Nelisiwe Sibiya Faces Real-Life Backlash Over Her Villainous Role in “Ithonga”

The actress behind the beloved Dr. Mbali from “Durban Gen” faces unexpected public criticism after her dark transformation as Zama Ntanzi in “Ithonga.”

 Nelisiwe Sibiya and her role as Zama Ntanzi in the hit series “Ithonga.”You know when an actor’s performance feels so real that you forget it’s just a show? That’s exactly what’s happening with Nelisiwe Sibiya and her role as Zama Ntanzi in the hit series “Ithonga.”

For audiences who adored her as the kind-hearted Dr. Mbali in “Durban Gen,” her sudden switch to a cunning and manipulative villain has left many shocked. But it also highlights her undeniable range and depth as an actress.

The Transformation That Shocked Fans
Sibiya’s portrayal of Zama is intense she’s spoiled, ruthless, and willing to do anything to get her way. Her character doesn’t just stir drama; she pulls viewers into an emotional whirlwind of anger, disbelief, and fascination.

Yet beneath all the arrogance and deceit, Sibiya brings out something deep era glimpse of Zama’s pain and vulnerability. Those emotional layers make her performance feel uncomfortably real, which may be why viewers are reacting so strongly.

When Fiction Feels Too Real
The line between fiction and reality can blur for audiences. Sibiya recently admitted that fans have approached her in public, sometimes harshly, as if she really is Zama.

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

This kind of reaction isn’t new in the entertainment world. It’s part of what psychologists call parasocial relationships when viewers form one-sided emotional attachments to on-screen characters. The deeper those attachments grow, the harder it becomes for people to separate the actor from their role.

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A Common Struggle Among Actors
Sibiya isn’t alone in facing backlash for a convincing performance. In the 2005 Oscar-winning film “Tsotsi,” actor Presley Chweneyagae portrayed a ruthless gang leader. His performance was so powerful that some people struggled to see him as anyone other than the violent character he played.

The same happened to Jack Gleeson, who played King Joffrey in “Game of Thrones.” Gleeson faced threats and harassment from fans who hated Joffrey so much that they forgot he was just an actor doing his job.

Even Hollywood stars like Jared Leto, whose chaotic Joker in “Suicide Squad” drew both admiration and anger, have faced similar misunderstandings.

The Power and Burden of Authentic Acting
Acting, at its best, demands vulnerability and honesty. To embody Zama, Sibiya had to dive deep into the character’s flaws, fears, and ambitions. While that honesty earned her critical praise, it also brought unintended emotional strain.

When fans can’t tell the difference between the performer and the persona, the emotional toll can be heavy. Still, Sibiya’s commitment to her craft shows her resilience and love for storytelling.

Recognition Amid the Noise
Despite the mixed reactions, Sibiya’s talent hasn’t gone unnoticed. Her portrayal of Zama Ntanzi earned her a nomination for Best Actress in a TV Series at the National Film and TV Awards 2025.

In her Instagram message of gratitude, she wrote: “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 Shembe for izibusiso.”

Her words reveal grace and humility reminding fans that behind the fierce Zama is a woman deeply grounded in gratitude and spirituality.

Looking Ahead
Nelisiwe Sibiya’s story is a reminder of the power of performance and the emotional connection between actor and audience. She continues to redefine her artistry, embracing roles that challenge perceptions and prove her versatility.

So, the next time you find yourself despising a TV villain, maybe pause for a moment. Behind that character is an artist pouring heart and soul into their work. And for Sibiya, the backlash may sting but the recognition proves one thing: she’s doing her job exceptionally well.

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