Khabonina Qubeka Grateful for Shaka iLembe Role as Season 2 Ends

Award-winning actress and tv host Khabonina Qubeka has expressed her deep gratitude for being part of the historical drama Shaka iLembe. The actress, who played the powerful and feared Queen Ntombazi, saw her character’s dramatic end in the episode that aired on Sunday, 31 August 2025. Ntombazi, often described as witchy and manipulative, was killed by Shaka Zulu’s (played by Lemogang Tsipa) tribe in an emotional twist.

It was an absolute privilege 🖤
Thank you angels for making this story so beautiful to tell. Watched it through you. The plan was indeed to make you FEEL & react exactly as you did.
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH🤍
We do it all FOR YOU 🥹🙏🏾🤍#Storyteller #Honoured #Loved #African 🇿🇦❤️ pic.twitter.com/gWeuVbKfVN

— KHABONINA™ (@Khabonina_Q) September 1, 2025

Taking to her X account on Monday, 1 September 2025, Qubeka poured out her appreciation to fans who supported her throughout the journey. “It was an absolute privilege. Thank you angels for making this story so beautiful to tell. Watched it through you. The plan was indeed to make you FEEL & react exactly as you did. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. We do it all FOR YOU,” she wrote.

Fans quickly flooded her mentions with praise for her outstanding performance. One user, @nkuliwooli, shared heartfelt words: “Trust me, Sisi, the whole of South Africa loves you guys. The whole team. South Africa is rich in culture. You guys need to do the isiXhosa tribe next (sorry, don’t know the monarchs eish). Let’s goooo!”

Another fan, @TalkLawMonare, highlighted her talent: “A Royal Sopie Award, Safta must follow. Emmy’s, you name them. Great performance must be recognised and rewarded. You’ve always brought your A game to each role you take. Big up Sis.”

Adding to the conversation, @Anzo_f admired her skill in portraying a complex villain: “The purpose of a villain is to drive you to hate and despise them… Wish nothing but the worst for them and make you push for the protagonist. You did all that sisi. You delivered on the mandate and that final scene showed vulnerability and changed how we saw Ntombazi.”

While fans celebrated her talent, the show’s journey is not yet over. MultiChoice South Africa confirmed that Shaka iLembe will return for a third and final season in 2026. The final chapter of the epic will premiere on Mzansi Magic, with global star Nomzamo Mbatha reprising her role as Queen Nandi while also continuing her work as executive producer.

The announcement followed an emotional season 2 finale that left viewers both heartbroken and inspired. Fans can look forward to the grand conclusion of Africa’s first epic drama as it prepares to make television history once again in 2026.