It’s not every day you hear an actor like Siyabonga Thwala, known for his powerful role as Mpiyakhe Zungu in Isibaya, open up about his personal battles.
But recently, the popular actor revealed a deeply personal story about his and his wife’s two-year journey to having a child.
After months of disappointment, his wife turned to spiritual intervention at the Emoyeni Temple, a branch of the Shembe Nazareth Church, in a bid to make their dream of becoming parents a reality.
A Prophecy of a Light-Skinned Baby Boy
Things took a spiritual turn when Thwala’s wife visited the temple, seeking divine help.
Without informing him, she spent a day praying for a child, hoping for a breakthrough.
The following morning, she recalled having a vivid dream.
In the dream, a prophet sent a young girl to deliver a special message: “Tshena lo sisi ukuthi angakhathazeki, uzuthola ingane yomfana emhlophe,” which translates to, “Do not worry; you will soon have a beautiful, light-skinned baby boy.”
As fate would have it, shortly after this dream, she found out she was pregnant.
A few months later, Siyabonga and his wife welcomed their son into the world—who, as described in the prophecy, was a healthy, light-skinned baby boy.
Today, their son is thriving, and the couple couldn’t be more grateful for the spiritual guidance that helped bring them joy.
From Isibaya Star to Spiritual Testimony
Siyabonga Thwala has always been known for his commanding presence on screen, especially as the fearless Mpiyakhe Zungu in Isibaya, but behind the scenes, he has been through personal trials.
In a recent conference at the Shembe Church, Thwala shared how his faith helped him through those tough times.
When his son was born, he expressed deep gratitude to God, saying, “Ngavele ngayobonga, angibuzanga lutho,” meaning, “I simply went to church to thank God without questioning anything.”
This revelation added another layer to his public image, showing a side of the actor that many may not have been aware of.
Defending His Faith Amid Criticism
Thwala also addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the Shembe Nazareth Church, which has been criticized by some as engaging in idol worship.
Defending his faith, Thwala boldly stated, “Abanye abantu bacabanga ukuthi ngihlanya mangibatshena kodwa iqiniso,” meaning, “Some people think I am crazy, but the testimonies we share are real and not fabricated.”
While the church has faced its share of criticism, it remains a source of spiritual guidance and healing for many in South Africa, and Thwala’s testimony only strengthens its influence.
Siyabonga Thwala: More Than Just an Actor
Outside of Isibaya, Siyabonga Thwala has also graced audiences in other hit TV shows like Generations, Scandal!, Muvhango, and Rhythm City.
His diverse acting career has made him a household name, but it’s his personal journey that resonates most with his fans today.
Thwala’s story is one of resilience, faith, and the power of spiritual guidance, showing that even public figures have their own battles to face—and can find hope through belief and patience.
His journey is especially meaningful for couples facing similar challenges in their lives, serving as a reminder that hope can lead to life-changing moments when you least expect it.