Season 1
Youngins is a South African teen drama coming-of-age soapie television series set at a fictional boarding school in Johannesburg called Olifantsfontein High which follows a group of teens as they navigate friendship, love, betrayal and identity.
The series takes a look at Gen Z coming-of-age challenges including pressures faced by young people today, from social media and peer pressure to family expectations and personal growth.
Ayakha Ntunja stars as Amo, the sweet and determined new girl who knows what she wants out of life, with Kealeboga Masango as Buhle, an absolute firebrand and the "it" girl at school.
Newcomer Lebohang Lephatsoana stars as Tumelo, an overly confident, flamboyant ball of energy who is obsessed with social media.
Toka Mtabane plays Khaya, the handsome, popular guy at school and Buhle's boyfriend.
Thabiso Ramotshela is Mahlatsi Maleka, an intelligent young man who challenges the status quo and takes his marks far too seriously – but he is far from the stereotypical nerdy pushover.
Together they form the "famous five" as they navigate the chaos and excitement of boarding school while also trying to deal with all the anguish and drama caused by the adults in their lives.
Recurring cast members include Tabile Tau as Sefako, head boy at Olifantsfontein High; Amo Telekelo as Palesa, a Grade 10 learner who is all about being out and proud of her sexuality; Tshepo Matlala as Tshepo, the class clown; Lihle Ngubo as Zinhle, a Grade 9 learner with a damning secret; and Katlego Moloke as Alex, a non-binary Grade 10 learner.
Other cast members include Loyiso MacDonald as Principal Mthembu, Sanna Mchunu as Matron Lulu and Keneilwe Matidze as Pearl "Miss SA" Buthelezi.
In the series premiere, "This is the Jungle, Boy!": We're introduced to Olifantsfontein High, and it's all sex, drugs and amapiano.
Mahlatse experiences love at first sight while Tumelo fantasises about Sefako.
Youngins is a Showmax Original, created by Gwydion Beynon and Phathutshedzo Makwarela; produced by Tshedza Pictures.
The composer is Brendan Jury.
Season 1 Cast
(scroll to bottom for available actor bios)
Starring
Ayakha Ntunja ... Amo
Kealeboga Masango ... Buhle
Lebohang Lephatsoana ... Tumelo
Toka Mtabane ... Khaya
Thabiso Ramotshela ... Mahlatsi
Recurring / Guests
Tabile Tau ... Sefako
Loyiso MacDonald ... Principal Mthembu
Simo Magwaza ... Mr Ramathuba
Sana Mchunu ... Matron Lulu (as Sannah Mchunu)
Keneilwe Matidze ... Pearl
Ncibijana Madlala ... Freddy
Sibongile Phakathi ... Mamello
Amogelang Telekelo ... Palesa
Kadiya Banyini ... MaZambane
Tshepo Matlala ... Tshepo
Katlego Moloke ... Alex
Lihle Ngubo ... Zintle
Londiwe Nene ... Aunt Thuli
Vuyani Mgugunyeka ... Pastor Musa
Winnie Kunene ... Lillian
Baatseba Masela ... Receptionist
Thabo Setati ... Security Guard
Sibongile Tshabalala ... Matric Life Science Teacher / Sesotho Teacher
Phakamani Mbuyazi ... Maintenance Guy
Mbuso Simelani ... Bouncer
Linda Lukhele ... Police Officer
Toss ... Music Performer
Thando Dube ... Grade 10 Girl 1
Rethabile Mabalane ... Grade 10 Girl 2
Albion Shikwambana ... Dorm Master (as Albio Skhikwambane)
Sazi Ndlovu ... Glen High Learner
Naledi Mphahlele ... It Girl
Noxolo Tshabalala ... Tuckshop Lady
Kheziya Mthombeni ... Choir Girl
Tshepiso Modipa ... Learner 2
Nakisani Manenje ... Zinhle's Friend 1
Khensani Mabunda ... Zinhle's Friend 2
Madidmalo Monama ... Nurse
Xoliswa Nxele ... Lungile
Vusi Nkuna ... Mr Hlatshwayo
Carol Tolo ... Mrs Hlatshwayo
Dakalo Molope ... Lerato
Vallery Rachosi ... Angry Showering Girl
Moeketsi Mokoena ... MaZambane's Friend
Mohau Mashala ... Buhle's Friend
Nosipho Mbele ... Librarian
Vallery Rachoshi ... Aggressive Girl
Mohau Mashala ... Buhle's Friend
Ntombifuthi Baloyi ... Gossip Girl 1
Honey Madavhu ... Gossip Girl 2
Khaya Dube ... Horny Boy 1
Mandisa Shiba ... Horny Boy 2
Mary Chidi ... Flirty Girl
Bandile Mokoena ... Hot UJ Guy (as Baandile Mokoena)
Koketso Mantshonyane ... Uncle Snackface
Tumelo Matlala ... Sello
Karabo Ngubane ... Thembeka
Karabo Mphuthi ... Bafana (as Karabo Mphuti)
Faith Ngubo ... Scholarship Manager
Ntwenhle Gumede ... Lisa
Collin Sepamatla ... Unserious Uncle (as Collen Sepamatla)
Maki Mokhitli ... Mary (as Maki Mokitlhi)
Sipho Mbele ... Vusi
Simon Lebaka ... Prison Guard
Brenda Ntanza ... D.O.E.