When viewers first meet Mbopha kaSitayi, also known as insila kaShaka (Kwanele Mkhize) in episode 1 of Season 2, he is the bitter, grief-stricken servant of the late Mudli (Sibonile Ngubane). He confronts Shaka (Lemogang Tsipa) with fearless defiance, accusing him of murder and betrayal – for taking the life of a good and loyal man.

Instead of punishing him for his insolence, Shaka responds with unexpected vulnerability. He admits he too loved Mudli. He offers Mbopha a new path: to serve as his insila – the king’s personal attendant and handler of royal body dirt.

Stoic and discreet, ever watchful, Mbopha becomes one of Shaka’s most trusted servants. Yet the question lingers: will his loyalty to the king endure … or will grief and resentment one day resurface?

5 things about insila kaShaka (Mbopha):

• Before King Shaka eats or drinks anything, the insila has to do it first, so that should there be anything wrong with the drink or food, it will affect him first.
• He is the handler all King Shaka’s royal bodily dirt – he gets rid of it all.
• He is the eyes and ears of King Shaka.
• He takes care of his personal attire, helping him dress and undress.
• He is in the presence of King Shaka always – unless the king instructs otherwise.

Character focus: Nomahlanjana – Shaka iLembe