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Isibaya

Genres: Soap Opera, Telenovela
Broadcast on: Mzansi Magic, Mzansi Wethu

Rate:

8.7

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Seasons

Season 2

Channel Premiere Finale TX Time Episodes
Mzansi Magic 17 Mar 2014 13 Mar 2015 Weekdays, 20h30 - 21h00 260
Mzansi Wethu 04 May 2015 28 Jul 2016 Monday-Thursday, 20h30 260


Season 2

The lives of the Zungu and the Ndlovu families has provided a narrative arc filled with villains, rivalry, power, money and impossible love. But the show has always had an unmistakable South African storyline.

From the taxi industry strife that has driven much of the action to the tension between the city and rural family members and the bewitchment that surfaced towards the end of Season 1, isiBaya is telling an authentic, homegrown story which continues as the show moves into a daily soapie.

Set against the backdrop of the taxi industry, and in the Thukela Valley in KwaZulu-Natal, a century-old feud between two powerful families has already seen the central character, Mpiyakhe Zungu (Siyabonga Twala) – a high profile taxi boss, savvy political player and leader – die in a fatal accident, only to return as a zombie.

This season sees a slate of new characters joining the show, including veteran actor Vusi Kunene (Yizo Yizo, Generations, The First Grader, The Lab, Jacobs Cross, A Reasonable Man) who takes 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.

Bhekifa's charming, elegant, opera-loving surface masks a dangerous, cunning and disturbed man who takes pleasure in seeing the slow demise of those he believes have betrayed him.

Zweli Ntshangase (Ngubane) is Bhekifa's son from his wife - the love of his life who died during the violent clashes in Thokoza between the SDU's and hostel dwellers.

The role of 25-year-old Zweli is played by Andile Gumbi, perhaps best known for playing Simba in the Lion King's 15th anniversary run on Broadway.

Handsome, charming, and armed with a Post-Grad Business Degree that he gained in London, Zweli is a lovable playa who grew up wanting for nothing but who suffered the childhood nightmare of his mother's death.

Also joining Isibaya is Jeffrey Sekele (Behind the Badge, Zero Tolerance, Isidingo, The Lab, 90 Plein Street) as Blade, Bhekifa's right hand man.

Street-smart and connected with powerful underworld figures from a stint in prison (where he first met Bhekifa), Blade is loyal but tough and loves Bhekifa like a father.

Best known for her role as Busi Thwala in the series, Mtunzini.com, Zinhle Mabena takes on the role of 22-year-old, Sihle. Beautiful, smart, spunky and brave, Sihle had to cut short her university studies to return to the Thukela Valley after the mysterious death of her father.

Now taking care of her sick mother, when Sihle discovers who's behind her father's death, she only has revenge in her mind.

Newcomer Sibusisiwe Jili gets her chance to shine with the role of 28-year-old Zanele, the manageress of Club Sheba. Charming and beautiful Zanele is also Bhekifa's mistress although she's 20 years younger than him.

Characters

THE ZUNGU CLAN

Taxi owners and operators from the East side of the valley.

Mpiyakhe Zungu (46)

Played by Siyabonga Twala

High profile taxi boss. Savvy political player and leader. He has a "road to Damascus" moment when his daughter is nearly killed in a taxi shootout. He realizes violence is not a viable alternative and envisions a new peace.

As a young man Mpiyakhe was a consummate stick fighter and very popular with women.

Mkabayi Zungu (50)

Played by Thembi Nyandeni

Mpiyakhe's sister. Pugnacious, abrasive, tough talking matriarch of the family in KwaZulu-Natal. Is forced into a more high-profile public and political involvement with the taxi business.

Still mourns a lost love and struggles to show her softer side. She learns to lead and find time to listen to the people around her.

Iris Zungu (35)

Played by Mampho Brescia

Mercantile, calculating and manipulative 'city wife' of Mpiyakhe. Married for money, power and position. She is willing to do almost anything to retain and grow those things. Morally questionable and deeply flawed.

Thandeka Zungu (21)

Played by Nomzamo Mbatha

Mpiyakhe's daughter. Well educated, modern city girl. She has been protected by her fathers position and money and is an innocent. She must face an unrequited love and fight for what she believes in.

She is filled with a passion for science and discovering the universe, but knows nothing about those living in it.

