The end has finally arrived for Isibaya actors and the crew members as they have to bid farewell to the whole show in its entirety. Today is their last day on set and we can imagine how they are overwhelmed with emotions as the world of unemployment suddenly becomes a reality for many.
Lead actress of the show Asavela Mngqithi told Isolezwe that she is very disheartened by the ending of a show which helped her rise steadily to fame. She joined the hit series in 2018 and it has been onwards and upwards for the star. She embodied the role of Ntwentle who first came as a tomboy who was in search of her father, to becoming the hard core Chief’s wife who still embraced her manly side but maintained herself as a Queen.
She spoke for the entire cast and crew members when she told the paper that when they were first informed of the canning of the drama series, they were filled with worry as they would be without jobs and no steady income.
“I speak for the crew and cast members at Isibaya when I say it is public knowledge that job loss is a very painful thing to go through. We have faith that God will help us with more jobs. We are very sad that we will not be able to pay our debts and feed our families.”
“This show was my second home and my colleagues were like family to me because we would see each other every day," she told the publication.
As talented Asavela is, we are certain that it will not be a difficult task to find another production to work for. Since its inception in 2013 on Mzansi Magic, Isibaya has kept viewers entertained in their homes whilst allowing them to learn a thing or two about the beautiful language of IsiZulu and find out how the taxi industry is run.
The ‘umkhovu’ storyline played by Siyabonga as Mpiyakhe, was one that was very unique in the world of television and Sdumo, who played Sbusiso was the one to end it.
Replacing the show is Diepsloot which will take its timeslot. Confirming the news of Isibaya’s demise, Nomsa Philiso, the channel director for local entertainment channels at M-Net said in a statement, “It’s always sad when a show that was popular and loved ends, as is the case with Isibaya. However, times change and television is about adopting and adapting. As Mzansi Magic, we’re thrilled about the new partnership with Black Brain Productions. The other exciting element is that this is their first telenovela. It’s a great opportunity for Black Brain to broaden their base and creativity,”
