Thandolwethu “Olly” Zondi embodies what it means to be God’s Favourite .Born in July 2002 in Pietermaritzburg, Olly grew up in a tight-knit family led by his single mother, who is his number one supporter.Although his father remained present and contributed to his education, it was his mother’s strength and belief in him that shaped much of who he is today.Before acting entered the picture, Olly’s life revolved around sports. He played both rugby and soccer, eventually joining the Sharks Academy and pursuing a degree in Sports Management at ETA College. His journey into acting began unexpectedly when a producer discovered a video of him on social media and tracked him down through the academy.What was meant to be a sports-focused path quickly transformed into an acting career, led by raw talent, instinct, and faith. His story is one of preparation meeting opportunity and making the most of it.Now, with his breakout performance capturing the attention of viewers nationwide, Growth Era sat down with Olly to learn more about the young actor behind the role, his journey, his mindset, and the moments that have defined him so far.
With no formal acting background, Olly landed his first-ever role as Siya “Bolt” Gumede in Netflix’s Go!. A story about a high school boy with incredible talent as a runner that lands him a scholarship at a prestigious school.After a life altering accident,He then has to navigate the realities of the life he was born in to and the opportunity to become better.In his attempt to balance both, he ends up losing everything.
“If you’re doubting that God is real, that Jesus Christ is real ,just look at my life. The way things happened with Go! ;it was during a time I was deep in prayer and fasting. And then God showed up.”
Thandolwethu Zondi
1.Let’s go back to the moment you found out you’d been cast in a Netflix series. How would you describe that day?
Olly: “It was honestly the greatest day of my life,” he says with a wide smile. “Not just for me, but for my family too. My mum is still living off that high. Even today, she’s so happy. My dad as well,he’s super proud. It was a moment for all of us, not just me. A moment I will never forget. Amazing, amazing, amazing.”
2.You were surrounded by some of the greats in your breakout role ;legends like Vusi Kunene and Dawn Thandeka King. What was it like working alongside them, especially with this being your very first acting job?
Olly: “It was phenomenal, honestly,” he says. “An exceptional experience.”
Despite having no prior experience in acting, Olly found himself learning directly from some of the industry’s most respected names. “They weren’t just there to do their job and go , they took me under their wings,” he shares. He credits Dawn Thandeka King, Wiseman Mncube, and Wonder Ndlovu as the key figures who helped shape his performance in Go!
“My performance is really influenced by them. The amount of help they gave me was just beyond. Working with the greatest , that on its own was quite amazing,” he adds
3.The character of Siya “Bolt” Gumede had us all stressed. You played that role with such conviction. How did you prepare for it? Do you have any tricks or tips you used to get into character?
Surprisingly, Olly’s preparation wasn’t what many would expect.
“No, not at all,” he says. “Not only was it my breakout role, it was my first role ever. With no acting background, no film and television background ,nothing could have prepared me for what was coming.”
Olly describes his performance as completely instinctive. “I use the word ‘natural’ for lack of a better word,” he explains. “There wasn’t a list of tricks or steps I followed. I would just step on set, get the direction, and reenact what was required. That’s it. No tricks. Just me.”
As the interview winds down, We threw in a few light-hearted questions to uncover more about the rising star behind the intense role of Siya “Bolt” Gumede.
4. What’s one thing fans would be surprised to learn about you?
Olly chuckles before responding, “I’m such an open book but I think people would be surprised by the sports element. I can play about six different sports: rugby, soccer, cricket, basketball, swimming, and squash.”
5.What’s currently on your playlist? What kind of music keeps you going?
Without hesitation, he answers, “Gospel. I’m listening to gospel right now.”
It becomes clear that Olly’s spiritual foundation is a big part of who he is. “I draw a lot of inspiration from gospel, the Bible, and church ,100%.”
6.In today’s world, especially among young people, there’s a growing distance from faith and the church. What would you say to the youth who might be doubting?
With quiet conviction, he shares: “If you’re doubting that God is real, that Jesus Christ is real ,just look at my life. The way things happened with Go! ;it was during a time I was deep in prayer and fasting. And then God showed up.”
7. What would you say is your dream role now that your acting journey has begun?
“I think if I could get my dream role right now, it would be playing Denzel Washington’s son in a movie,” Olly says. “Just in general, my whole life, I’ve always wanted to be in an action movie ;the kind where you shoot guns and save the day.
9. The series ends on a cliffhanger, and we are all dying to know , is there any word on a continuation? Should we keep hoping?
Olly: “Honestly, I’m also waiting,” he admits with a laugh. “There’s talk that they’re in the works. That’s all I can give you. Fingers crossed.”
Thandolwethu Zondi is not just a breakout star , he’s living proof that talent, faith, and authenticity can open doors no one saw coming.As viewers continue to connect with his portrayal of Siya “Bolt” Gumede in Go!, it’s clear that this is just the beginning of an extraordinary career. With his natural instincts, humility, and captivating presence on screen, Thandolwethu Zondi is carving a path that feels both personal and powerful.
If you haven’t already, stream Go! on Netflix and witness Thandolwethu’s remarkable debut. Watch this space ;he’s only just getting started.
