'Isibaya' episode defies gender roles as female shooter takes aim

The latest plot on Mzansi Magic soapie 'Isibaya' has viewers glued to the edge of their seats as it explores the underworld of local taxi politics and a king gone rogue.

On Tuesday evening, a gun battle broke out on Isibaya as taxi boss Mpiyakhe Zungu (Siyabonga Twala) and Bhekifa (Vusi Kunene) went head to head through their cronies who yielded AK47s and pistols.

The scene was outstanding as Mkabayi played by Thembi Nyandeni held her own among men. She was the only female assassin and clad in a tribal print dress, shot dead her assailants with a chutzpah that only she could muster.

The scene saw Mkabayi confidently wield her AK47 sans bullet proof vest and instantly made her a hit on social media with some jokingly naming her 'gogo of the week.'

But moniker aside, Isibaya's writers have chronicled an era in which female leads are no longer relegated to villain roles reserved to insults, cutting comments and plots revolving around switching babies and fighting for men. Instead the soapie has proven that it takes its female actor's roles seriously and in Mkabayi, one finds a confident woman not afraid to stand among men.

In one epsiode, Mkabayi's brother, Mpiyakhe, tries to brush her off after she shows a willingness to fight it out among the male assassins. With one look, she cheekily tells him in Zulu, 'Don't forget that I too am well versed in the art of killing.'

Where it all started. The scene which prompts the two rivals to go to war.

The saga involving Isibaya's arch rivals continues to play out over the week with characters such as Mkabayi at the helm. Reaction to the show has been positive with many praising the soapie for ushering its plot into unchartered territory.

The women of #Isibaya are oh so boss; be it MaNcwane or Iris or Mam' Ntuli or Siphokazi even young Lerato, they rule the roost.        

— Scapegoat (@andiMakinana) January 19, 2016

@Mzansimagic#Isibaya tonight's episode was an award winning episode. U deserves a SAFTA for this one. Great storyline & amazing acting.

— KhosiM (@Cocolycious) January 19, 2016

Yo, this woman is a real G! The way she handles a gun. #Isibaya

— Toby (@iexistforOlitz) January 20, 2016

Can't get enough of #Isibaya I'm watching repeat ya khona nou

— I'm Not The Father (@_Makabaza_) January 20, 2016

Wonder what they have in store for us on Isibaya tonight! Last night had me on the edge of my couch esp when Bekumuzi was nearly shot...

— Helen Of Troy (@1_LWA) January 20, 2016

Our very own Chuck Norris #Mancwane#Isibayapic.twitter.com/ThHjahAjfD

— Flo Letoaba (@florenceletoaba) January 19, 2016