Ayakha Ntunja (born 2004) is a South African actress. She rose to fame for her lead role as Amo in the teen drama Youngins.
She currently appears in the Mzansi Magic series Inimba. She has landed roles in films like NTASH, Ke Bona Spoko, Ubizo Lakhe, and Pearls of Wisdom.
| Ayakha Ntunja | |
|---|---|
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| Personal Details | |
| Name: | Ayakha Ntunja |
| Born: | 2004 (age 22 years old) |
| Place of birth: | Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Nationality: | South Africa |
| Education: | National School of the Arts |
| Occupation: | Actor |
Early Life
Originally from Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, Ntunja relocated to Johannesburg at age six. While she was active in sports and ballet as a child, she pivoted toward drama during her teens.
Education
Ayakha enrolled at the National School of the Arts. Her talent was recognised early, earning several accolades, including a 2019 FEDA Acting Award, and for Best Performer, Best Dancer, and Best Choreographer in 2020.
Career
Ntunja began her journey in theatre in 2016, experimenting with directing and writing. She transitioned to the screen in 2021 as Dudu in Pearls of Wisdom, and has since appeared in several film projects.
Her mainstream breakthrough arrived in 2023 when she joined the cast of MTV Shuga: Down South (Season 3) as Thembi. In 2024, she bagged her first lead role as Amo in the drama series Youngins.
Following her breakout success in Youngins, Ntunja secured the role of Qhawe in Inimba. She starred as Vazu in the movie Loved Out. She has contributed her leadership skills to the industry as the Programs Director for the Unspoken Words Theatre Factory.
Personal Life
Ayakha Ntunja is currently single.
Filmography
- Inimba
- Ke Bona Spoko
- Loved Out
- NTASH
- Pearls of Wisdom
- Shuga: Down South
- Ubizo Lakhe
- Youngins
References
- 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
- TshisaLIVE Staff. “Ayakha Ntunja chats about landing her first lead role on Showmax’s ‘Youngins’”. TshisaLIVE.
- Emmanuel Tjiya. “An incandescent star: Ayakha Ntunja”. Sowetan.
- Sibongumenzi Sibiya. “Inimba actress’ passion for storytelling!”. Daily Sun.
- “The Next | Ayakha Ntunja”. Actor Spaces.
- TheVibes Editors. “Ayakha Ntunja: Biography, Age, Movies, Hometown”. www.thevibes.co.za.