Jabulani "Jabu" Zungu (18)

Played by Pallance Dladla

Mpiyakhe's son and Zodwa's brother. Dissolute, angry young-man, wastrel with a chip on his shoulder and wanna be musician. He is popular with girls, his charm and good looks get him out of trouble.

Siphokasi Zungu (45)

Played by Celeste Ntuli

The oldest of Mpiyakhe's wives, is a respected childless matriarch with an irreverent, slightly wicked, sense of humour and a secret smoking habit.

Her astute but inexperienced business skills are put to the test when 'the wives' get a catering contract on the road construction project.

THE NDLOVU CLAN

Taxi owners and operators from the West side of the valley.

Samson Ndlovu (43)

Played by Bheki Mkhwane

Strong, fierce and calculating taxi owner from the West valley and principle voice in that taxi association.

His smooth and seemingly reconciliatory manner, hides a man who is at the very top of a dangerous and corrupt business and there is nothing he will not do to stay there.

But he is also a proud father. He believes in principles and family honour. He is a complex villain.

Mandlenkosi "Mandla" Ndlovu (37)

Played by Bongani Gumede

Brutal, jealous and corrupt younger brother of Samson. He lives and dies by the sword and believes that his brother is wrong to imagine that the peace negotiations will change anything.

Sibusiso "S'bu" Ndlovu (23)

Played by Sdumo Mtshali

Samson's youngest son, is as determined and stubborn as his father. A natural leader, with integrity. S'bu is charming, articulate and smart.

Being groomed to take over the taxi business from his dad, he is willing to make whatever sacrifice is needed. But when he falls in love with Thandeka his world is turned upside down.

OTHERS

Jackson (37)

Played by Tumisho Masha

A charming, smart and smooth talking businessman. Snake in the grass, willing to do anything for personal profit.

Shadrack (47)

Played by Samson Khumalo

Father of Lerato. Insightful, world-weary, speaker of truth. A warrior who has lost the will to fight. Yard manager at the Zungu's and close friend and confidante to Mpiyakhe, he too has a vision for peace and reconciliation in the Valley. Undeniably attracted to Mkabayi.

Lerato (16)

Played by Florence Mokgatsi

Shadrack's daughter. 16-year-old, street smart and sassy. Dreams of a better life, glamour and love. Gives everyone a run for their money including her father who has sacrificed everything for her education. Fearless but wanting more from life.

Miriam Ramatlhodi (30)

Played by Matshepo Maleme

Everyone calls her 'Mimi'. A young, high flying, fearless female detective with a troubled past, troublesome relationships and something to prove.

Inspired by the memory of her dead father, a cop who was murdered when she was still a young girl, she is determined to uncover the mystery of the killings in the Valley.

Ntandane (23)

Played by Mdu Gumede

A driver with big dreams. Wants to own his own taxi, be his own boss and make a life for himself with the girl he loves. But he has to pay lobola and so takes on other jobs to try to earn more money.

Tobias 'Skhaleni' (32)

Played by Zakhele Mapondo

Skhaleni is every inch the abrasive taxi driver. Disrespectful of any authority except that of his immediate employer.

Homophobic and sexist he is abusive in his treatment of passengers and other road users, arrogant and unthinking in his day to day dealings with his fellow drivers and the people around him. But he has a wicked sense of humour and fun.

Bhule (25)

Played by Mbali Mbebe

Maid working for the Zungu clan. She is the love of Ntandane's life. She watches everything, sees everything and knows everyone's business.

Betrothed to marry a wealthy man who will help her poor struggling family, Ntandane must come up with a plan to find the lobola before it is too late.

SEASON 2 ADDITIONS

Bhekifa (Ntshangase) Ngubane (45)

Played by Vusi Kunene

Bhekifa (Ntshangase) Ngubane is a powerful, self-made scrap metal mogul who also owns a share in a nightclub. Bhekifa's charming, elegant, opera-loving surface masks a dangerous, cunning and disturbed man who takes pleasure in seeing the slow demise of those he believes have betrayed him.

Zweli Ntshangase (Ngubane) (25)

Played by Andile Gumbi

Zweli Ntshangase (Ngubane) is Bhekifa's son from his wife - the love of his life who died during the violent clashes in Thokoza between the SDU's and hostel dwellers.

Handsome, charming, and armed with a Post-Grad Business Degree that he gained in London, Zweli is a lovable playa who grew up wanting for nothing but who suffered the childhood nightmare of his mother's death.

