Latest news with #MaBlerh
IOL News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Cardboard cutouts, legal drama and ghosting: 'The Real Housewives of Durban' S5 was anything but classy
Londie London ruffled feathers with her guest appearance on 'The Real Housewives of Durban' season 5. Image: Supplied In the same way that money can't buy happiness, it doesn't buy class either. This has never been more apparent than on season 5 of 'The Real Housewives of Durban', including the two-part reunion episode. I wanted to reserve all comments until I've watched every episode. But before I could pen my thoughts (harsh as they might be), I found myself drawn to all the off-screen drama post the show. Seriously, what in the world is going on? If you have been living under a rock, here's what you need to know. Londie London, who made a surprise guest appearance on the show, took legal action against Minnie Ntuli, who was a fresh face on the show. There was clearly more to the beef than was witnessed on the show. Meanwhile, Jojo Robinson is heartbroken after being ghosted by her BFF Nonku Williams, who chose not to attend the reunion episode and quit the show altogether. Her Instagram 'Joku' tribute to her was so heartfelt. With her enjoying a winter wonderland escape with the family, I hope it helps with Jojo's healing from this. And Angel Ndlela, who has truly grown on me since season four, received flak for her modest new home, which is a stark contrast to the affluent image sold on the reality show, and the opulent mansions of her co-stars. Ahead of the reunion special, I caught up with host MaBlerh (real name Mthokozisi Cele), who said two things about Nonku, one I now agree with and the other I don't. He said he felt that Nonku wrapped up everything that she needed to and that, as much as viewers loved to hate her, she would be missed. Now I've been quite vociferous about being glad to see the back of her. Admittedly, the reunion episodes lacked that explosive element that Nonku brought to the party. Minnie Ntuli stirred a hornet's nest on 'The Real Housewives of Durban' season 5. Image: Supplied She has been the drama queen of the party, along with Minnie Ntuli, who also decided against attending. The first reunion episode was a damp squib for me, and that's no slight on the host; he was dealing with the cards he's been dealt with. MaBlerh was smart enough to save most of the juicy upsets for part two. Everyone laughed about 'her' being on time, at least. Yes, all the ladies looked beautiful, including Londie, who needed to get her point across after being misunderstood towards the latter part of the series. Before getting the cast to spill the tea - and not walking out - they cheered with a piece of chicken (veg spring roll for Sorisha Naidoo, who is the only remaining OG on the show). MaBlerh, while pointing out that if it happened, it was shown - nothing was fabricated - gave the ladies a chance to weigh in on whether they felt misrepresented. He was smart enough to save most of the juicy upsets for part two. Ayanda Mthembu and her twin sister, Andile Pieterson, were quick to bring up the luxury swimwear saga that erupted at Londie's pool party. In unpacking how they felt, Londie also cleared a misconception that they were holding onto, which snowballed into more confrontations. Newcomer Lo Sithole, who clashed with Nonku over several issues: her tardiness, lack of respect and disregard for following the dress code for her event, gave her side of the story. For the first time in the history of the show, the husbands were invited to the reunion too. Of course, Kwanele Kubheka's (aka Fafa) alleged infidelity became a huge talking point. But the guys rallied around her husband. Of course, MaBlerh left no stone unturned in getting all the juicy details. The first reunion episode touched on the whole Minnie and Londie beef. Angel, who was sporting a new smile having had some dental work done, wasn't co-signing on Minnie's bad behaviour. The bullying reached toxic levels. Londie wasn't Minnie's only victim, though. Precious Udoye, who was briefly brought in, found herself in the eye of Minnie's storm. Let's just say, Minnie was like a dog with a bone about the founder and CEO of Precious Brand Hair Couture not treating her staff right. Also, the two had history, and Precious's not recognising her was the final straw for Minnie. In one of the episodes, Angel broke down after receiving news of her mother being sick. She addressed the issue, still visibly emotional about it. In part two, the Joku split was addressed with Jojo naming the alleged instigator, Beverly Steyn ('The Real Housewives of Cape Town'). Beverly and Nonku bonded during the filming of 'The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip - SA'. In case you are wondering what was in the note that set Nonku off in Mauritius, it still remains a mystery. However, we now know that it is Minnie who did it and made the twins and Fafa complicit in the plans. Talk about a shit-stirrer and then some. If there is a next season, can the production team do better with its cast selection, especially in introducing a new villain?
