Isitha: The Enemy

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. 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.

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) has committed the ultimate betrayal. Chuma's return also attracts another enemy from his past.

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. He said that the series was here to stay, 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. However, it was announced that the series would be replaced by its spinoff. 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."

In May 2023, BlackBrain Pictures hosted an exclusive private screening event at Constitution Hill Women's Prison, in Braamfontein.

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