Season 5
isiBaya is a South African soap opera (a telenovela in Season 1) created by Angus Gibson, Catherine Stewart, Teboho Mahlatsi and Desireé Maarkgraaf and produced by The Bomb Shelter which depicts the battle for wealth and power between the Zungus and the Ndlovus, two rival families living in Thukela Valley, and set against the backdrop of the South African taxi industry.
When the series begins, two young lovers are torn apart by a century old feud between two powerful families. From a valley long divided by too little resources the bitter feud continues in Egoli, the city of gold, as the Zungus seek to build their fortune.
The promise of riches and old cycles of revenge tears them apart but one man's quest for reconciliation and peace leads them all to understand that they can prosper together.
On the East side of the Valley lives the Zungus, a household headed by charismatic and influential Mpiyakhe and his sister Mkabayi, who run a successful taxi business.
Mkabayi runs the rural taxi yard; she is a fierce and powerful matriarch who has sworn herself to celibacy after the assassination of her betrothed when she was a young girl.
She is loyal, traditional and under the tough exterior warm-hearted. Mpiyakhe's two rural wives run the Bhubusini compound.
Mpiyakhe lives in Soweto with his fourth wife, Iris, a beautiful but scheming and manipulative woman. She has no children but is the stepmother to Mpiyakhe's two children – Thandeka and Jabu - from his first wife, who died in a taxi clash 14 years back. Mpiyakhe runs the taxi business and is chairman of the East Side taxi association.
On the West side lives Samson Ndlovu's family, they too operate a big taxi business, but are less successful than Mpiyakhe. Samson is a bitter man, but hides under a veneer of tradition; his brother Mandla is bloodthirsty and wants vengeance on the Zungus.
Can their love survive the bitter feuds that surround them? Will their families tear them apart or will their love triumph in the end?
The isiBaya cast is an eclectic mix of both celebrated, seasoned actors in television and theatre and fresh new faces. Siyabonga Twala heads up the Zungu household as Mpiyakhe, with his leading lady and third wife, Iris Zungu, played by Mampho Brescia.
Also lined up are actors hailing from KZN: Class Act winner Sdumo Mtshali (S'bu Ndlovu), Nomzamo Mbatha (Thandeka Zungu), Pallance Dladla (Jabu Zungu), Zakhele Mapondo (Skhaleni) and Mdu Gumede (Ntandane).
Bheki Mkhwane plays the role of Samson, the head of the Ndlovus, who is aligned with his hot-headed brother, Mandla, played by Bongani Gumede.
Season 5 Cast
(scroll to bottom for available actor bios)
Starring
Siyabonga Thwala ... Mpiyakhe Zungu
Thembi Nyandeni ... Mkabayi Zungu
Jeffrey Sekele ... Blade
Samson Khumalo ... Shadrack
Ayanda Ngubane ... Phumele Zungu (as Ayanda Borotho)
Celeste Ntuli ... Siphokazi Zungu
Andile Mxakaza ... Fezile
Zakhele Mabasa ... Skhaleni
Bongani Gumede ... Mandla Ndlovu
Pallance Dladla ... Jabulani Zungu
Bheki Mkhwane ... Samson Ndlovu
Mampho Brescia ... Iris Zungu
Jessica Nkosi ... Qondi
Nomzamo Mbatha ... Thandeka Zungu
S'dumo Mtshali ... Sibusiso Ndlovu
and Menzi Ngubane ... Judas
Recurring / Guests
Mdu Gumede ... Ntandane
Andile Gumbi ... Zweli Ngubane
Abdul Khoza ... Qaphela
Zinhle Mabena ... Sihle
Florence Mokgatsi ... Lerato
Lorraine Mphephi ... Pam
Thuli Thabethe ... Beauty
Senzo Vilakazi ... Mehl'emamba
Lerato Mvelase ... Lt. Samkelo Mkhize
Koketso Mophuting ... Kaone
