{"id":24160,"date":"2025-09-15T14:55:28","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T12:55:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samdb.co.za\/blogs\/?p=24160"},"modified":"2025-09-15T14:55:29","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T12:55:29","slug":"youngins-s3-lebohang-lephatsoana-unpacks-tumelos-turbulent-journey-in-youngins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.samdb.co.za\/blogs\/blog\/2025\/09\/15\/youngins-s3-lebohang-lephatsoana-unpacks-tumelos-turbulent-journey-in-youngins\/","title":{"rendered":"Youngins S3: Lebohang Lephatsoana Unpacks Tumelo\u2019s Turbulent Journey In Youngins"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong><em>At the heart of\u00a0Youngins,\u00a0a youth-driven drama that&#8217;s captivated audiences across South Africa,\u00a0is\u00a0rising star Lebohang\u00a0Lephatsoana.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.samdb.co.za\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/showmax.png?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"159\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.samdb.co.za\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/showmax.png?resize=450%2C159&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20947\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.samdb.co.za\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/showmax.png?w=450&amp;ssl=1 450w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.samdb.co.za\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/showmax.png?resize=300%2C106&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Now returning for Season 3,\u00a0Lephatsoana\u00a0continues to shine as Tumelo, a character whose journey deeply resonates with the country\u2019s younger generation, especially queer youth. As the show delves further into the complexities of adolescence, identity, and resilience,\u00a0Youngins\u00a0remains\u00a0a powerful mirror reflecting the triumphs and struggles of South African youth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Xabiso&nbsp;Ngqabe&nbsp;caught up with Lebohang for a quick yet insightful conversation about the show\u2019s impact, the highs and lows of Season 2, and what fans can expect from Season 3, which&nbsp;premiers&nbsp;this Friday, 19 September, exclusively on Showmax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Countdown to SZN 3 | Youngins S3 | Showmax Original\" width=\"750\" height=\"422\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/BNODi2qrov8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How has being part of\u00a0Youngins\u00a0influenced your experience as a young person in South Africa?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s been\u00a0life changing. A lot of young people, especially queer youth, look up to the characters we play. Playing Tumelo has been an incredible journey, not just because of the story I get to tell, but because of how deeply it resonates with viewers. The experience has transformed my life. I still get goosebumps thinking about it. This was my first big break in the industry, and\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0grateful to be telling a story that matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What impact do you think\u00a0Youngins\u00a0has on young audiences across South Africa?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I believe it\u2019s\u00a0made many young people more aware of the consequences of their actions. In places like boarding schools, where there\u2019s often less guidance,\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0easy to act without thinking things through. The show sends a strong message:\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0okay to enjoy your\u00a0youth, but\u00a0do it mindfully and with caution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sefako\u00a0and Tumelo had a rocky relationship in Season 2. Without giving away spoilers,\u00a0what\u2019s\u00a0their relationship status in Season 3?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If viewers thought Tumelo and\u00a0Sefako\u2019s\u00a0relationship hit rock bottom in Season 2:\u00a0brace yourselves! Things get even more chaotic this season. And this time,\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0not just Tumelo at fault\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Sefako\u00a0plays a role too.\u00a0We&#8217;ve\u00a0seen Tumelo struggle with insecurity and being an unsupportive partner, especially with\u00a0Sefako\u00a0still in the closet. But now,\u00a0Sefako\u00a0is also falling short. In Season 3, both are to blame for the turmoil in their relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.samdb.co.za\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Youngins-LebohangLephatsoana-showmax.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"550\" height=\"305\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.samdb.co.za\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Youngins-LebohangLephatsoana-showmax.jpg?resize=550%2C305&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24161\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.samdb.co.za\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Youngins-LebohangLephatsoana-showmax.jpg?w=550&amp;ssl=1 550w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.samdb.co.za\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Youngins-LebohangLephatsoana-showmax.jpg?resize=300%2C166&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>In Season 2, Tumelo struggled with drug addiction. How difficult was it portraying that side of him, especially since Tumelo is usually a happy-go-lucky character?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was emotionally and physically exhausting. Playing Tumelo during his addiction arc took a real toll on me. I often wanted to escape to the Vaal, just to recharge.\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0usually a high-energy person, but playing someone\u00a0spiralling\u00a0into drug use pushed me beyond my limits. Going home helped me reconnect with myself, spending time with family, doing the things Lebohang enjoys\u00a0\u2013\u00a0it grounded me so I\u00a0wouldn\u2019t\u00a0lose myself in the role. Tumelo on drugs was functioning at\u00a0a very high\u00a0level\u00a0and I had to match that energy for weeks on end. It was truly challenging,\u00a0but worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In the Season 3 teaser, we see the gang heading to court. If you were Tumelo\u2019s older brother or friend, what advice would you give before they walked in?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Honestly,\u00a0I\u2019d\u00a0tell the\u00a0Olifants Five\u00a0to forget about playing heroes and focus on their education. Being the &#8220;good guys&#8221; has landed them in trouble with the law\u00a0\u2013\u00a0not once, but twice. While\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0admirable to want to save everyone,\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0not realistic. Just focus on your grades and get out of Olifantsfontein High!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>This season marks the last time\u00a0we\u2019ll\u00a0see the Olifants Five on screen together. Any parting words for your fellow cast members?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s\u00a0been an emotional and unforgettable journey for the Olifants Five and our entire crew.\u00a0I\u2019ve\u00a0built real friendships that I truly value from that set. These are such talented young actors, and I really want to commend how they welcomed me. Since\u00a0Youngins\u00a0was my first acting gig, I was nervous, but they made the process feel seamless and fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Catch\u00a0Youngins\u00a0Season 3, premiering only on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.showmax.com\/za\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.showmax.com\/za\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Showmax<\/a> from 19 September 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>At the heart of\u00a0Youngins,\u00a0a youth-driven drama that&#8217;s captivated audiences across South Africa,\u00a0is\u00a0rising star Lebohang\u00a0Lephatsoana. Now returning for Season 3,\u00a0Lephatsoana\u00a0continues to shine as Tumelo, a character whose journey deeply resonates with the country\u2019s younger generation, especially queer youth. As the show delves further into the complexities of adolescence, identity, and resilience,\u00a0Youngins\u00a0remains\u00a0a powerful mirror reflecting the triumphs&hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.samdb.co.za\/blogs\/blog\/2025\/09\/15\/youngins-s3-lebohang-lephatsoana-unpacks-tumelos-turbulent-journey-in-youngins\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Youngins S3: Lebohang Lephatsoana Unpacks Tumelo\u2019s Turbulent Journey In Youngins<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":24162,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-24160","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-interview","entry"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.samdb.co.za\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/YounginsS3-showmax.jpg?fit=550%2C425&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.samdb.co.za\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24160","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.samdb.co.za\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.samdb.co.za\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samdb.co.za\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samdb.co.za\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24160"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.samdb.co.za\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24160\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samdb.co.za\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24162"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.samdb.co.za\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24160"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samdb.co.za\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24160"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samdb.co.za\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24160"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}