Blade

Played by Jeffrey Sekele

Blade is Bhekifa's right hand man. Street-smart and connected with powerful underworld figures from a stint in prison (where he first met Bhekifa), Blade is loyal but tough and loves Bhekifa like a father.

Sihle (22)

Played by Zinhle Mabena

Beautiful, smart, spunky and brave, Sihle had to cut short her university studies to return to the Thukela Valley after the mysterious death of her father.

Now taking care of her sick mother, when Sihle discovers who's behind her father's death, she only has revenge in her mind.

Zanele (28)

Played by Sibusisiwe Jili

Zanele is the manageress of Club Sheba. Charming and beautiful, Zanele is also Bhekifa's mistress - although she's 20 years younger than him.

About the Series

The context for the love stories of isiBaya is the struggle for wealth and power between the Zungus and the Ndlovus, two Zulu families living in Bhubesini in the Thukela Valley. This struggle is reflected in the title – isiBaya.

Esibayeni is where the wealth, power and pride of a Zulu man is located. It is a kraal, the home of imfuyo - the herd of cattle and goats – providing manure, guaranteeing rich crops.

The presence of isiBaya indicates indoda yamadoda, a man amongst men, because such a man has wealth in abundance.

The wealth of the Zungus and the Ndlovus has in the past been in cattle but now it is in taxis – and the contemporary taxi industry colloquially refers to fleets of taxis as esibayeni.

The word is now a symbol for new wealth and power.

Directors on the series include Teboho Mahlatsi, Adze Ugah and Denny Miller with a musical score by Philip Miller. The story is by Harriet Perlman, Mpumelelo Paul Grootboom and Catherine Stewart with contributors Jacob Ntshangase, Paul S. Rowlston and Benedict Mabele Carton. The script is by Catherine Miller.

isiBaya is produced by Desireé Maarkgraaf and Angus Gibson of The Bomb Shelter.

Series History

isiBaya began as a telenovela, broadcasting four days a week (Mondays to Thursdays) for its first year. The intention was to end the show after one season, but the popularity of the show prompted the commissioning editors to convert it into a full-blown soap opera after its initial one-year, 208-episode run.

Shortly before the end of the first season it was announced that there would be a second and that the show would become a soap opera, broadcasting five days a week (weekdays).

Several new characters and storylines were introduced for Season 2, with additions to the starring cast including Vusi Kunene, Andile Gumbi, Jeffrey Sekele, Zinhle Mabena and Sibusisiwe Jili.

The first season was the big winner at the inaugural Royalty Soapie Awards, held in March 2014, winning 10 of the categories:

Best Soapie
Outstanding Lead Actor (Siyabonga Twala)
Outstanding Lead Actress (Thembi Nyandeni)
Outstanding Writing Team
Outstanding Make-up & Hair
Outstanding Directing Team
Outstanding Art Direction
Outstanding Editing Team
Outstanding Lighting
Outstanding Casting Director (Kutlwano Ditsele & Angus Gibson)

Season 2 Cast

(scroll to bottom for available actor bios)
 

Starring

Siyabonga Thwala	...	Mpiyakhe Zungu
Thembi Nyandeni		...	Mkabayi Zungu
Mampho Brescia		...	Iris Zungu
Nomzamo Mbatha		...	Thandeka Zungu
Sdumo Mtshali		...	Sibusiso Ndlovu
Bheki Mkhwane		...	Samson Ndlovu
Bongani Gumede		...	Mandla Ndlovu
Pallance Dladla		...	Jabulani Zungu
Samson Khumalo		...	Shadrack
Tumisho Masha		...	Jackson
Vusi Kunene		...	Bhekifa Ngubane

