Sdumo Mtshali ‘Sbu Ndlovu’ leaves Isibaya for new SABC 3 soapie as ratings dip
Sdumo Mtshali who plays Sbu Ndlovu on Isibaya is set to leave the Mzansi Magic telenovela due to poor ratings.
This follows reports that Isibaya is on the chopping block. According to entertainment commentator Phil Mphela, sources informed him that if the soapie’s numbers do not improve, Mzansi Magic might consider pulling the plug on it. This might be the reason why Sdumo Mtsali who is one of the first-ever actors on the telenovela is exiting the show.
Sdumo will be joining a new SABC 3 soapie The Estates. This Clive Morrison production will be replacing the channels long-running former telenovela Isidingo, which played weekdays at 19h30. He will be joined by Zamani Mbatha, who is his late on-screen wife’s real-life brother Nomzamo Mbatha, who also left the show.
One of the reasons why Isibaya is on the chopping block is the low viewership due to the main actors and actresses leaving the show. These include Nomzamo Mbatha who got killed off the telenovela, Menzi Ngubane, Jessica Nkosi, and Muzi Mthabela. Siyabonga Thwala is also said to be leaving but he is currently acting on The Legacy.
Mpihlangene Zungu is said to be a conniving and manipulative schemer with a smooth tongue.
The show is centered around the Zungu and Ndlovu families who are rivalries in the notorious taxi industry. The families are forced to mend their relationship as their children Thandeka played by Nomzamo Mbatha and Sbu played by Sdumo Mtshali were in a relationship.