Outlaws, named Best Telenovela at the 2024 SAFTAs, will be back for a new season on Showmax in 2025 – with a new Sihle.
New cast member – Noluthando Ngema will replace Nirvana Nokwe in the epic drama, which tells the story of two families at war with each other: the Zulu, cattle-farming Biyela clan, and the Basotho, cattle-raiding Ts’eoles. Outlaws is produced by Tshedza Pictures, the powerhouse behind the Showmax record-holders Adulting and Youngins and the International Emmy-nominated The River.
Noluthando Ngema will play the role of Sihle Biyela – a woman who gives up her entire family and community to build a life with her lover, Leruo Tseole, portrayed by Lehlohonolo Mayeza. Noluthando is joined by other new cast members, such as the likes of Thandolwethu Zondi (Shaka Ilembe) as Thunzi Biyela and Mamodibe Ramodibe as Buang (Black Tax).
Outlaws Season 2 is set to start streaming on Showmax from 17 November 2025. We sat down with the rising star to find out more about her debut on the award-winning telenovela.
What was your initial reaction when you found out you’ll be playing Sihle in Outlaws S2?
I was so shocked – out of excitement, obviously. My sisters were there too and I remember screaming at the top of my lungs. It was hard to contain my emotions, but I was extremely happy.
How was the audition process?
I sent in a self-tape and had to wait weeks before I got a call back. Interestingly, during that time, I kept having dreams of people telling me they’d seen me on television. I even bumped into strangers who said they loved my work, and I’d think, ‘I haven’t done any TV work yet!’ To me, it felt like confirmation that something great was on the way. When I finally got the call, they said they loved my audition tape and invited me for a chemistry test. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Take us through your preparation process for this role?
I had a few acting sessions with Ferry Jele [an actress, director, and acting coach]. She is such a sweetheart. The sessions were so casual that they didn’t even feel like formal acting lessons. She helped ease me into understanding Sihle and getting a deeper connection to the character. I also did some character studies, watching other roles that I felt resonated with Sihle, to help me bring out the elements I wanted to tap into. I read a few books here and there and spent time studying people, which really helped me embody the character.
How was sharing a screen with SAFTA winner Thembinkosi Mthembu, who plays Sihle’s older brother, Bandile?
Sharing the screen with SAFTA winner Thembinkosi Mthembu was such an incredible learning experience. I got the chance to really observe and shadow him on set, from how he approaches a scene to the way he carries himself between takes. He’s truly a big brother on and off screen, and being able to work alongside him definitely helped me grow and refine my own craft. It was such an honour working with him and the amazing cast!
Anything you had to do for the first time on the show?
I fell off a horse twice [chuckles]. I’ve done horseback riding before, but it was my first time galloping – when the horse goes full speed. It completely caught me off guard; I didn’t expect it. One moment, I felt like I was flying, and the next, I was on the ground. It was fun, though.
What makes you the most excited about this new season?
Honestly, I can’t wait to see myself on screen. This is my first ever TV break, and I’m so excited. I’m also looking forward to seeing how people react to the new season because it absolutely blew my mind. I can’t wait for the life-changing moments that will come with being part of such a big platform.
What was the most challenging scene for you to shoot?
I think scenes that had to do with horseback riding proved to be quite challenging, but I adjusted as time went by. Another scene that was particularly difficult for me was probably the very last scene. Not only was it such an emotional and intense scene for Sihle; but also as an actor, it was such a bittersweet moment because on that day we were wrapping up the show. So the minute the director called ‘cut’, Sihle’s tears became my very own, because we both, in that moment, were bidding farewell to something so dear and precious to us. That was quite hard.
What’s the dynamic between Sihle and Leruo? What was your preparation in building the chemistry between your characters?
I think of them as Romeo and Juliet. Their relationship was so passionate but had so much tragedy. They were caught between family conflict and their love for one another. I mean the moment they laid eyes on each other, they fell deeply in love.
And Lehlohonolo Mayeza and I understood that so well, we spent most days discussing our perception of Sihle and Leruo’s relationship; or even what we believed love to be. We had such an easy working relationship – we gave each other agency to share how we’d love to play a scene; and I noticed how that made our chemistry so much better. We collaborated and communicated, and, most importantly, we built a friendship!
Does your character have any traits or values that you personally relate to?
Well, firstly, she’s absolutely gorgeous [laughs]. She’s unstoppable. In isiZulu, we’d say ‘unenkani’. And what I love about her stubbornness is that it’s so hard to detect, which makes it easier for her to get away with a lot. Her ambition and stubbornness are definitely common traits we share.
Watch trailer HERE
Outlaws S2 is set to launch on Showmax on 17 November 2025 and on Mzansi Magic on 22 November 2025. Two episodes will be released each week.