Recurring / Guests

Andile Gumbi		...	Zweli Ngubane
Jeffrey Sekele		...	Blade
Zinhle Mabena		...	Sihle
Sibusisiwe Jili		...	Zanele
Ayanda Ngubane		...	Phumele Zungu (as Ayanda Borotho)
Mdu Gumede		...	Ntandane
Zakhele Mapondo		...	Skhaleni (as Zakhele Mabasa)
Ncibijana Madlala	...	Wiseman
Florence Mokgatsi	...	Lerato
Lorraine Mphephi	...	Pam
Andile Mxakaza		...	Fezile
Jessica Nkosi		...	Qondi
Celeste Ntuli		...	Siphokazi Zungu
Senzo Vilakazi		...	Mehl'emamba
Matshepo Maleme		...	Mimi
Yonda Thomas		...	Tony
Nandi Nyembe		...	Gogo Mkhithi
Gcina Mkhize		...	Khanyi
Dumisani Dlamini	...	Mbodla
Bongani Nxumalo		...	WTA Member
Nomsa Buthelezi		...	Ma Mnisi
Koketso Mophuting	...	Kaone
Bridget Masinga		...	Iris Lawyer
Nomsa Xaba		...	Gogo Ntozabantu
Sam Phillips		...	Mbuyazi
Ernest Ndlovu		...	Ngwebedla
Motshabi Tyelele	...	Josie
Bheki Vilakazi		...	MEC
Ziyon			...	Frank English (as Jonathan Hamilton)
Mothusi Chebeletsane	...	Bheki Makgano
Lekoane Phasumane	...	Josias
Thuli Zulu		...	Passenger 1
Saint Seseli		...	Sithembiso (as Lehlohonolo Seseli)
Sthembiso Khoza		...	Thabiso
Angela Sithole		...	Keisha's Friend
Ndumiso Nyovane		...	Stanley
Naymaps Maphalala	...	Tshepo (as Nay Maphalala)
Zenzelisphesihle Xulu	...	Qobodo (as Zenzeli Xulu and Zenzele Xulu)
Edmund Ngema		...	Policeman
Muzi KaChibi Mthabela	...	Duma
Zakhele Msibi		...	Sunday
Boitumelo Machedi	...	Thokozani
Lerato Machedi		...	Nokwazi
Kanetse Mollo		...	Melusi
Musawenkosi Nqgulunga	...	Chief
Hlulwayini Mpungose	...	Chief's Wife
Wesley Chetty		...	Byron
Sibongile Mazibuko	...	Constance
Steve Oseghale		...	Utze
Kid Sithole		...	Goliath
Nhlanhla Mdlalose	...	Bongani
Phillip Hlophe		...	Kunene (as Phillip Hlope)
Thulasizwe Kubheka	...	Mdu
Kennedy Stab		...	Simelane
Botlhale Baitsiwe	...	Keisha
Moses Ramfolo		...	Clement
Blessing Matlou		...	Messenger
Joe Modikoe		...	Herd Boy
Masoja Msiza		...	Bhodlimpi
Maria Selepe		...	Old Lady
Lindelani Dlamini	...	6 Year Old Bhekifa
Siphiwe Msiza		...	Celokwazi
DJ Naves		...	DJ
Qhamani Thu		...	Baby Thabang
Mandla Shongwe		...	Chitja
Vinolia Mashego		...	Keletso
Bulelwa Mtsi		...	Journalist
Sello Motloheloa	...	WTA Member/West Taxi Owner 1
Godfrey Ngubo		...	WTA Member
Mvunyela Majda		...	WTA Member/West Taxi Owner 4
Emmanuel Nkosi		...	Mabuyakhulu
Steve Oseghale		...	Utze (also as Steve Osegale)
Mduduzi Mazibuko	...	WTA Member/East Taxi Owner 3
Sydney Ramsey		...	WTA Member/East Taxi Owner 1
Lucky Khota		...	WTA Member/East Taxi Owner 2
Thabo Mhlambi		...	Prison Guard
Allan Dlamini		...	Mr Gumede
Mmaphuti Phaho		...	Mrs Gumede
Chris Mampane		...	Talk Show Host
Joel Kapend		...	Sound Man
Macebo Twalo		...	Ding Ding (as Solomon Thwala)
Thanda Magubane		...	Shortie
Mxolisi Duma		...	Radebe (later Hadebe)
Thulani Mtsweni		...	Godfrey
Thabisile Sibisi	...	Candidate 1
Dineo Malise		...	Candidate 2
Velisiwe Mkhize		...	Candidate 3
Nonhlanhla Manqele	...	Candidate 4
Nhlanhla Mngomezulu	...	Zungu Guard/Protea Guard
Albert Sepeng		...	Detective
Bontle Motlako		...	Busisiwe
Silindile Mthethwa	...	Deliwe
Mpho Modibedi		...	Chantal
Vusimuzi Simelani	...	Guard Gerry (also credited as Vusumuzi Simelane)
Bhekumuzi Mkhwanazi	...	Gang Leader
Thema Mahlangu		...	Villager
Victor Mohale		...	Ndoda
Thusi Mfanesi		...	Goat Farmer
Tholana Moshidi		...	Pastor
Amina Jack		...	Thokozani
Nkanyiso Awande		...	Melusi
Melusi Mbele		...	Bhekumuzi
Nkanyiso Mzimela	...	Melusi
Momo Mahlangu		...	Passenger 2
Charles Nkoana		...	Fare-less Passenger
Palesa Mashego		...	Candy
Mbali Ngiba		...	Nonhlanhla
Lesley Nkosi		...	Mbambo
Mthethwa Giliad		...	Guard 1
Nkululeko Mayetwa	...	Guard 2
Thando Mngaweni		...	Sogayi
Fezokuhle Zulu		...	Nomsa
William Majola		...	Secretary
Hendry Motsepa		...	Gentleman 1
Ayabanda Mbadla		...	Thabiso's Girl 1
Lerato Mofokeng		...	Thabiso's Girl 2
Carlo Radebe		...	Mr Paleka (as Carlo Hadebe)
Thabiso Lekoba		...	Shayizandla Sibiya
Leanetse Seekoe		...	Pretty Young Thing
Ike Khumalo		...	Process Server
Sboniso Ngcobo		...	Policeman
Jacob Ntshangase	...	Uncle Sgqoko
Phakamani Zikalala	...	Sergeant Chonco
Muzi Nkabinde		...	Praise Singer
Siyabonga Silai		...	M'hhumbazi
Reginald Ndebele	...	Teaspoon
Unathi Ngwane		...	Hijacker
Thuso-Nokwanda Mbedu	...	Nosisa
Justice Amsoek		...	Jeweller
Sipho Zungu		...	West Farmer
Evette Masibe		...	Sizwe
Sphiwe Lamula		...	West Taxi Owner 2
Tsa Shezi		...	West Taxi Owner 3
Nandi Zuma		...	Mother
Sydney Sapepa		...	Father
Abram Lukhele		...	Nqanawe
Lehlohonolo Padi	...	Pretty Girl
Thulani Ndwandwe	...	Fumigator
Edward Emaral		...	Emarondweni Guard
Sunnyboy Ndlovu		...	Tshepo (also credited as Sonnyboy Ndlovu)
Lebogang Inno		...	Medic
Mzwandile Ndaba		...	Tshepo
Sibongile Mosia		...	Doctor
Qhayiya Shingange	...	Alexander
Joshua Mbele		...	Qhawe Msomi
Lebo Phasha		...	Hooker
Elphas Zondi		...	Cyclist
Sipho Sikhakhane	...	Inyosi


