Thandolwethu Zondi (born 5 July 2001), professionally known as Olly Zondi, is a South African actor and former athlete. He rose to prominence after starring as Siya “Bolt” Gumede in the 2025 Netflix drama series GO!.
Before transitioning into acting, he competed as a professional athlete and worked as a sports commentator. He also appeared in the historical drama Shaka iLembe and the western series Outlaws.
In 2025, he won the Best Newcomer award at the National Film and TV Awards. Keep reading to learn more about his journey, career highlights, and personal life.
Biography of Thandolwethu Olly Zondi
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Thandolwethu Zondi (Olly Zondi) |
| Date of Birth | 5 July 2001 (25 years) |
| Place of Birth | Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal |
| Education | Maritzburg College; Bachelor’s in Sports Management (ETA College) |
| Height | Approx. 1.83m (6’0″) |
| Occupation | Actor, Model, Sports Commentator |
| Known For | Siya “Bolt” Gumede in the Netflix series GO! |
| Spouse/Partner | Single / Not publicly disclosed |
| Children | None |
| Family | Raised by mother and grandmother in Imbali |
| @ollyzondi | |
| Net Worth | Estimated $100k – $250k (unverified) |
| Nationality | South African |
Early Life
Thandolwethu “Olly” Zondi was born on 5 July 2001 in Pietermaritzburg, making him 25 years old as of 2026. He grew up in the Imbali township in a close-knit household, where his mother and grandmother raised him.
Although his father supported his education, his mother’s resilience and guidance played the biggest role in shaping his upbringing.
Education and Athletic Pursuits
From early on, Zondi focused on sports rather than acting.
- High School: He attended Maritzburg College, where he stood out as a student-athlete and played for the 1st XI soccer team while also joining cultural activities.
- Tertiary Education: He earned a scholarship to The Sharks Academy, where he played rugby and soccer. He later became the first graduate from the academy to earn a degree, completing a Bachelor’s in Sports Management through ETA College.
- Professional Sports: Before acting, he played professional football for Summerfield Dynamos and later worked as a sports coordinator at Grace College, managing basketball and rugby programs.
Career of Thandolwethu Zondi
Thandolwethu “Olly” Zondi built a fast-rising career by transitioning from professional sports into acting. Before his screen debut, he played professional soccer for Summerfield Dynamos and rugby at The Sharks Academy.
At the same time, he worked in sports media as a radio host for Durban Youth Radio and as a commentator for SuperSport Schools.
Breakthrough and Television (2023–present)
Zondi entered the acting industry without formal training after scouts discovered him through a viral social media video. As a result, his career quickly gained momentum, reaching major milestones in 2025.
- GO! (2025): He landed the lead role as Siya “Bolt” Gumede, a young sprinter navigating a life-changing scholarship in Johannesburg. The series achieved global success and peaked in Netflix’s worldwide top charts. GO!
- Major Drama Roles: He expanded his range by playing Nyembezi in Shaka iLembe and Mthunzi Biyela in the western series Outlaws. Shaka iLembe Outlaws
- Film: He starred as Nathi in the Netflix romantic comedy Love and Wine, alongside Thando Thabethe. Love and Wine
Theatre and Recognition
In March 2025, Zondi made his stage debut at the South African State Theatre as Thami Mbikwane in My Children! My Africa!.
Consequently, his rapid rise earned him major recognition within a short time.
- He won Best Newcomer at the National Film and TV Awards in 2025. National Film and TV Awards
- He also received Breakout Star of the Year at the GQ Men of the Year Awards.
Future Aspirations
Building on his athletic background, Zondi aims to transition into action and sci-fi roles. Having already performed many of his own stunts in GO!, he continues to develop his skills as a physical actor, focusing on high-energy performances that demand intense training and choreography. GO!
Looking ahead, he plans to expand his career internationally while representing South African talent on a global stage. In particular, he hopes to collaborate with industry figures such as Thuso Mbedu and Viola Davis.
At the same time, he remains committed to mentoring young actors from township backgrounds.
Height
Thandolwethu “Olly” Zondi stands at an estimated height of around 1.80 meters (5 feet 11 inches). His athletic build, developed during his years in professional sports, contributes to his strong on-screen presence, especially in physically demanding roles like GO!
Net Worth
As of 2026, Thandolwethu “Olly” Zondi has an estimated net worth of $200,000 to $500,000. He earns primarily through acting roles in productions like GO!, as well as brand partnerships and media appearances. GO!
Given his rapid rise in the entertainment industry, his earnings are expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
Social Media
Zondi maintains an active presence on social media, where he shares insights into his career, lifestyle, and behind-the-scenes moments from his projects.
Instagram: @ollyzondi (commonly used/associated handle, not officially verified across all platforms)
X (Twitter): @OllyZondi (reported fan-associated handle, verification varies)
Through these platforms, he continues to build a strong connection with his growing fanbase.
References:
- https://africacreativeagency.com/talent/tv-film/olly-zondi/
- https://www.thevibes.co.za/bio/thandolwethu-zondi-biography/
- https://gq.co.za/style/gq-men-of-the-year/2025-12-11-presenting-the-2025-men-of-the-year-awards-honourees/
- https://www.facebook.com/sbusisonhlakah.sithole/posts/nftathandolwethu-zondi-has-won-best-newcomer-at-the-2025-national-film-and-tv-aw/
