Isibaya Marks 100th Episode

M-Net’s local channel, Mzansi Magic’s mission to tell captivating, authentic local stories has received yet another boost with the success of the channel’s second telenovela, Isibaya. The battle for wealth 100 episodes on and Mzansi nMagic viewers still cant get enough of the battle of  power between the Zungus and the Ndlovus, two rival families living in Thukela Valley.

In the landmark episode, titled What the Eye Sees, the Mind Must Believe, Detective Mimi (played by Matshepo Maleme) attempts to unravel the truth about what happened to Mpiyakhe Zungu (Siyabonga Twala) as Thandeka Zungu (Nomzamo Mbatha) struggles to deal with what happened in the valley. Mimi follows Sunday to his hut where she sees something unspeakable. 

With storylines that deal with subjects like bewitchment, as in the 100th episode, and the use of deeply authentic language to drive the story forward, Isibaya has been embraced with real enthusiasm by audiences since launching in April. 

The telenovela’s characters have also struck a chord with viewers who follow the feuding Ndlovu and Zungu with an intensity that has turned Isibaya into one of Mzansi Magic’s most popular homegrown shows.

“The response to Isibaya’s narrative of rivalry, power and money in both rural and urban settings has been amazing ,” says Yolisa Phahle, channel director of M-Net’s local interest channels. “With each episode, social networks are buzzing with speculation about what’s going to happen next. Our industry continues to go from strength to strength and the audience response is a testament to this.”

With more than 100 episodes still to go, and plenty of storylines still to develop, Isibaya is likely to continue to pick up audiences as the dramatic and emotional story of the rural-urban interface in modern day South Africa gathers pace.

Catch Isibaya's 100th Episode this Thursday, 5th September on Mazansi Magic.