‘Outlaws’ Season 2 Premieres Soon: Noluthando Ngema Joins the Cast as Sihle in the High-Stakes Drama

Fans of the hit Showmax drama Outlaws have reason to celebrate — Season 2 is officially on the way and set to premiere on 17 November 2025 on Showmax and 22 November 2025 on Mzansi Magic. The highly anticipated new season promises more tension, love, and betrayal as two powerful families — the Zulu, cattle-farming Biyela clan and the Basotho, cattle-raiding Ts’eoles — continue their long-standing feud.

This time around, actress Noluthando Ngema steps into the spotlight, replacing Nirvana Nokwe as Sihle, a woman torn between love and loyalty. Sihle gives up her family and community to build a new life with her lover, Leruo Tseole, portrayed by Lehlohonolo Mayeza. Joining Noluthando in the new season are Shaka iLembe star Thandolwethu Zondi as Thunzi Biyela and Mamodibe Ramodibe (Black Tax) as Buang.

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In an exclusive sit-down with Showmax, Noluthando opened up about her journey into the role, her preparation process, and the excitement of joining one of South Africa’s most talked-about dramas.

What was your initial reaction when you found out you’ll be playing Sihle in Outlaws S2?

“I was so shocked – out of excitement, obviously. My sisters were there too and I remember screaming at the top of my lungs. It was hard to contain my emotions, but I was extremely happy.”

How was the audition process?

“I sent in a self-tape and had to wait weeks before I got a call back. Interestingly, during that time, I kept having dreams of people telling me they’d seen me on television. I even bumped into strangers who said they loved my work, and I’d think, ‘I haven’t done any TV work yet!’ To me, it felt like confirmation that something great was on the way. When I finally got the call, they said they loved my audition tape and invited me for a chemistry test. And the rest, as they say, is history.”

Take us through your preparation process for this role.

“I had a few acting sessions with Ferry Jele [an actress, director, and acting coach]. She is such a sweetheart. The sessions were so casual that they didn’t even feel like formal acting lessons. She helped ease me into understanding Sihle and getting a deeper connection to the character. I also did some character studies, watching other roles that I felt resonated with Sihle, to help me bring out the elements I wanted to tap into. I read a few books here and there and spent time studying people, which really helped me embody the character.”

Noluthando also shared how she grew as a performer while working alongside SAFTA-winning actor Thembinkosi Mthembu, who plays her on-screen brother, Bandile. “Sharing the screen with SAFTA winner Thembinkosi Mthembu was such an incredible learning experience. I got the chance to really observe and shadow him on set, from how he approaches a scene to the way he carries himself between takes. He’s truly a big brother on and off screen, and being able to work alongside him definitely helped me grow and refine my own craft. It was such an honour working with him and the amazing cast!”

Of course, the filming experience came with challenges — and some unexpected moments. “I fell off a horse twice [chuckles]. I’ve done horseback riding before, but it was my first time galloping – when the horse goes full speed. It completely caught me off guard; I didn’t expect it. One moment, I felt like I was flying, and the next, I was on the ground. It was fun, though.”

As for what excites her most about the upcoming season, she said: “Honestly, I can’t wait to see myself on screen. This is my first ever TV break, and I’m so excited. I’m also looking forward to seeing how people react to the new season because it absolutely blew my mind. I can’t wait for the life-changing moments that will come with being part of such a big platform.”