Mzansi Magic’s Isibaya, currently the most popular telenovela on South African
television, has announced that a slate of new characters will add more drama to
the show, which is set against the backdrop of the taxi industry in the Thukela
Valley in KwaZulu-Natal.
Produced by The Bomb Shelter, Isibaya won 10 awards at the inaugural Royalty
Soapie awards at the Durban International Convention Centre on 8 March.
As a testament to Isibaya’s huge success with Mzansi Magic’s audience, the new
actors join a stellar cast, including Royalty Soapie Outstanding Lead Actor
winner, Siyabonga Twala and Royalty Soapie Outstanding Lead Actress winner,
Thembi Nyandeni.
Taking on the role of 45-year-old Bhekifa (Ntshangase) Ngubane, a powerful,
self-made scrap metal mogul who also owns a share in a nightclub, is veteran
actor Vusi Kunene (Yizo Yizo, Generations, The First Grader, The Lab, Jacobs
Cross, A Reasonable Man).
Andile Gumbi plays Zweli Ntshangase (Ngubanethe), Bhefika’s 25-year-old son
from his wife who died during the violent clashes in Thokoza between the SDU’s
and hostel dwellers. Gumbi is best known for playing Simba in the Lion King’s
15th anniversary run on Broadway.
Jeffrey Sekele (Behind the Badge, Zero Tolerance, Isidingo, The Lab, 90 Plein
Street) will play the role of Blade, Bhekifa’s right hand man and Zinhle Mabena,
best known for her role as Busi Thwala in the series, Mtunzini.com, is the 22-
year-old Sihle who has to cut short her university studies to return to the
Thukela Valley after the mysterious death of her father.
Newcomer Sibusisiwe Jili plays the role of 28-year-old Zanele, the manageress of
Club Sheba – and Bhefika’s mistress.
From 17 March the nearly one-year old telenovela, comprising 208 episodes,
has been turned into a full-time soapie and broadcasts five days a week at
20h30 on Mzansi Magic on DStv Channel 107.
