{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2023}} {{Use South African English|date=December 2023}} {{Infobox television | image = | image_size = | image_upright = | image_alt = | caption = | alt_name = <!-- Alternative name of the series, if any --> | genre = Telenovela | creator = Mandla N, and Mpumelelo Nhlapo | based_on = | developer = | writer = Eddie Thaba<br>Bakang Sebatjane<br>Donald Ndlovu<br>Sweety Ntshangase, <br>Wilson Shaddai<br>Elelwani Netshifhire<br>Makanaka Mavengere<br>Veronica Nkosana, Kgomotso Aphane<br>Mashadi Florence Rapeu<br>Tsale Makam<br>Mpo Osei-Tutu<br>Nokuphiwa Magubane<br>Oratile Mogoje<br>Seabela Maila | screenplay = | story = | director = | creative_director = | presenter = <!-- Organized by broadcast credit order, with new main cast added to the end of the list --> | starring = {{Plainlist| * Linda Sebezo * Velephi Mnisi Khumalo * Thobani Nzuza * Senzo Radebe * Gcina Nkosi * Kwanda Manyathi * Mzikayise Makroti * Sibonginkosi Tenza * Nonkululeko Mbatha * Sibulele Ntlebi *Luyanda Zuma *Thabo Mkhabela *Dawn Thandeka King * Ontiretsi Radipabe * Dikeledi Modubu * Mondli Makhoba * Bongani Gumede * Andile Maxakaza * Kere Nyawo * Nonhlanhla Ngobeni * Lelethu Sithole }} | judges = <!-- Organized by broadcast credit order, with new main cast added to the end of the list --> | voices = <!-- Organized by broadcast credit order, with new main cast added to the end of the list --> | narrator = | theme_music_composer = Bongo Roit | composer = Black Brain Pictures<br>Jamele J Ross<br>Senzo Afrika<br>Kurt Slabbert<br>Henwood<br>Bongo Riot<br>Mlindo the Vocalist | country = South Africa | language = English<br>Zulu | num_seasons = 4 | num_episodes = 780 | list_episodes = | executive_producer = {{Plainlist| * Mandla N * Mpumelelo Nhlapo * Annelie van Rooyen }} | producer = {{Plainlist| * Mandla N * Mpumelelo Nhlapo }} | news_editor = <!-- Content editor or editors of a current affairs/political show such as Newsnight. --> | location = <!-- Nation the series was primarily filmed in, if different from the nation of origin. --> | cinematography = | animator = | editor = <!-- Film editors --> | camera = Multi-camera | runtime = 22-24 minutes | company = {{Plainlist| * Black Brain Pictures }} | budget = | network = e.tv | first_aired = {{Start date|2023|05|22|df=y}} | last_aired = present | related = ''The Black Door'' | open_theme = Dlozilam Refix | end_theme = }} '''''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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-12 |title=Isitha The Enemy {{!}} e.tv |url=https://www.etv.co.za/scoop/isitha-enemy |access-date=2023-08-25 |website=www.etv.co.za |language=en}}</ref> The series is a spinoff from the adult-themed drama series ''The Black Door'', and stars Dawn Thandeka King, alongside Thobani Nzuza, Senzo Radebe, Sibulele Nthlebi, Sibonginkosi Tenza, Kwanda Manyathi, Nonkululeko Mbatha, Laki Khoza, Bheki Sibiya and Linda Sebezo reprising their roles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Spin-off series to continue story of the Sokhulus |url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/entertainment/2023-05-14-spin-off-series-to-continue-story-of-the-sokhulus/ |access-date=2023-08-25 |website=SowetanLIVE |language=en-ZA}}</ref>
== 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) in bed with his wife Nolitha (Sibulele Ntlebi). Chuma's return also attracts the eye of a long time enemy Rebecca Mabuza (Linda Sebezo).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gitonga |first=Ruth |date=2023-06-07 |title=eTV's Isitha: The Enemy: Cast, plot summary, full story, episodes |url=https://briefly.co.za/facts-lifehacks/tv-shows-movies/160305-etvs-isitha-enemy-cast-plot-summary-full-story-episodes/ |access-date=2023-08-25 |website=Briefly |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Maako |first=Compiled by Keitumetse |title=Back from presumed death and looking for answers: Chuma Sokhulu returns to Isitha – The Enemy |url=https://www.news24.com/life/arts-and-entertainment/tv/back-from-presumed-death-and-looking-for-answers-chuma-sokhulu-returns-to-isitha-the-enemy-20230526 |access-date=2023-08-25 |magazine=Life |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Cast == {| class="wikitable" |- ! rowspan="2" | Actor/Actress ! rowspan="2" | Character ! ! colspan="4" | Seasons |- |As of '''The Black Door''' |'''Season 1''' |'''Season 2''' |'''Season 3''' |'''Season 4''' |- |Thobani Nzuza-Dlomo |Chuma Sokhulu |colspan="1"{{cRecurring}} |colspan="4"{{cMain}} |- |Zamani