'Isibaya' rakes in awards, 'Villa Rosa' is viewer favourite

Isibaya fans, cast and crew cheered and rose to their feet in victory not once, not twice, but seven times as the überpopular show picked up seven honours at the Royalty Soapie Awards in Durban last night.

At a star-studded ceremony held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, the Mzansi Magic series dominated as it did at last year's awards, when it got the nod in 10 categories.

It failed to get as many trophies this time, but was still the biggest winner.

Apart from the prestigious outstanding soapie award, Isibaya also won for its set design, writing team, wardrobe, directing team, editing team and lighting.

But for all its dominance in the technical areas, it failed to pick up a single individual acting award.

Isidingo's Motlatsi Mafashe and Scandal's Masasa Mbangeni won for outstanding lead actor and lead actress, respectively. Mafashe, who plays Sechaba Moloi in Isidingo, said he felt "honoured" for being voted the outstanding lead actor.

"I am young and to be voted the outstanding lead actor when there are so many outstanding actors is a great honour," he said.

Mbangeni, who plays Thembeka Shezi in Scandal , said: "To be acknowledged by your peers is very exciting. It's so wonderful ."

Andile Sithole, who plays Ndumiso Ngcobo in Scandal, was voted the best supporting actor.

The awards ceremony was attended by the crème de la crème of the acting industry and other VIPs, including Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini.

If Isibaya was the big winner, 7de Laan was the big loser.

Despite being the soapie with the third-most nominations - it was nominated in 14 categories, behind Isibaya and Scandal, which had 16 each - it failed to pick up a single award. Generations: The Legacy did not even get one nomination.

It was a bittersweet night for fans of kykNET's flagship soapie, Villa Rosa, which comes to an end in June after 11 seasons. It picked up three awards, including most popular soapie of the year - as voted by the public.