Nelisiwe Sibiya Faces Fan Backlash for Ruthless Role in ‘Ithonga’

by Zaghrah Anthony

Nelisiwe Sibiya Blurs Lines Between Fiction and Reality in ‘Ithonga’

Nelisiwe Sibiya, the actress who once warmed hearts as the compassionate Dr Mbali on Durban Gen, is now turning heads for an entirely different reason. Her portrayal of Zama Ntanzi, a spoiled, manipulative, and ruthless character—on Ithonga has stirred strong reactions from fans, some of whom are struggling to separate fiction from reality.

@nelisiwesibiya #ithonga #ithongamzansimagic #nelisiwesibiya ♬ original sound – Nelisiwe Sibiya

Love to Hate Her

Zama Ntanzi is a character that demands attention. She schemes, tests limits, and takes what she wants without concern for the consequences, all while hiding layers of vulnerability beneath her entitlement. It’s a role that invites viewers to “love to hate her,” but Sibiya admits that some fans have taken their feelings a step too far.

“It’s been hard because people hate me. They think what I’m doing on TV is who I am in real life,” Sibiya shared.

This isn’t an isolated phenomenon. South African actors like David Manuel in Noem My Skollie and Presley Chweneyagae in Tsotsi have faced similar challenges, confronting harassment from viewers unable to separate their on-screen personas from reality.

When Art Imitates Life Too Closely

Psychologists call this a parasocial relationship: when viewers form a one-sided emotional bond with a character, projecting feelings onto the actor themselves. The effect can be intense, especially when the character is antagonistic. Internationally, actors like Jared Leto as the Joker in Suicide Squad and Jack Gleeson as King Joffrey in Game of Thrones have experienced harassment because audiences confused fiction with reality.

In South Africa, the passion of TV audiences is particularly strong. Sibiya’s performance has ignited conversation across social media platforms, with fans praising her skill while others express anger at her character’s actions—proof that she’s fully embodied Zama.

Recognition Amid Backlash

Despite the heat from viewers, Sibiya’s talent hasn’t gone unnoticed. She’s been nominated for Best Actress in a TV Series at the National Film and TV Awards 2025 for her work on Ithonga. In an Instagram post, she expressed gratitude:

“Thank you so much @nationalfilmandtvawards for seeing me, and thank you to wonke umuntu who supports me… We learn every day. Thank you to umvelinqangi, amathonga and uShembe for izibusiso.”

Her acknowledgment reflects a balance between humility and resilience, a reminder that navigating fame—especially when portraying morally complex characters, is never simple.

The Challenge of Playing the Villain

Sibiya’s journey highlights the unique challenges actors face when taking on darker roles. Audiences’ intense emotional investment can be both a blessing and a burden. But for Sibiya, the impact of her performance is a testament to her versatility.

Zama Ntanzi may be divisive, but she is also unforgettable—an illustration of the power of great acting to move, provoke, and even unsettle. And for Nelisiwe Sibiya, that’s exactly the point: to tell stories that resonate, challenge, and stay with viewers long after the credits roll.

Source: IOL

Featured Image: X{@Jabu_Macdonald}