Drum roll please...

Her real name is Thembi Nyandeni, and on Isibaya, she portrays Mkabayi, the robust and no-nonsense matriarch of the Zungu family.

Although her fans can likely tell you everything there is to know about this femme extraordinaire, there are still some facts that aren't common knowledge.

Here's what you might not know about Thembi.

Award-winning actress

Her role in Isibaya saw her win the inaugural Outstanding Lead Actress award at the Royalty Soapies Awards in March 2014.

Over 40 years in the game

Thembi has been in the acting industry for over 40 years. That's over four decades!

Co-founder of Umoja

She is one of the founders of the vibrant African dance group Umoja.

Whether it's when she carried a fully loaded AK47 rifle to war or when she ran for cover during a shoot-out, which Thembi Nyandeni moment has been your favourite on Isibaya?

You can catch Thembi Nyandeni on Isibaya daily on #NovelaMagic, DStv channel 165. If you want to join our Novela Magic fam conversation on the shows, follow Novela Magic on Facebook and Twitter using #NovelaMagic.