Siphiwe Nkosi ... Mbobozehluzo Msibi
Muzi Mthabela ... Duma
Jonathan Taylor ... Specialist / Doctor
Linda Mtoba ... Ntombizana
Amina Jack ... Thokozani
Thulasizwe Kubheka ... Mdu
Mzwakhe Mbuli ... Ngonyama
Nkanyiso Mzimela ... Melusi
Athandwa Qabashe ... Manqoba
Mpumelelo Mtshali ... Manqoba
Linda Dlomo ... Ngwenya Guard / Ngwenya Inkabi 1
Percy Ntunzi ... Doctor
Sylvester Sindane ... Policeman
Patrick Manake ... Guard / Ngwenya Inkabi 2
Zakhele Msibi ... Sunday
Grace Mavuso ... Old Lady
Kgomostso Masoeu ... Inkabi
Daniel Mpeka ... Inkabi
Daniel Nhlapo ... Inkabi
Mzwakhe Sibande ... Inkabi
Jabulani Siluma ... Inkabi
Lynn Kekana ... Nurse
John Sferopoulos ... Doctor
Linda Luvuno ... Doctor
Joel Kapend ... Drone Operator
Martin Makinta ... Administrator
Boitshoko Mafelo ... Receptionist
Rose Motaung ... Nurse
Archie Matsetla ... Doctor
Motlatsi Ramolela ... Old Man
Nhlanhla Mdlalose ... Bongani
Zethu Dlomo ... Water Nymph / Nonhlanzi / Lethu
Gcina Mkhize ... Khanyi
Lawrence Maleka ... Don Webster
Bianca Hlatswayo ... Nurse
Bheki Linda ... Inkabi
Kholisile Khumalo ... Diver
Mqondisi Zuma ... Stick Fighting Boy 1
Michelle Mosalakae ... Zakhiti
Mthokozisi Mbongwa ... Inkabi
Melusi Mbele ... Bhekumuzi
Desmond Dube ... Lungelo
Masoja Msiza ... Bhodlimpi
Nomsa Xaba ... Gog' Ntozabantu
Dumisani Dlamini ... Mbodla
Samukele Mkhize ... Mabuyi Dlamini
Phillip Modiba ... Skizan's Uncle
Kutlwano Mohloholo ... Skizan's Son Jacob
Thami Madondo ... Inkabi 2
Mmeli Mbatha ... Inkabi 3
Zameleni Mbatha ... Inkabi 4
Palesa Tembe ... Kim
Nonhlanhla Manzini ... Woman
Sithati Gambu ... House Keeper
Albert Mlahlela ... Inkabi
Thandeka Qwabe ... Thandi Thabethe
Charles Phasha ... Jerry
Mduduzi Mchunu ... Thug
Mandla Sithole ... Guard
Mlungisi Ndebele ... Gadla Zungu
Sibonelo Mbutho ... Zebedewu
Ronnie Mbatha ... Rank Manager
Linda Sebezo ... Lillian
Ernest Ndlovu ... Ngwebedla
Thembi Tshabalala ... Ma Cele
Velisiwe Mkhize ... Guard
Zwelihle Msezane ... Dumi
Sibusiso Msane ... Themba
Thulani Ndwandwe ... Nkosana
Nhlanhla Mahlangu ... Zitha
Jabulani Mthembu ... Galaza
Sphelele Mzimela ... Busi Langa
Bongani Stemele ... Police Officer
Sam Medupe ... Mbuti
Sibusisiwe Jili ... Zanele
Zimkhitha Kim ... Nurse
Thabang Mbokazi ... Guard
Slindile Ntethe ... Doctor
Itumeleng Montsho ... Chairman
Siyabonga Nene ... Big Zulu
Ngyego Gazi ... Policeman
Lunga Mahasha ... Baby
Stanley Myani ... Passenger
Isaac Mokoena ... Bab' Mkhize
Ramogale Makinta ... Administrator
Patrick Mashapa ... Club Sheba Barman
Gabriella Modjadji ... Customer
Romeo Sandile ... Thug 1 / Jumber
David Sherwood ... Cardiologist
Charmaine Mtinta ... Mam' Ntuli
Sibusiso Ngqulubane ... Inkabi
Thokozani Hlophe ... AK
Karlitos Ubisi ... Fire
Sherol Keele ... Waitress
Phumla Mpongose ... Helper
Sebastian Jefferies ... Cop
Luyanda Gosa ... Student
Nkosana Matshoge ... Client
Steve Oseghale ... Utze
Busiswa Mambi ... Mabel
Nomsa Buthelezi ... Ma Mnisi
Sayitsheni Mdakhi ... Sadam
Mfiliseni Magubane ... S'fiso Gwala
Thami Mini ... Madlokovu
Thabo Moloi ... GG Musawenkosi
Jane Makhubu ... Gogo Gedeza
Siyabonga Zubane ... Bungezi
Kabelo Motsiela ... Driver
Nokuthula Mokoena ... Woman 1
Nonjabulo Mokoena ... Woman 2
Lebohang Tekela ... Student
Thapelo Boroto ... Guard
Elphius Mkhize ... Insideman
Mbali Tembe ... Staff Member 1
Loyiso Singeni ... Deliveryman
Musa Sokhela ... Sgonondo
Zamokwakhe Magubane ... Sifiso Gwala
Aviwe Titi ... Lawyer
Percy Makweya ... Snake
Lunga Mahasha ... Baby Langa
Ronnie Mbatha ... Nzuza
Chonco Celumusa ... Inkabi
