Isibaya is a South African television drama series [1] that ran for eight seasons from 18 March 2013 to 2 April 2021 on Mzansi Magic. The show was created by Angus Gibson, Desiree Markgraaff, Teboho Mahlatsi, Catherine Stewart and Benedict Carton. Actors that have starred in the series over the years include Siyabonga Thwala, Thembi Nyandeni, Nomzamo Mbatha, Celeste Ntuli, Mampho Brescia, Bheki Mkhwane, Pallance Dladla, and Sdumo Mtshali. [2] [3] [4] [5] On 22 September 2025, Mzansi Magic began rerunning the series following a viewer poll on which shows should return, in which Isibaya ranked first. [6]
The drama revolves around two powerful taxi business families in Bhubesini: the Zungus, headed by Mpiyakhe Zungu, and the Ndlovu family, led by Samson Ndlovu. Their rivalries and daily struggles are further complicated when their children—Thandeka Zungu and S'busiso Ndlovu—marry, briefly uniting the families.
A new threat emerges with the arrival of Judas Ngwenya, his wife Beauty, their children Zama and Qaphela, and Beauty’s stepson. While Judas works for Mpiyakhe Zungu, he secretly schemes against the family. The extended household also includes Beauty’s mother, Lillian Nyandeni, her eventual husband and Judas’s ally, Saddam Xaba, and Judas’s nephew, Jerry Nyandeni. Ultimately, the cycle of betrayal and violence culminates when Judas is killed by his own son, Qaphela (season 7).
Actor | Role |
---|---|
Siyabonga Thwala | Mpiyakhe Zungu |
Thembi Nyandeni | Mkabayi Zungu |
Bheki Mkhwane | Samson Ndlovu |
Sdumo Mtshali | S'busiso Ndlovu |
Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa | Sizakele Sibiya |
Bongani Gumede | Mandlenkosi Ndlovu |
Ayanda Borotho | Phumelele Dlamini - Zungu |
Celeste Ntuli | Siphokazi Mthembu - Zungu |
Pallance Dladla | Jabulani Zungu |
Mampho Brescia | Iris Rasebetse |
Mdu Gumede | Ntandane |
Abdul Khoza | Qaphela Ngwenya |
Andile Maxakaza | Fezile Khumalo |
Zakhele Mabasa | S'khaleni Mngomezulu |
Gcina Mkhize | Khanyisile Majola- Ndlovu |
Asavela Mngqithi | Ntwenhle Ndlovu - Ngubane |
Lerato Mvelase | Sibongile Mkhize - Zungu |
Aubrey Poo | Fenyang Molefenyane |
Zinhle Mabena | Sihle Ngubane |
Samukele Mkhize | Mabuyi Dlamini |
Linda Sebezo | Lillian Nyandeni - Xaba |
Lorraine Mphephi | Pamela Mngomezulu |
Recurring cast members include
• Dumisani Dlamini - Mbodla
Season 1
Season 2
Season 3
Season 4
Season 5
Season 6
Season 7
Season 8
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