Isitha: The Enemy
GenreTelenovela
Created byMandla N and Mpumelelo Nhlapo
Based onThe Black Door
Written byEddie Thaba
Bakang Sebatjane
Donald Ndlovu
Sweety Ntshangase
Wilson Shaddai
Elelwani Netshifhire
Makanaka Mavengere
Veronica Nkosana, Kgomotso Aphane
Mashadi Florence Rapeu
Tsale Makam
Mpo Osei-Tutu
Nokuphiwa Magubane
Oratile Mogoje
Starring
Theme music composerBongo Riot
Opening themeDlozilam Refix
ComposersBlack Brain Pictures
Jamele J Ross
Senzo Afrika
Kurt Slabbert
Henwood
Bongo Riot
Mlindo the Vocalist
Country of originSouth Africa
Original languagesEnglish
Zulu
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes260 (as of January 2024)
Production
Executive producers
  • Mandla N
  • Mpumelelo Nhlapo
  • Annelie van Rooyen
Producers
  • Mandla N
  • Mpumelelo Nhlapo
Camera setupSingle-camera or Multi-camera
Running time30 minutes (incl. commercials)
Production company
  • Black Brain Pictures
Original release
Networke.tv
Release22 May 2023 (2023-05-22) 
present
Related
The Black Door
Imbewu: The Seed

Isitha: The Enemy is a South African television drama series created by Mandla N and Mpumelelo Nhlapo. It is an e.tv original series produced by BlackBrain Pictures.[1] The series is a spinoff from the adult-themed drama series The Black Door, and stars Dawn Thandeka King, alongside Thobani Nzuza, Zamani Mbatha and Linda Sebezo reprising their roles.[2]

Premise

Initially assumed to be dead, Chuma Sokhulu (Thobani Nzuza) is living in eSwatini under the pseudonym "Lazarus", and has turned to a life of heists. He works under the chiefdom of Chief Ngwenya (Lindani Nkosi), who is in a polygamous relationship. Chief Ngwenya generally favours Ayanda, leaving royal chieftess Nomcebo (Dawn Thandeka King) cast aside. She finds affection in the hands of "Lazarus". Both are soon caught by the prince Mbuso (Khanyisani Kheswa). Chuma is also caught stealing from the chief.

To avoid the chief's wrath, Chuma, with the help of Nomcebo, flee from the country and return to Chuma's home, where (continuing from the events of The Black Door) he finds his brother Khaya (Zamani Mbatha) has committed the ultimate betrayal. Chuma's return also attracts another enemy from his past.[3][4]

Cast

Actor/Actress Character Seasons
1
Thobani Nzuza Chuma Sokhulu Main
Zamani Mbatha Khaya Sokhulu Main
Velephi Mnisi Nomsa Sokhulu Main
Linda Sebezo Rebecca Mabuza Main
Sibongokuhle Tenza Nandi Mkhize-Sokhulu Main
Dawn Thandeka King Nomcebo Ngwenya Main
Lindani Nkosi Chief Ngwenya Recurring
Kabelo Thai Pheko Motaung Recurring
Nonhlanhla Ngubeni Matshidiso Mkhabela Recurring
Dikeledi Modupu Nelly Recurring
Ontiretse Radipabe Martha Recurring
Sibulele Ntlebi Nolitha Sokhulu Recurring
Nonkululeko Mbatha Thenjiwe Sokhulu Main
Kwanda Manyathi Velaphi Sokhulu Main
Nolwazi Kweyama Enhle Mvubu Recurring
Khanyisani Kheswa Mbuso Ngwenya Main

Production

It was reported initially in August 2022 that the adult-themed telenovela The Black Door had been cancelled and would not be renewed for a second season. Both Mandla N and e.tv refuted those claims, with Mandla N labelling it as fake news.[5] He said that the series was here to stay,[6] and e.tv said that all was well with The Black Door, and they were unaware of any speculation that the show had been cancelled.[7] However, it was announced that the series would be replaced by its spinoff.[8] The Black Door, which was originally commissioned for 260 episodes, received a 15-episode extension.

In a press release by BlackBrain Pictures, co-creator Mpumelelo Nhlapo mentioned that it was strategically intended for The Black Door to run for one year. The "goal was to break new ground and to push the boundaries of South African television. The greater vision has always been to tell the story of the Sokhulu family as a multi-chapter series that allows us to explore different themes in dynamic and interesting ways."[9]

In May 2023, BlackBrain Pictures hosted an exclusive private screening event at Constitution Hill Women's Prison, in Braamfontein.[10]

Broadcast

The series premiered on 22 May 2023 on e.tv. The series was also added to streaming service eVOD.

References

  1. "Isitha The Enemy | e.tv". www.etv.co.za. 12 May 2023. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  2. "Spin-off series to continue story of the Sokhulus". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  3. Gitonga, Ruth (7 June 2023). "eTV's Isitha: The Enemy: Cast, plot summary, full story, episodes". Briefly. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  4. Maako, Compiled by Keitumetse. "Back from presumed death and looking for answers: Chuma Sokhulu returns to Isitha – The Enemy". Life. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  5. Katlego (5 September 2022). "Mandla N on reports that The Black Door has been canceled". KAYA 959. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  6. "'That was just fake news' — Mandla N says 'The Black Door' is here to stay". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  7. Keteyi, Oluthando (1 September 2022). "e.tv dismisses reports that its raunchy drama 'The Black Door' has been axed". Independent Online. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  8. Keteyi, Oluthando (5 May 2023). "'The Black Door' chapter closes with a new spin-off series taking over". Independent Online. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  9. Partner, T. M. O. (11 May 2023). "New prime time telenovela Isitha The Enemy set to launch in May". The Media Online. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  10. Mlotshwa, Yolanda. "e.tv's thrilling show Isitha - The Enemy premiers with a bang". City Press. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
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