
In addition to the powerful performances of the lead cast, Youngins is also praised for its authentic representation of queer characters, particularly Sefako (played by Tabile Tau) and Tumelo (played by Lebogang). “We worked hard on chemistry tests, but with Tabile and Lebo, the connection was natural. Intimacy on screen is tough for anyone, regardless of sexuality, but these two were open and professional, committed to telling the story authentically,” Keneilwe explains, proud of the show’s approach to representation.
The supporting cast also played a significant role in the show’s success. Tshepo Matlala, who portrays Tshepo, brings depth and flair to his role. “Tshepo is a theatre actor who uses his whole body to perform. I thought I’d be the mentor, but Tshepo taught me so much. We’d rehearse off-set, exploring ways to elevate scenes beyond the script,” Keneilwe shares. His commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance brought something fresh to the show.
One of the most memorable moments for Keneilwe during the casting process was when Katlego Moloke (who plays Alex) auditioned for Tumelo. “Katlego was one of the first kids I auditioned. He came in for Tumelo, and I mistakenly thought he was a girl. When I told him the role was for a boy, Katlego said, ‘Yeah, but Tumelo is gay, and I’m gay.’ That moment really humbled me. It reminded me how much South Africa has changed over the years,” Keneilwe reflects. Katlego ultimately landed the role of Alex, and his chemistry with Amogelang Telekelo (Palesa) has made their on-screen friendship truly memorable.
As Youngins approaches its final season, Keneilwe is eager for fans to experience the last chapter of the Olifants 5’s journey. “It’s been incredible to watch these young actors grow, and I can’t wait for people to see how it all wraps up. The final season is packed with emotion, drama, and unforgettable moments.”
With three episodes dropping each week, starting September 19, the final season of Youngins promises to deliver a thrilling and emotional conclusion. Don’t miss the Olifants 5’s last big adventure — it’s bound to be one for the books.
The post Keneilwe Matidze Shares the Secrets Behind Youngins’ Success appeared first on EntertainmentSA News South Africa.
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