Ayakha Ntunja (born 2004) is a South African actor best known for her role as Amo in the teen telenovela Youngins.
The soft-spoken star is also part of the cast of Mzansi Magic’s telenovela Inimba. She has featured in films such as Pearls of Wisdom, Ubizo Lakhe, NTASH, and Ke Bona Spoko.
| Ayakha Ntunja | |
|---|---|
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| Personal Details | |
| Name: | Ayakha Ntunja |
| Born: | 2004 (age 21 years old) |
| Place of birth: | Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Nationality: | South Africa |
| Education: | National School of the Arts |
| Occupation: | Actor |
Early Life
Ayakha Ntunja was born in 2004 in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa. She has always enjoyed performing since childhood. She moved from Gqeberha to Johannesburg with her family when she was six.
Growing up, she was a sporty child and also trained in ballet during her primary school years, nurturing her creative side. It wasn’t until her teenage years that she discovered her passion for acting.
Education
Ntunja decided to move to the National School of the Arts (NSA) in grade 10. She matriculated in 2021. She received a Festival of Excellence in Dramatic Arts (FEDA) Acting Award in 2019. She also received the prestigious Best Performer: Full Colors award in 2020.
Ntunja claimed titles in Best Choreographer and Best Dancer in 2020. She also took on the role of Programs Director at the Unspoken Words Theatre Factory.
Career
Ayakha ventured into theatre in 2016, where she honed her skills in writing and directing. Television audiences were first introduced to her as Dudu in Pearls of Wisdom in 2021. She subsequently landed roles in other notable productions, including NTASH, Ubizo Lakhe, and Ke Bona Spoko.
She had her big break in 2023, after portraying Thembi in season three of MTV’s Shuga: Down South. The series also features other fresh-faced stars like Chidera Nwoha, Palesa Mothopi, Zazi Kunene, Ziya Xulu, Ayanda Nzimande, Naret Loots, Tyson Mathonsi, Alex Adika, and Lobisa Tsatsi.
In 2024, Ayakha landed her first lead role as Amo in the youth drama series Youngins. She stars as Qhawe in the Mzansi Magic drama series Inimba. She stars as Vazu in the film Loved Out, set to open in cinemas nationwide on 26 September 2025, screening at NuMetro, Ster-Kinekor and CineCentre theatres.
Filmography
- Pearls of Wisdom
- NTASH
- Ubizo Lakhe
- Ke Bona Spoko
- Shuga: Down South
- Youngins
- Inimba
- Loved Out
Personal life
Ayakha Ntunja is currently single. She is an introvert who enjoys reading, writing, and learning.
References
- TshisaLIVE Staff. “Ayakha Ntunja chats about landing her first lead role on Showmax’s ‘Youngins’”. TshisaLIVE.
- “The Next | Ayakha Ntunja”. Actor Spaces.
- Emmanuel Tjiya. “An incandescent star: Ayakha Ntunja”. Sowetan.
- Sibongumenzi Sibiya. “Inimba actress’ passion for storytelling!”. Daily Sun.
- Itumeleng Komana. “Actress Ayakha Ntunja on Youngins S3 plus premiere of new film Loved Out”. TrueLove.
- Masego Seemela. “Rising stars get their big break on MTV Shuga”. Sowetan.
