'Isibaya's Return To Screen Sparks Divided Opinions From Viewers

• Isibaya has officially been voted for to make a return to the screen by popular demand from viewers
• The iconic telenovela's impact on South African television will be celebrated as its famous episodes are rebroadcast for fans to enjoy once again
• However, the news was not without criticism. While some viewers discussed the need for new storylines, others questioned whether the cast would be compensated

Award-winning South African telenovela Isibaya is set to make a triumphant return to the small screen.

After weeks of public voting in a competition hosted by Mzansi Magic for its 15th anniversary, fans were asked to rally behind their favourite shows, which have made the biggest impact over the years, and Isibaya came out on top.

With a commanding 23.1% ahead of the now-defunct The River and The Queen, which received 15.5% and 12.8% of the total vote, respectively, Isibaya is set to make a dramatic return to screens.

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Famous for its gripping storylines of taxi wars and complex family dynamics, Isibaya introduced viewers to some of the country's most celebrated stars, including Bheki Mkhwane (Samson Ndlovu), Siyabonga Thwala (Mpiyakhe Zungu), Nomzamo Mbatha (Thandeka Zungu) and Sdumo Mtshali (S’busiso Ndlovu).

Having first premiered on 18 March 2013, the show ran for eight seasons until its finale on 2 April 2021.

Expected to air weekdays from Monday, 22 September 2025, at 18:30 on Mzansi Magic, news of the re-airing sparked cheer among loyal fans who are looking forward to re-watching their favourite episodes.

However, the announcement, made by Mzansi Magic on 18 September, also ignited a firestorm of discussion among social media users who were not pleased with the news.

Mzansi weighs in on Isibaya's return

Fans of the show were delighted by the news and took to the comments section to celebrate. Read their comments below:

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adzeugah celebrated:

Yesss!!! There will never be another like Isibaya!"

its_bakii said:

"To be honest, I loved The River, but Isibaya stays winning shame."

sifiso.coza declared:

"Isibiya will always be the one."

Meanwhile, the announcement also stirred controversy as some viewers questioned the show's re-airing without new storylines:

cassymash asked:

"Why would someone waste their time watching something they have watched before? Like every day, you wait for an episode you already know? Or am I being slow?"

langasorcery said:

"We need new episodes, and we will gladly pay our @DStv subscriptions religiously. But for now, as long as we can use other means to stream soccer, we won't pay for DStv. Isibaya made us watch TV religiously."

ortegadon10 demanded:

"We need a new season, not replays."

On the other hand, the news also raised questions of whether the cast would receive royalties:

makhosazananamane was curious:

"Are they getting any royalties for this, or is this just for vibes?"

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iDyanYakoNzolo asked:

"For what purpose, since actors have no royalties in these reruns?"

Kingseraks also asked:

"Will the guys get compensated?"

Fans discuss setting for Isibaya episodes

In more Isibaya updates, Briefly News shared online reactions from fans after learning where the show was shot.

Disappointed viewers expressed shock at the news and took to social media to voice their frustration.

Source: Briefly News