Season 2 Cast

as
Mpiyakhe Zungu

as
Mkabayi Zungu

as
Iris Zungu

as
Thandeka Zungu

as
Sibusiso Ndlovu

as
Samson Ndlovu

as
Mandla Ndlovu

as
Jabulani Zungu

as
Shadrack

as
Jackson

as
Bhekifa Ngubane

as
Blade

as
Phumele Zungu (as Ayanda Borotho)

as
Siphokazi Zungu

as
Fezile

as
Skhaleni

as
Qondi

as
Bheki Makgano

as
Gog' Mkhithi

as
Khanyi

as
Lerato

as
Ma Mnisi

as
Mehl'emamba

as
Ntandane

as
Tony

as
Wiseman

as
Gog' Ntozabantu

as
Iris Lawyer

as
Mbodla

as
Mbuyazi

as
Mimi

as
Sihle

as
WTA Member

as
Zanele

as
Zweli Ngubane

as
Ngwebedla

as
Josie

as
DJ

as
Frank English (as Jonathan Hamilton)

as
Josias

as
Passenger 1

as
Keletso

as
Sithembiso (as Lehlohonolo Seseli)

as
Thabiso

as
Keisha's Friend

as
Stanley

as
Tshepo (as Nay Maphalala)

as
Ding Ding (as Solomon Twalo)

as
Qobodo (as Zenzeli Xulu and Zenzele Xulu)

as
Policeman

as
Bhodlimpi

as
Nosisa (as Thuso-Nokwanda Mbedu)

as
Duma

as
Pretty Girl (as Lehlohonolo Padi)

as
Mandelic (as Riky Rick Makhado)

as
Simelane

as
Chitja (as Mandla Shongwe)

as
Bongani

as
Godfrey

as
Gang Leader (as Bhekumuzi Mkhwanazi)


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