Isibaya was a South African daily drama series that started production in 2013, premiering on Mzansi Magic.

The plot

The drama revolved around two powerful taxi business families in Bhubesini : the Zungus, lead by Mphiyakhe Zungu (Siyabonga Thwala), and the Ndlovu family, lead by Samson Ndlovu (Bheki Mkhwane), and their conflicts, rivalries, their daily lives and the issues around them.

The two families are united by the marriage of their two children : Thandeka (Nomzamo Mbatha) and S’busiso (Sdumo Mtshali) of the Zungus and Ndlovus, respectively. In a taxi war another man arrives with his family.Judas Ngwenya (Menzi Ngubane).

Why it ended

At its launch almost 8 years ago, Isibaya quickly grabbed the attention and affection of Mzansi, amassing a large following through the years.

However, as the years went by, more and more of the original cat left the show, which-coupled with tough completion across our screens, the show’s ratings began to decline.

2020 was like the final nail to the coffin-we saw exodus of big names from the show. This led to further bad ratings, and soon speculation about taking the show off-air begun.

M-Net’s channel, Nomsa Pholiso confirmed the news to the media early this year, “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.” She said.

Salaries of the main cast

Siyabonga Thwala (Mpiyakhe Zungu) R40-50K

Thwala was one of the lead actors on the show, and fan favourite.

Jessica Nkosi (Qondisile)- R35-40 K

Asavela Mngqithi (Ntwenhle) R35- 45 K

Thembi Nyandeni (Mkabayi Zungu) R35-40K

Linda Sebezo (Lilian ) R30-40 K