Actress Khabonina Qubeka Speak out On how she left the traditional Shaka Ilembe Series. Image- Jurie Potgieter/ TRUELOVE.
(The Post News)- Khabonina Qubeka has expressed her disappointment over how her character, Queen Ntombazi, was written out of season two of Shaka iLembe.
Known for her captivating portrayal of the powerful and mystical matriarch, Khabonina took to social media to share her thoughts after the final episode aired revealing that what viewers saw was not the original ending she and the production team had filmed.
In a now-deleted post on X (formerly Twitter), Khabonina revealed that her heart was “shattered” upon seeing the final cut. According to her, key scenes had been removed, and several moments were edited differently from how they were originally performed on set. “This was not the end we shot,” she wrote. “I guess they decided to delete a few scenes and edit some moments. I was looking forward to your reaction to her ending. I had dedicated that performance to you guys.”
Khabonina’s emotional reaction came in response to a fan who commented that they had expected Queen Ntombazi to survive, possibly using witchcraft or cunning to escape her fate. Instead, the powerful character was killed during the downfall of the Ndwandwe kingdom at the hands of the Zulu forces an exit some viewers found abrupt and unsatisfying.
Khabonina Opens Up About Queen Ntombazi’s Edited Exit.
Qubeka clarified that she had committed fully to the final scenes she filmed and had envisioned a far more impactful sendoff for Ntombazi, one that aligned with her character’s fearsome legacy. Unfortunately, much of that work never made it into the final broadcast. Despite the editing decisions made in post-production, the actress made it clear that she was proud of the performance she delivered.
Following the online reaction, Qubeka deleted the post, explaining that she did not intend to stir controversy or upset fans. Instead, she chose to shift focus and move on from the topic. Still, her candid remarks offered a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes complexities of television production, where final edits can sometimes differ greatly from what was initially envisioned by the cast and crew.
Queen Ntombazi’s death marked the end of Qubeka’s journey on Shaka iLembe, a series that has captivated South African audiences with its dramatic retelling of history and powerful performances. Though the circumstances of her exit were contentious, Qubeka’s portrayal of Ntombazi received widespread acclaim. She brought a layered intensity to the role commanding the screen with a presence that blended cold authority with raw emotional fire.
Her performance regularly sparked conversation across social media, with fans both fearing and admiring the character. Many acknowledged that while Ntombazi was ruthless, manipulative, and often terrifying, Qubeka’s ability to humanize her added a compelling complexity that few characters on the show could match.
In past interviews and social media posts, Qubeka often celebrated the emotional reactions her character elicited. She viewed the audience’s strong responses whether love or hate as a testament to the power of storytelling and the depth of her performance.
“Thank you, my lovers, for FEELING!!! I love you,” she once wrote, expressing gratitude for the passionate discussions her character inspired.
While her time on Shaka iLembe has come to an end, Khabonina Qubeka’s impact on the show is undeniable. At 44, the actress and entrepreneur exits the series having delivered one of its most memorable performances. Her work brought depth, authenticity, and emotional weight to a character who will remain a standout in South African television drama for a lifetime.
Though fans may never get to see the original ending Qubeka had envisioned, her performance as Queen Ntombazi continues to resonate reminding viewers of the powerful presence she brought to every scene.
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