It's been over a year since the last episode of Isibaya aired, but avid viewers still want it back. Isibaya told an epic tale of feuds between two feuding families, Zungu and Ndlovu in the cut-throat taxi industry
The first season of the show featured a star-studded cast including the Zungu patriarch Mpiyakhe Zungu played by Siyabonga Thwala, and the Ndlovu family, led by Samson Ndlovu Bheki Mkhwane, Nomzamo Mbatha, Sdumo Mtshali, Thembi Nyandeni, Ayanda Borotho, Mampho Brescia, Pallance Dladla and Celeste Ntuli to name a few.
The very first episode of the show introduced Thandeka played by Nomzamo Mbatha) and Sbu played by Sdumo Mtshali. Their chemistry won the hearts of many people to a point where we wish their relationship could carry over to real life.
Despite their family's rivalries, the couple was inseparable and they taught many what true love is. Thandeka even died in Sbu's hands. A Twitter user reckons that they looked so genuine and they had the best scenes ever.
Samkelo_ryt tweeted "Nomzamo Mbatha & Sdumo Mtshali carried Isibaya on their backs for me, their love story looked so real it was so beautiful to watch every single day they had the best of unforgettable scenes happy and not so happy moments."
Nomzamo Mbatha & Sdumo Mtshali carried Isibaya on their backs for me, their love story looked so real it was so beautiful to watch every single day they had the best of unforgettable scenes happy and not so happy moments.
Some viewers have claimed they have not found any interesting shows since the show got cancelled, marking the end of a groundbreaking era in local content. Loyal fans of the show have taken to Twitter.
I stopped watching TV shows after IsiBaya was cancelled
Multi-choice shouldn’t have allowed Isibaya to end. I stopped subscribing after. Even when Isibaya had a rubbish storyline it was still watchable. https://t.co/pu5Yc7lmYe
Isibaya was canned in 2021 due to a dramatic decline in viewership. Nomsa Pholiso, the channel director for local entertainment channels at M-Net, confirmed its cancellation via a statement leaving loyal fans of the show saddened by the decision.
"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,”
Sdumo Mtshali shared a heartwarming tribute to the cast and crew of Isisbaya"What a beautiful 8 years on Isibaya with you. Thank you for so many beautiful scenes and memories, for sharing your talent and being so joyful. You have been such a delight to watch on screen, to talk to and work with. You are a gentleman, a professional and an amazing talent.
I have loved Sbu deeply, who this character is in his essence. He has been so important for SA TV, too much negative representation of young back men in the world, Sbu represented a young man making his own journey, staying true to his own values and integrity, trying to break free from the shackles of past, but still respecting his roots and culture, hardworking, fueled by ambition, wanting to build a decent life and family. He has remained a man of integrity no matter what. And I have loved and admired how you took the character off the page and sculpted him to be such a strong person that everyone loved," he wrote.
