South African actress Nelisiwe Sibiya has opened up about the intense backlash she has faced for portraying her first villain role as Zama Ntanzi in Mzansi Magic’s telenovela Ithonga. The 32-year-old actress, best known for her compassionate role as Dr Mbali on Durban Gen, revealed that viewers have struggled to separate fiction from reality, leading to personal attacks both online and in public.
“People took it personal, and they cursed me out even on my pictures,” Sibiya told Daily Sun. “They were insulting me because of my onscreen character. They can’t differentiate between real life and the character.” The actress admitted that stepping into the villainous role was initially intimidating, especially as harsh comments spilled over into her everyday life, making simple outings like attending weddings uncomfortable.
Speaking to TshisaLIVE, Sibiya elaborated on the challenges: “It’s been hard because abantu bayangizonda [people hate me]. They think what I’m doing on TV is who I am in real life. As artists we grow, and this is all part of the journey.” Her character Zama Ntanzi is described as a “spoilt brat” who schemes, manipulates, and takes what she wants without concern for consequences, making her a polarizing figure among viewers.
However, with guidance and encouragement from the Ithonga directors, Sibiya gradually grew into the part. “I’m glad I have directors who would make sure I’m okay,” she shared. The directors reassured her that if people hate her personally, it means she’s doing her job well—a testament to her ability to fully embody the character.
Her powerful performance has not gone unnoticed. Sibiya has been nominated for Best Actress in a TV Series at both the Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards and the National Film and TV Awards 2025. The recognition holds special meaning for her, particularly the KZN nomination, as it comes from her home province. “It’s so surreal. I’ve been nominated for many awards, even internationally. But this one is important because it’s from KZN, and it shows that I’m recognised where I come from,” she said.
