Amogelang Telekelo plays Palesa on 'Youngins' season two. Picture: Supplied.
Image: Picture: Supplied.
The second season of the highly anticipated teenage Showmax Original drama series “Youngins” came to a dramatic end earlier this month.
The explosive finale left fans of the show on the edge of their seats as they witnessed the collapse of the Olifants Five, a group of students at the fictional Olifantsfontein High School.
From Khaya and Buhle’s heartbreaking breakup, Mahlatsi’s painful split from Amo, Tumelo's descent into drugs, to Sefako's desperate suicide attempt, it's been a whirlwind of drama.
The hit teen drama stars have garnered a significant following since its first offering premiered last year.
It has also racked up award nominations, including for Best South African Streaming Series at the Behind The Scenes Awards.
Meanwhile, Kealeboga Masango, who plays Buhle, was also nominated for Best Newcomer at the 2024 National Film & TV Awards South Africa while the show was also up for Media Award of the Year at The Feather Awards, Africa's biggest queer award ceremony.
“Youngins” features the likes of young talents such as Ayakha Ntunja, Katleho Mabote, and Thabiso Ramotshela, among others.
The series, produced by Tshedza Pictures, focuses on the issues Gen Z experiences daily, such as sexuality, family traumas, popularity, teenage pregnancy and the abuse of power.
Meanwhile, it is the Olifants Five who face significant challenges in season two.
Palesa, played by the rising star Amogelang Telekelo, has also faced several difficulties and this season, she found herself cornered by a fellow student, Banele, who threatened to ruin her life by accusing her of child pornography unless she complied with his demands.
As the tension built, Palesa's friends rallied to support her, but they were forced to escalate the situation to the principal and social worker for help.
Cast of Showmax’s new teen drama, ‘Youngins’. Picture: Supplied
Image: Picture: Supplied
In a candid conversation with Showmax, Telekelo reflected on her portrayal of Palesa, her character's evolution in season two and the personal insights she’s gained from playing this complex role.
How would you describe your character?
Palesa is a confident, street-smart young woman who's unapologetically herself. She’s feisty and comfortable in her skin, always showing the world that "ke girl wa strata".
She may be judged by some for being labeled a "slut", but in reality, Palesa is about educating young girls on important issues like safe sex and abstinence. Beneath her tough demeanor, she has a caring side that’s often overlooked.
How did you prepare for this role?
To truly connect with Palesa, I had to understand her background, where she came from, and the experiences that shaped her. I spent time reflecting on what makes her different from me, from her tastes in food to the kind of music she would listen to.
By exploring those differences, I was able to tap into her emotions and bring a more authentic portrayal to the role.
What have you learned from playing this character?
One of the things I admire about Palesa is her commitment to helping her peers with important life lessons, especially around sex education and relationships. She’s very aware of the dangers that older men can pose to younger girls, and she’s not afraid to speak out.
She’s definitely a “woke” character, full of confidence and bold opinions, and I’ve learned a lot from her strength.
What were you most excited to see in season two of Youngins?
This season, I was excited to explore a different side of Palesa. In season one, she was all about being bold and strong, but in season two, we really see a vulnerable side of her.
She begins to open up to her friends, realising just how important it is to take care of herself, both physically and emotionally.
I was nervous about showing this new side, especially because viewers love Palesa’s feisty nature. But I hope they watch and learn from her journey and that it sparks important conversations around sex education and personal growth.
'The Summer I Turned Pretty'. Picture: X.
Image: Picture: X.
If you enjoy teenage dramas, these shows are worth a watch:
- “Blood & Water” (Netflix)
- “One Tree Hill” (Amazon Prime Video)
- “Skeem Saam” (SABC1)
- “The Summer I Turned Pretty” (Disney+)
- Reënboogrant (Showmax)