Mzansi Magic asked, and the viewers responded! In a wave of support through public votes (in a competition currently running), Isibaya has received the most votes to be part of the lineup of the channel’s 15th Birthday celebrations. This means the telenovela will once more capture the hearts of Mzansi on weekdays from Monday 22 September at 18:30.
Over the past few weeks, viewers were invited to vote for their favourite Mzansi Magic title in weekly polls. From the onset of the competition Isibaya took the lead and accumulated 23.1 of the overall votes showcasing that viewers across the nation rallied behind the iconic telenovela that captivated with its stark family drama, feuding taxi dynasties and fierce IsiZulu traditions.
Shirley Adonisi, Director of Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net, commented:
“Isibaya was more than just a TV show, it was a cultural phenomenon that had its finger on the pulse of Mzansi local television. As we celebrate 15 years of Mzansi Magic, it warms our hearts to see our audiences celebrating the stories that became a part of their lives. This recognition is theirs, our viewers, who have been with us from day one on this journey.”
The buzz around the campaign reminded viewers of the characters who became household names the likes of Bheki Mkhwane (Samson Ndlovu), Siyabonga Thwala (Mpiyakhe Zungu), Nomzamo Mbatha (Thandeka Zungu), S’dumo Mtshali, (S’busiso Ndlovu), Ayanda Borotho, (Phumelele Zungu) Celeste Ntuli (Siphokazi Zungu) and Thembi Nyandeni who played the no-nonsense matriarch of the Zungu family Mkabayi Zungu.
This will also be a way of paying tribute show’s stars who have since passed on but whose contribution remains unforgettable – Menzi Ngubane (Judas Ngwenya), Andile Gumbi (Zweli Shezi) and recently Mam’ Nandi Nyembe who played Gog’Mkhithi.
Isibaya premiered on 18 March 2013 and ran for eight seasons until 2 April 2021. Over its broadcast run, the series earned more than 50 accolades, including multiple South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) and Royalty Soapie Awards. These included several Best Soapie wins and numerous individual acting honours, cementing its legacy as one of South Africa’s most celebrated Telenovela.
Isibaya, proudly produced by The Bomb! Productions for Mzansi Magic, will ensure you relive the drama, passion and power of this award-winning series and continue to celebrate 15 years of unparalleled local storytelling.
The first round of winners in the Mzansi Magic 15 viewers competition will be announced on Friday. Viewers can still enter the ongoing weekly competitions which kicked off on 01 September and will run until 31October on the Mzansi Magic website.
You can also join the conversation on social media using #MzansiMagic15 and #RaisedByMzansi.
