Zweli Ntshangase (Ngubane) is Bhekifa’s son from his wife - the love of his life who died during the violent clashes in Thokoza between the SDU’s and hostel dwellers. The role of 25-year-old Zweli is played by Andile Gumbi, perhaps best known for playing Simba in the Lion King’s 15th anniversary run on Broadway. Handsome, charming, and armed with a Post-Grad Business Degree that he gained in London, Zweli is a lovable playa who grew up wanting for nothing but who suffered the childhood nightmare of his mother’s death.
Also joining Isibaya is Jeffrey Sekele (Behind the Badge, Zero Tolerance, Isidingo, The Lab, 90 Plein Street) as Blade, Bhekifa’s right hand man. Street-smart and connected with powerful underworld figures from a stint in prison (where he first met Bhekifa), Blade is loyal but tough and loves Zweli like a father.
Best known for her role as Busi Thwala in the series, Mtunzini.com, Zinhle Mabena takes on the role of 22-year-old, Sihle. Beautiful, smart, spunky and brave, Sihle had to cut short her university studies to return to the Thukela Valley after the mysterious death of her father. Now taking care of her sick mother, when Sihle discovers who’s behind her father’s death, she only has revenge in her mind.
Newcomer Sibusisiwe Jili gets her chance to shine with the role of 28-year-old Zanele, the manageress of Club Sheba. Charming and beautiful Zanele is also Bhekifa’s mistress although she’s 20 years younger than him.
From March 17th 2014, Isibaya will broadcast five days a week on Mzansi Magic, in the primetime slot of 20h30. This comes after a nearly year-long run of 208 telenovela episodes during which the villains, rivalry, power, money, impossible love and distinctly homegrown flavour of the show proved a hit with viewers.