Busi Ndaba ... Lady 3
Lumkokazi Makhasi ... Rosy
Ishmael Maepa ... Prosecutor
Fortune Thobejane ... Guluva
Serame Smous ... Laywer 1
Sabelo Buthelezi ... Security Guard
Ndosi Cele ... Guard 1
Karabo Bhembe ... Customer
Prince Maleka ... Policeman 1
Samson Zondi ... Inkabi
Thapelo Ledwaba ... Driver
Stanley Seema ... Cleaner
Phemelo Phiri ... Mocumi
Mike Mvelase ... Sibalukhulu
Buyile Mdladla ... Solom'zi
Clementine Mosimane ... Gloria
Nkosinathi Mashaba ... Warder
Dan Mabika ... Killer
Mzwakhe Sibande ... Henchman
Sithembiso Mkhize ... Old Woman
Bukokwakhe Masango ... Mpondo Zondi
Nhlanhla Ndovela ... Det. Khuzwayo
Rodney Seerane ... Lawyer
Jan Ndlovu ... Ngubane Elder 1
Sibonile Ngubane ... Ngubane Elder 2
Thobekile Nkosi ... Gog Khuzwayo
Tebogo Mahonga ... Zitha Man
Fortune Ndlangamandla ... Inkabi
Mhlunishwa Ngubane ... Doorman
Nobuhle Mbanjwa ... Langelihle
Sipho Sikhakhane ... Praise Singer
Sfundo Shange ... Guard
Morris Sithole ... Guard
Sam Mbeye ... Old Man
Ndosi Cele ... Guard / Inkabi
Vusizwe Langa ... Detective 1
Muzi Khoza ... Detective 2
Aubrey Mmakola ... Prosecutor
Mduduzi Ndlovu ... Driver 1
Joseph Ngobeni ... Driver 2
Phakamani Zikalala ... Sgt Chonco
Dumisani Zungu ... Estate Guard
Lerato Lethiba ... News Reader / Dr Davids (voice)
Cassandra Christodolides... Paramedic
Nosipho Mhlanga ... Nurse
Puleng Ndlovu ... Doctor
Bheki Hleza ... Mbazo
Mpho Madonsela ... Photographer
Nimrod Nkosi ... Alfred Phakathi
Nandi Nyembe ... Gog Mkhithi
Nompumelelo Mncube ... Young Gloria
Nhlanhla Mtshali ... Mens's Voice (voice)
Thando Moreoa ... Young Duma
Audrey Legodi ... Warder
Siphumelele Ndlovu ... Customer
Pretty Ndlovu ... Prisoner 1
Tsakani Maswanganyi ... Reporter
Nkosinathi Mkhize ... Cop
Xoli Mbata ... Hectic Woman
Ramogale Makinta ... Administrator
Skhuzeleni Mkala ... Gate Guard
Jay Anstey ... Susan
Charles Baloyi ... Head of Security
Makhaola Ndebele ... Harvester
Doris Papole ... Nurse
Ntokozo Sono ... Homeless Man
Nkosinathi Modlani ... Messenger
Sthembiso Ntambo ... Guy / Petty Criminal
Patricia Boyer ... Head of Surgery / Doctor
Lungelo Mkhize ... Spare Parts Man
Tebogo Bogoshi ... Guard 1
Nkululeko Cakwebe ... Guard 2
Lunga Qwabe ... Guard 3
Mandla Maleke ... Guard 4
Muntu Ngubane ... Phila
Nqobile Khumalo ... Masseur 1
Khethelephu Xhakasa ... Masseur 2
Coco Msomi ... Thandeka's Doctor
Bakwateleni Jiyane ... Policewoman
Ziphozihle Mjo ... Phila's Woman
Pretty Nkutha ... Lethu's Nurse
Tshepang Selapyana ... Soccer Coach
Clement Shimane ... Budlova
Buhle Moletsane ... Beatrice
Mqaphela Gulwa ... Ngubane Elder 1
Godfrey Dlamini ... Radio DJ
Diphapang Mokoena ... Radio Host
Randy Mamabo ... Thandiwe
Murray Clive Walker ... Rich
Wilson Msibi ... Councillor
Mavuso Magabane ... Jacob (as Meshack Mavuso)
Terry Pheto ... Martha
Thulani Didi ... Marriage Officer
Sihle Madondo ... Boy 1
Bongo Bhengu ... Boy 2
Alicia von Locherenberg ... Lulu
Francinah Masalesa ... Passenger
Mpho Malatsi ... Fat Man
Kamogelo Mashiane ... Accomplice 1
Lebohang Mokoena ... Accomplice 2
Sheldon Raffie ... Accomplice 3
Ntombezinhle White ... Assassin 1
Sive Matiwane ... Mpande
Themba Motha ... Guard
David James ... Avi
Scorbion Ndyalvone ... Uniformed Cop
Thami Mini ... DJ v/o (voice)
Buhle Soyisa ... Nurse
King Mmuwe ... Security Guard 1
Francis Kena ... Security Guard 2
Siyabonga Khumalo ... Security Guard 1
Thato Legodi ... Nurse
Magwaza Mathebula ... Siphokazi's Doctor
Asavela Mngqithi ... Pleasure
Sanele Sithole ... Man 1
Zacharia Mogashoa ... Prison Officer