Youth stars of 2025

News 23 December 2025

Youth stars everyone was watching on DStv this year.

This year, our stars didn’t just show up, they showed out, and that includes the youth.

Across DStv, young stars took full advantage of their moment, turning opportunities into standout performances that kept all eyes on them. From moments in sports, drama, and beyond, these youth stars brought talent, confidence, and undeniable presence.

The Proteas Women’s cricket team also made history by reaching their first ICC Women’s World Cup final, finishing as runners-up. Captain Laura Wolvaardt (26) set records with the highest individual score by a South African woman and led the tournament with 571 runs.

It’s been a great year watching them shine, grow, and make their mark. Below, we look at youth stars who truly stood out.

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Youth stars of the year

Sweet Guluva (24)

Season 5 of Big Brother Mzansi, titled Umlilo, truly brought the heat! From Saturday parties to thrilling challenges and dramatic Sunday evictions, fans were hooked as socials buzzed with jaw-dropping moments. The season ended with KwaZulu-Natal’s Sibusiso Sweet Guluva Ntombela taking the crown. He won viewers over with his charisma and authenticity. With 293 million votes and a 3.8-million-viewer finale, Umlilo captured the nation’s imagination and made Sweet Guluva a star.

Watch Big Brother Mzansi: The Special Sundays at 5PM on Mzansi Magic Channel 161. Don’t miss the Season 6 premiere on Sunday, 11 January at 6PM on Mzansi Magic Channel 161.

Thabiso Ramotshela (22)

The star shone as Mahlatse, the charming nerd and member of the Olifants Five in youth drama Youngins Season 3, which streamed on Showmax from September 2025. His breakout role was in The River, and he continues to deliver a heartfelt performance in the final season of Youngins. His authentic approach struck a chord with fans, earning him admiration and solidifying his status as one of the show’s standout talents.

Watch Youngins Season 2 Mondays-Wednesdays at 7PM on Mzansi Wethu Channel 163, or binge-watch Youngins Seasons 1-3 on Showmax. To link Showmax to your DStv Bill, WhatsApp “Showmax” to our number 060 060 3788 and follow the prompts.

Mamodibe Rabodibe (30)

Season 2 of Outlaws delivered drama, intrigue, and fresh faces, one being Buang, played by Mamodibe Rabodibe. Buang is a fierce gang member caught in a dangerous rivalry, unafraid to stir trouble. But her unexpected romance with an enemy adds a thrilling twist, weaving a story of love, loyalty, and betrayal that keeps viewers hooked.

Watch Outlaws Season 2 Saturdays at 8PM on Mzansi Magic Channel 161, or on Mondays on Showmax.

Zandélle Meyer (25)

The actress made her mark across shows like Binnelanders, Suidooster, and Trompoppie, and now shines as Marelize in the award-winning film My F*k, Marelize! Her performance earned her Best Supporting Actress at this year’s Silwerskerm Awards. The heartfelt coming-of-age story follows Marelize learning to ride a bike to become an au pair in the Netherlands, while her strong-willed mom secretly battles cancer, blending humour with themes of resilience and self-acceptance.

Rent My F*k Marelize on DStv BoxOffice.

Mikayla Joy Brown (25)

Mikayla took the lead in whimsical detective movie Finding Optel, a charming Cape Flats detective film she co-wrote and co-directed. The story follows 16-year-old amateur sleuth Claire Abrahams, played by Mikayla, whose search for a missing dog unexpectedly unearths clues about her older brother’s disappearance. This gripping tale offers mystery and emotional depth, showcasing Mikayla’s talent both on screen and behind the camera.

Stream Finding Optel on Showmax.

Hirome Shigeaki (27)

Season 2 of the International Emmy-nominated reality show Die Brug brought intense challenges and a big win for occupational therapist Hirome Shigeaki, who claimed his share of the R720 000 prize – which he shared among his fellow contestants. The popular South African series tests teamwork, mental strength, and endurance as strangers work together to build a bridge to an island for a R1 million cash prize, pushing contestants to their physical and emotional limits.

Stream Season 2 of Die Brug on Showmax.

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