25/09/2025
AYAKHA NTUNJA: A STAR ON THE RISE AS YOUNGINS SEASON 3 RETURNS & LOVED OUT PREMIERES
ntunja is steadily carving her place as one of South Africa’s most exciting young talents, with a body of work that reflects her range and resilience as a performer. With Season 3 of Showmax’s hit teen telenovela Youngins is set to drop 19 September, and her feature film debut, Loved Out hitting theaters on 26 September, Ntunja’s star continues to rise.
Audiences first met Ayakha in 2021 as Dudu in Pearls of Wisdom, and she quickly built momentum with roles in NTASH, Ubizo Lakhe, and Ke Bona Spoko. Her breakout came in 2023 as Amo in Youngins, where she won fans with her layered portrayal of a character navigating friendship, love, and self-discovery. Today she also stars as Qhawe in Inimba, the powerful Mzansi Magic drama that has further cemented her reputation as a versatile and magnetic screen presence.
In Loved Out, Ayakha stars as Vazu, a dynamic character who brings warmth and sharp energy to the film’s fast-paced world.
“I’m so honoured to be part of a project that feels unapologetically South African yet speaks to universal themes of identity, resilience, and love,” says Ntunja. “Loved Out is bold, colourful, and fun — and I’m excited for audiences to see it.”
Loved Out will open in cinemas nationwide on 26 September 2025, screening at NuMetro, Ster-Kinekor, and CineCentre theatres. The film will also be released in Zimbabwe on 28 November 2025.
With her growing list of credits and upcoming premieres, Ntunja represents the promise of a new generation of South African storytellers and screen stars. Each performance builds on her journey — from Pearls of Wisdom to Inimba — marking her not just as an actor to watch, but as one defining the landscape of contemporary African entertainment.