Fresh off Shaka iLembe season 2 and the teen drama GO!, KZN-born actor Thandolwethu Zondi is now starring in Outlaws season 2 as Mthunzi Biyela, the sweet and impulsive new love interest whose romance with Buang (Mamodibe Ramodibe) stirs family tension.

At just 23, Zondi is proving two big breakouts in a year aren’t enough, and he’s gearing up for a third. Xabiso Ngqabe sat down with Zondi, who shared his insights on bringing Mthunzi to life and his experience on Outlaws.

Xabiso Ngqabe (XN): Congratulations on joining the cast of Outlaws! How did it feel stepping into a show that’s already made such a strong impact on viewers?

Thandolwethu Zondi (TZ): Thank you. I can’t even begin to describe the feeling because I was already such a fan of season 1. My family and friends loved it too. Even before I got cast, we were all already huge fans of Outlaws. I remember calling my mom after the confirmation and just crying. Being part of season 2 of one of my favourite South African shows is incredible.

XN: Why should viewers watch Outlaws season 2?

TZ: I think viewers should watch this season because it gives us a different perspective of what real love can look like and the extent people are willing to go for love. 

XN: Mthunzi finds himself torn between love and loyalty. How did you approach portraying that inner conflict?

TZ: I had to dig deep because I was still discovering Mthunzi. I had to start by asking myself: Have I ever been in love to a point where it could cost me my loyalty? Those were the hard questions I needed to confront. As I explored him, I realised the only person who truly loved Mthunzi was his mother, and she had passed away. So the loyalty he held was towards people he felt weren’t really loyal to him in return. When he met Buang and fell in love with her, that love completely surpassed the loyalty he had for his family. 

XN: Outlaws is known for its intense action. What kind of training did you go through?

TZ: The great thing about shooting Outlaws is that it came right after I’d finished Shaka iLembe. We did a lot of choreographed scenes on Shaka and went through intense training. By the time I stepped onto the Outlaws set, we had a stunt coordinator, Jose, who really knew how to work with us. Because of my training from Shaka iLembe, I still had all that muscle memory. I knew how to move, and Jose even told me we didn’t need extra lessons. Coming from a production with heavy stunt work really helped.

XN: Was there a scene that tested you physically or emotionally?

TZ: Yho! Where do I even begin? Emotionally, I think the altercations with Bandile and my parents, those were intense. Physically, there were scenes where I had to walk barefoot across the North West terrain and there was a scene on the bus where it was extremely hot. But I must say, there’s no single moment that stood out more than the rest.

XN: You reunite with Mamodibe Ramodibe from GO!. What was it like reconnecting?

TZ: Mamodibe is amazing and she’s a brilliant actress. We really reconnected in so many ways. We’re both Christians, so working with someone you can pray with before going on set is incredible. After being colleagues for a whole year, it was amazing to build a real friendship while shooting Outlaws.

XN: How would you describe the chemistry between Mthunzi and Buang?

TZ: It’s the classic opposites-attract dynamic. She's from the far end of the spectrum. Mthunzi and Buang had no right to be doing what they were doing, but if you follow the story, you realise that it’s actually one of the most beautiful and legitimate love stories you’ll ever find. They literally saved each other’s lives.

XN: You’ve shared a screen with Dawn Thandeka King and now Slindile Nodangala as your mom. What did you learn?

TZ: Mam’ Sli played a huge role in my acting career. On set, she would give me notes and share insights about her craft. She was like a mother to me. Sometimes I’d just watch these veterans work; even when I'm not in the scene, I always want to see them shoot because I want to see the choices they make. We grew so much closer, and she helped me tremendously.

XN: What excites you about this role in Outlaws?

TZ: It’s Outlaws season 2! I’m just grateful to be in Outlaws season 2. Beyond that, it’s Mthunzi discovering parts of himself he never knew. I’m excited about that dynamic; he has such a story. He’s happy, he’s sad, he’s frustrated, he’s angry, he’s in love, he hates, he’s loyal and disloyal. He wants to save the world and save everyone. He’s just everywhere emotionally, and I love how he and Buang are the missing link between the two different worlds.

XN: If it wasn’t for acting, what career would you have pursued?

TZ: Definitely sports. Both on the field and off the field, broadcasting, commentary, presenting. That was my initial dream before acting.

Outlaws returns for a dramatic season

XN: If you could describe your Outlaws experience in three words, what would they be?

TZ: Incredible, monumental, memorable.

Outlaws season 2 airs every Saturday Saturday at 20:00 on Mzansi Magic.

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