Isibaya

Last updated

Isibaya
Isibaya.png
The show's title card, shown at the end of the intro of every episode.
Genre Drama
Created by
  • Angus Gibson
  • Desiree Markgraaff
  • Teboho Mahlatsi
  • Catherine Stewart
Written by
  • Andries Mahlatse Banda
  • Adze Ugah
  • Desiree Markgraaf
  • Mpumelelo Paul Grootboom
  • Steven Pillemer
  • Rorisang Matuba
  • Chris Q. Radebe
  • Zolisa Sigwada
  • Christian Bloomkamp
Directed byDesiree Markgraaff
Starring
Country of originSouth Africa
Original languageMultilingual (Subtitles included)
No. of seasons8
No. of episodes2,028
Production
Executive producerDesiree Markgraaff
ProducerEva Franzen
Camera setupMulti-cameras
Running time22 - 24 minutes
Production companyThe Bomb Shelter
Original release
Network Mzansi Magic
Release18 March 2013 (2013-03-18) 
2 April 2021 (2021-04-02)

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]

Contents

Premise

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).

Cast

ActorRole
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

Cast shown on opening scene

Season 1

Season 2

Season 3

Season 4

Season 5

Season 6

Season 7

Season 8

Former cast members

References

  1. drama, ISIBAYA Archives (13 April 2020). "Isibaya Archives". Channels24. Archived from the original on 3 June 2020. Retrieved 3 June 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  2. Isibaya , retrieved 13 November 2019
  3. Gritty Soap Isibaya https://www.screenafrica.com/2014/05/02/tv-radio/gritty-soap-set-against-the-backdrop-of-taxi-industry-mesmerises-viewers/
  4. "Isibaya". Mzansi Magic Official Website – Isibaya. Retrieved 13 November 2019.
  5. Magadla, Mahlohonolo (27 August 2019). "Mzansi Magic on Nomzamo Mbatha's future on 'Isibaya': 'She still forms a critical part of the cast'". Channel. Retrieved 13 November 2019.
  6. Dayile, Qhama (18 September 2025). "Actors demand piece of pie as 'Isibaya' flights series repeats". Sunday World. Retrieved 21 September 2025.