Mbatha |Khaya Sokhulu |colspan="2"{{cMain}} |colspan="3"{{cNone}} |- |Senzokuhle Radebe |Solomzi Gumede |colspan=1"{{cNone}} |colspan="1"{{cRecurring}} |colspan="3"{{cMain}} |- |Velephi Mnisi |Nomsa Sokhulu-Gumede |colspan="5"{{cMain}} |- |Linda Sebezo |Rebecca Mabuza |colspan="5"{{cMain}} |- |Sibongokuhle Tenza |Nandi "Mkhize-Sokhulu"-Gumede |colspan="5"{{cMain}} |- |Dawn Thandeka King |Nomcebo Ngwenya |colspan="1"{{cNone}} |colspan="1"{{cMain}} |colspan="1"{{cNone}} |colspan="1"{{cGuest}} |colspan="1"{{cMain}} |- |Khanyisani Kheswa |Chief Mbuso Ngwenya |colspan="1"{{cNone}} |colspan="3"{{cMain}} |colspan="1"{{cNone}} |- |Nonhlanhla Ngubeni |Matshidiso Mkhabela-Sokhulu |colspan="1"{{cRecurring}} |colspan="4"{{cMain}} |- |Dikeledi Modupu |Nelly |colspan="1"{{cRecurring}} |colspan="4"{{cMain}} |- |Ontiretse Radipabe |Martha |colspan="5"{{cMain}} |- |Sibulele Ntlebi |Nolitha Sokhulu |colspan=1"{{cRecurring}} |colspan="4"{{cMain}} |- |Nonkululeko Mbatha |Thenjiwe Sokhulu |colspan="5"{{cMain}} |- |Likhona Mgali |Luyanda "Landan" Bolwa |colspan="3"{{cNone}} |colspan="2"{{cMain}} |- |Aya Langa |Siyamthanda Dube |colspan="3"{{cNone}} |colspan="2"{{cMain}} |- |Kwanda Manyathi |Velaphi Sokhulu |colspan="5"{{cMain}} |- |Luyanda Zuma |Gog'Dabula |colspan="4"{{cNone}} |colspan="1"{{cMain}} |- |Sthembiso SK Khoza |Sabelo Cele/Bafana Mabuza |colspan="1"={{cRecurring}} |colspan="2"{{cNone}} |colspan="1"{{cMain}} |colspan="1"{{cNone}} |- |Gcina Nkosi |Nqobile KaMavovo Mkhize |colspan="3"{{cNone}} |colspan="2"{{cMain}} |}
== 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Katlego |date=2022-09-05 |title=Mandla N on reports that The Black Door has been canceled |url=https://www.kaya959.co.za/entertainment/mandla-n-breaks-silence-on-reports-that-the-black-door-has-been-canceled/ |access-date=2023-08-25 |website=KAYA 959 |language=en-ZA}}</ref> He said that the series was here to stay,<ref>{{Cite web |title='That was just fake news' — Mandla N says 'The Black Door' is here to stay |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2022-09-02-that-was-just-fake-news-mandla-n-says-the-black-door-is-here-to-stay/ |access-date=2023-08-25 |website=TimesLIVE |language=en-ZA}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keteyi |first=Oluthando |date=1 September 2022 |title=e.tv dismisses reports that its raunchy drama 'The Black Door' has been axed |url=https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/tv/local/etv-dismisses-reports-that-its-raunchy-drama-the-black-door-has-been-axed-e6b3d11f-b3df-4cf4-86fa-04ba6a55a763 |access-date=25 August 2023 |website=Independent Online}}</ref> However, it was announced that the series would be replaced by its spinoff.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keteyi |first=Oluthando |date=May 5, 2023 |title='The Black Door' chapter closes with a new spin-off series taking over |url=https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/tv/local/the-black-door-chapter-closes-with-a-new-spin-off-series-taking-over-68ea8984-8dcb-4a97-bf29-b7b257bd9363 |access-date=25 August 2023 |website=Independent Online}}</ref> 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."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Partner |first=T. M. O. |date=2023-05-11 |title=New prime time telenovela Isitha The Enemy set to launch in May |url=https://themediaonline.co.za/2023/05/new-prime-time-telenovela-isitha-the-enemy-set-to-launch-in-may/ |access-date=2023-08-25 |website=The Media Online |language=en-US}}</ref>
In May 2023, BlackBrain Pictures hosted an exclusive private screening event at Constitution Hill Women's Prison, in Braamfontein.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mlotshwa |first=Yolanda |title=e.tv's thrilling show Isitha - The Enemy premiers with a bang |url=https://www.news24.com/citypress/trending/etvs-thrilling-show-isitha-the-enemy-premiers-with-a-bang-20230525 |access-date=2023-08-25 |website=City Press |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Broadcast == The series premiered on 22 May 2023 on e.tv and plays Monday to Friday at 21:30 CAT. The series was also added to streaming service eVOD and has omnibus on Saturdays from 9:00 to 12:00 am.
== References == {{Reflist}}
==External links== *{{TVSA title|id=5728}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Isitha: The Enemy}} Category:2020s South African television series Category:2023 South African television series debuts Category:South African drama television series Category:E.tv original programming