Thandolwethu Zondi (born 5 July 2001) is a South African actor and former professional athlete. He is best known for playing Siya “Bolt” Gumede, the lead character in the 2025 Netflix original series GO!.
Zondi appeared in other television productions, such as Shaka iLembe and Outlaws. Before acting, he worked as a sports coordinator, model, and a host on Durban Youth Radio. He also did commentary for SuperSport Schools.
| Thandolwethu Zondi | |
|---|---|
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| Personal Details | |
| Name: | Thandolwethu Zondi |
| Born: | 5 July 2001 (age 24 years old) |
| Place of birth: | Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
| Nationality: | South Africa |
| Education: | Maritzburg College (High School) |
| Occupation: | Actor, former professional athlete |
| Awards | Breakout Star (GQ Men of the Year) |
Early Life
Thandolwethu Zondi was born on 5 July 2001 in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. A single mother raised him, but his father paid for his school fees. He has a brother.
Education
Zondi attended Marsburg College and earned a scholarship to The Sharks Academy. He graduated with a degree in Sports Management. He played soccer and rugby during his school days.
Career
Thandolwethu wanted to pursue sports on and off the field, including as a commentator and presenter.
He was a sports coordinator, model, host on Durban Youth Radio, and commentator for SuperSport Schools. He played nationally for soccer and for the Sharks in rugby. He played a leading role as Siya “Bolt” Gumede in Netflix’s series GO!, filmed in December 2023.
Without prior formal acting training, Zondi was first spotted by a producer in a video on social media. He portrays the role of Nyembezi in the second season of Shaka iLembe, which premiered in June 2025.
The KZN-born actor stars in Outlaws season 2 as Mthunzi Biyela. He worked on the theatre project “My Children, My Africa” by Athol Fugard at the Opera Theatre in the South African State Theatre, Pretoria. He played the character of Thami Mbikwane.
Zondi plays Nathi, a leading role, in the Netflix holiday romantic comedy, alongside Ntobeko Sishi and Thando Thabethe.
Thandolwethu Zondi has worked alongside legends such as Dawn Thandeka King, Vusi Kunene, and Katlego Danke. He bagged the Best Newcomer award at the National Film and Television Awards and the Breakout Star Award at GQ Men of the Year 2025.
Television shows
- Go! as Siya “Bolt” Gumede
- Shaka iLembe as Nyembezi
- Outlaws as Mthunzi Biyela
- Love and Wine as Nathi
Filmography
- Shannon Manuel. “Presenting the 2025 Men of the Year Awards honourees”. GQ South Africa.
- Mbalenhle Zuma. “Thandolwethu Olly Zondi on stepping into his power with ‘Outlaws’”. Sunday World.
- Masego Seemela. “Thandolwethu Zondi on his breakout role in Netflix’s new YA series, GO!”. Sowetan.
- Kennedy Phungela. “EXCLUSIVE | Thandolwethu Zondi reflects on his acting journey and Netflix’s GO!”. IOL.
- “Man Candy: Meet Thandolwethu Zondi, star of Netflix’s new series ‘Go’”. GLAMOUR South Africa.
- Bonginkosi Tiwane. “New kid on the bloc Thandolwethu Zondi on Netflix series lead role: ‘Educational and overwhelming’”. The Citizen.
- Itumeleng Komana. “Rising Star | Thandolwethu ‘Olly’ Zondi on his stellar start in acting – ‘I do belong here’”. TrueLove.
- https://www.imdb.com/name/nm17029541/bio/?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm
