Isibaya cast and crew celebrates Siyabonga Thwala’s last day on set

All good things come to an end, so they say. Isibaya’s treasure Siyabonga Twala has wrapped up shooting his final scene after a long 8-year-run with the telenovela. He is the 5th lead actor to leave the show and he will be dearly missed. The cast and crew members celebrated what was an incredible journey and held a small farewell ceremony where the production team shared a few words.

A very talented actor who embodied two distinct characters in one show had many in their feels. Mpiyakhe Zungu was one of TV’s most loved characters, with his charm and wit, he captivated the lives of many. Then comes his darker side which was created by his rival Ndlovu along with Nkabinde. Together they created an evil monster Mgijimi, who ultimately came back to life, to actually end Mpiyakhe’s life, for good.

Sdumo Mtshali who is also leaving the drama series to pursue other acting endeavors, shared the moment on his Instagram TV. Siyabonga was showered with gifts and a hail of nothing but good words and messages of well wishes were thrown at him.

Bomb production producers gifted him with a bouquet of red roses and a tailor made blazer on his final day on set. Producer Desiree Markgraaff said, “Eight years… Amazing and beautiful storytelling. What a character. Thank you for bringing so much dignity and depth, and so many beautiful scenes. She did acknowledge that it was not easy but they all had a common goal which was to make Isibaya a success it already was.

Siyabonga thanked both Desiree Markgraaff and Angus Gibson for entrusting him with this powerful role which he took to greater heights, “Thank you for trusting me with this role. It’s been a great journey. We’ve had some challenges, but it was nothing personal, we were both trying to fix it and make it better. So, thank you, I hope our paths cross again.”

Viewers were not pleased at all after learning that he has officially left the show, stating that they will not be watching the telenovela ever again. A statement nobody wants to hear at Isibaya at the moment looking at how they are skating on thin ice and on the verge of cancellation.

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.

Siyabonga Thwala currently stars in M-Nets Legacy as a wealthy businessman, Msizi Zulu, who is the CEO of Legacy Investments and L24 News.