'Isibaya' ropes in Sdumo Mtshali again as it fights off stiff competition

The Zulu drama has upped the stakes and recast Sdumo Mtshali in his role as Sbu in the face of SABC 1 launching its own show in the same time slot.

Mtshali is set to return to his role as Sbu - a key character who was intertwined in the sometimes violent and dramatic saga involving the Zungus and the Ndlovus.

Bongi Potelwa, M-Net publicity manager confirmed this to Drum.

He was part of the original cast which featured Nomzamo Mbatha (who has also rejoined the soapie), Siyabonga Thwala, Thembi Nyandeni and Mampho Brescia.

Mtshali and Mbatha left the drama last year amidst reports that together with Pallance Dladla, they sought more money. Mbatha has since denied this, saying that she felt it was time to grow and try new ventures.

Following his exit from Isibaya, Mtshali played the lead in crime thriller, iNumber Number and in series, Tempy Pushas.

Isibaya is to take on competition in it's 8:30 pm time slot after the debut of SABC 1's Uzalo which is also a Zulu drama and set in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands.