Actor Sdumo Mtshali is said to be leaving Mzansi Magic’s telenovela Isibaya to pursue other acting endeavors. Rumour has it that the show’s ratings are dismal and that 2021 might see Isibaya coming to an end.
According to entertainment commentator Phil Mphela, sources informed him that if the soapie’s numbers do not improve, the channel might consider pulling the plug on it. This might be the reason why one of the first-ever actors on the telenovela, Sdumo Mtsali, will be exiting the show.
“Word is, the @Mzansimagic show’s fate is in limbo. Sources tell me that the show is on the brink and barring any change in fortunes it will be cancelled. The show’s cancellation has been the murmur since early this year,” Phil tweeted.Sdumo Mtshali who plays Sbu Ndlovu on the gripping Mzansi Magic telenovela is reportedly going to join a new SABC 3 soapie The Estates. This Clive Morrison production will be replacing the channels long running former telenovela Isidingo, which played weekdays at 19h30.
He will be joined by Zamani Mbatha, who is his late on-screen wife’s real-life brother Nomzamo Mbatha, who also left the show.
One of the reasons that’s speculated to be the cause of this telenovela’s axing is the low viewership due to main actors and actresses leaving the show. These include Nomzamo Mbatha who got killed off the telenovela, Menzi Ngubane, Jessica Nkosi and Muzi Mthabela. Siyabonga Thwala is also said to be leaving but he is currently acting on The Legacy.In a bid to save their show, Isibaya is improving their story lines and making the show more intriguing with the return of Nkabinde who is set to take witchcraft to a whole new level. In addition to him, one of Isidingo’s most adored characters Thulani Mtsweni, who played Sibiya, will be joining the cast as Mpiyakhe Zungu’s younger brother.
pihlangene Zungu, is said to be a conniving and manipulative schemer with a smooth tongue.
Isibaya started airing in 2013 and it has become a household name in Mzansi. The show won the hearts of many with it’s intriguing witchcraft storyline, involving one of it’s most loved, but controversial characters Nkabinde played by Zakhele Msibi.
The show is centered around the Zungu and Ndlovu families who are rivalries in the notorious taxi industry. The families are forced to mend their relationship as their children Thandeka played by Nomzamo Mbatha and Sbu played by Sdumo Mtshali were in a relationship.
Sdumo Mtshali recently wrapped up the final scenes of his latest upcoming film but has kept details under wraps.