Khabonina Qubeka Thanks Fans After Queen Ntombazi’s Exit in Shaka iLembe Finale

JOHANNESBURG — 1 September 2025

Award-winning actress Khabonina Qubeka has shared heartfelt gratitude for her role in the historical drama Shaka iLembe. This follows her character Queen Ntombazi’s dramatic death in Sunday’s episode (31 August 2025), where she portrayed the feared queen killed by Shaka Zulu’s tribe.

The actress thanked supporters on social media, tweeting: “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 🇿🇦❤️” (Twitter, 1 September 2025).

Followers praised her performance, with @TalkLawMonare commenting: “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.” (Twitter).

Another fan, @Anzo_f, noted: “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.” (Twitter).

MultiChoice South Africa confirmed Shaka iLembe will return for a third and final season in 2026 (Corporate statement). The final chapter premieres on Mzansi Magic.

Nomzamo Mbatha will reprise her role as Queen Nandi while continuing as executive producer. Fans can expect the grand conclusion of Africa’s first epic drama next year.