Thabiso Ramotshela calls Youngins ‘The Yizo Yizo of our generation’

Thabiso Ramotshela is making his mark as Mahlatse in Youngins, the Showmax Original youth drama that’s not only stealing hearts but also racking up awards nominations. 

One of the 10 most watched series on Showmax since its relaunch, Youngins is up for Best South African Streaming Series at the Behind The Scenes Awards and Best Newcomer (Kealeboga Masango) at the National Film & TV Awards South Africa, which are both scheduled for 9 November 2024 in Johannesburg. Produced by Tshedza Pictures (Adulting, Outlaws), Youngins is also up for Media Award of the Year at The Feather Awards, Africa’s biggest queer award ceremony, to be held on 7 November 2024 in Johannesburg.

Watch the trailer for Youngins S2 here.

With Youngins returning to Showmax on Friday from 15 November 2024, Xabiso Ngqabe sat down with Thabiso to discuss his character, the excitement for the new season, and reuniting with the Olifants Five.

How is working on Youngins different from working on The River?  

On The River, I was still learning, under the wings of so many experienced people. I had the opportunity to work with actors like Presley Chweneyagae, Sindi Dlathu, Tsholofelo Matshaba, and Thapelo Sebogodi – people who were always willing to teach and guide me. Then Youngins became the platform where I could finally apply everything I had learned over the years.

What has been the most rewarding thing about being on Youngins?

The opportunity to embrace youth and learn from mistakes, whether they’re mine or those of my peers. It also feels great to be part of something historic – I see this show as the Yizo Yizo of my generation.

I’m so grateful for the opportunity Phathu [Makwarela] and Gwydion [Beynon] gave me to be part of this show. They saw potential in me and helped shape me into the actor I am today.

Were you surprised at the amount of love people showed for your character?

The love I’ve received from viewers has been incredible. I was really surprised because Mahlatsi is so different from the typical nerds we’ve seen in high school. I feel like he’s misunderstood. 

How is it like working with Lebogang Lephatsoana as Tumelo?

It’s amazing! We got along from the first day we started shooting scenes together. I really like his energy and how he portrays his character. 

In fact, the term “mogweri” that we use on the show was actually my idea for him to incorporate into his character. I thought Tumelo would be the perfect person to take this word and use it. 

We’ve always bounced ideas off each other regarding our characters and the story. Before the show aired, we would call each other, excited about the fact that people weren’t ready for what was coming!

Without spoilers, how would you describe Mahlatse’s state of mind going into the new season?

He’s alone. Even though he’s surrounded by people and doing what he usually does – saving others – he still feels isolated.

What have you learnt from playing Mahlatse?

I’ve learned to appreciate what I have. Mahlatse doesn’t know his dad, but I still have mine. Despite having his mother, he has to step up as the man of the house. I’ve learned to be more appreciative and humble because, even though he goes through a lot, he remains positive.

What’s the first thing you do after shooting an emotional scene?

I call my mom; she always knows exactly what to say to make me feel better. Sometimes, I come home and just sleep. I let these characters live inside me and find their way out. Maybe they feel safe around me [chuckles]. By God’s grace, I always hope it doesn’t harm me in the long run.

Any highlights from shooting this season?

The scenes I have with my mother [Maki Mokhitli] are special to me. She treated me like her son, and I felt like she was my mom. So all the scenes with her are a highlight for me.

What are you most excited about regarding Season 2?

The fact that people went crazy for Season 1 makes me feel like they haven’t seen anything yet. The story is relatable, and we’ve put so much effort into bringing our characters to life. I’m incredibly proud of everyone who worked on the show, both cast and crew. I truly believe we’ve created something special, and I’m excited for viewers to see young Africans telling their own story.