News24
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
‘Where's the accountability?' - RHOD viewers react to latest reunion episode
The Real Housewives of Durban (RHOD) has captivated audiences with its unique blend of drama, luxury, and entertainment, making it the number one trending topic in South Africa for weeks on end. We've watched friendships form and fracture, witnessed jaw-dropping moments unfold. Since the Season 5 finale aired on June 13, 2025, one thing has become increasingly clear: fans want accountability. Showmax aired the reunion in two parts, the first one having aired on July 4, 2025, and the last one having aired today, July 11, 2025, bringing the viewers a surprise, revealing a previously unseen side of Minnie's behaviour that has left the avid viewers stunned. The reunion serves as a platform where cast members are expected to confront past conflicts and take ownership of their actions. However, with Nonku and Minnie absent, it seemed unlikely that all loose ends would be addressed, particularly the unresolved tension between Minnie and Londie London. In the episode, MaBlerh (the host) aired 'unseen' footage of Minnie and Londie during their Maldives trip. In the clip, Minnie is seen confronting and assaulting Londie London by repeatedly shoving her on her forehead while Londie composed herself, showing no intention of retaliating. The drama started when Londie allegedly disrespected Minnie's parents during an argument. Since then, Minnie has used this incident to justify her treatment of Londie. Many viewers, however, believe Minnie was targeting Londie from the start and is using the 'parent incident' as an excuse. Many have taken to social media, calling for accountability from all involved parties, while many commended Londie for her calmness during the assault. i am not even joking when i say Minnie deserves to lose everything after today's episode. Londie should SUE Minnie for everything penny that she has worked on her feet for. what a degenerate of a human being. #RHOD #RHODurban #RHODurbanS5 — uMaSimelane 🇵🇸 (@sibane_s) July 11, 2025 Londie has always been cordial with Minnie. It's clear nje that this girl baited Londie for a moment & now she can't face the music #RHODurbanS5 #RHOD — Zopio Dero (@KasiMait) July 11, 2025 My jaw was on the floor after seeing that unseen footage... Londie really showed restraint in that I'm appalled by this girl yho 🤮 #Londie #RHOD #RHODurbanS5 — Oksalayo (@Nonnie_c2) July 11, 2025 I'm disgusted @gagasifm I sincerely hope y'all take necessary actions pertaining this utter behaviour of your employee. #RHODurbanS5 #RHODurbanreunion #RHOD #rhodreunion #RHODS5 — A🫦 (@MarhleM) July 11, 2025 GagasiFM - Minnie's current workplace has also been called to action by many. Additionally, Minnie Ntuli has since deactivated all her social media accounts. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Showmax (@showmaxonline)
IOL News
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
MaBlerh spills the tea: Nonku's no-show and the Londie-Minnie beef in 'Real Housewives of Durban' season 5 reunion
MaBlerh hosts the season five reunion of "The Real Housewives of Durban", marking his third time in this role. Image: Supplied The most fulfilling interviews begin with an initial unfamiliarity, evolving into a connection akin to being besties for years by the end of the chat. Such was my interaction with a true Jack of all trades, MaBlerh (real name Mthokozisi Cele), when I called him to chat about the two-part reunion special of 'The Real Housewives of Durban' season five, the day before it dropped on Showmax. Part two will air on Friday, July 11. This is the third year in a row that he's been hosting the special, and he doesn't disappoint. He also hosted 'The Real Housewives of Gqeberha' and season three of 'The Real Housewives of Johannesburg'. Having been a die-hard fan of 'The Real Housewives' franchise, it was indeed a full-circle moment for him to become the go-to choice to host several reunion episodes. Of course, we kicked off with the elephant in the room - Nonku Williams being a no-show. With her holier-than-thou attitude, the entire season, where she picked fights with newcomers Kwanele Kubheka (aka Fafa) and Lo Sithole, viewers and co-stars alike were left gaping in shock by her tardiness and diva-like behaviour. The other cast members added to the dynamics include Ayanda Mthembu as well as Minenhle "Minnie" Ntuli and Precious Udoye, who are brought in as friends of friends but end up taking up a chunk of the screen time. MaBlerh shared: 'You know, like any other viewer, I love Nonku. I love the fact that Nonku asks the kind of questions that people are scared to ask. And, yes, it lands her in hot water, but we need that. She is the firestarter. 'For me, it was weird being at the reunion without Nonku. It was just that something was missing. It would have felt the same way if Sorisha (Naidoo) weren't there. Like, they are the OGs.' As someone who fearlessly asks the burning fan questions, I inquired if it threw a spanner in the works of him leaving no stone unturned in getting to the bottom of the drama. After a quick chuckle, he noted: 'Not really. For the first time, I feel like Nonku had wrapped up any of the drama that she had with the 'Housewives' within the season. 'The only thing I would have wanted to ask Nonku was what was in that letter that sent her over the rails like that.' When I mentioned that I was not sad to see the back of Nonku, MaBlerh quickly pointed out, 'You're going to miss her'. He qualified his statement by adding, 'She's the character that a lot of people love to hate. And she's a polarising figure.' But I held firm in my viewpoint even though he made a valid statement. After all, every reality show needs a villain to stir the pot. Nonku Williams, an OG in 'The Real Housewives of Durban', decided against attending the season five reunion and has bowed out of the franchise, too. Image: Supplied MaBlerh added: 'Let me tell you what the problem is with new villains, they don't know where the line is. Unfortunately, when you don't know where the line is, it's easy to actually piss off viewers rather than make them love you as a villain." And while Sorisha does orchestrate chaos on the show, she somehow comes out smelling like roses. Cough: Mabusi Seme in season four and Londie London this season. Moving swiftly along, I asked MaBlerh to weigh in on the additions to the cast. 'I really enjoyed Fafa this season, and let me tell you why. I feel that there is potential for her to grow, to be something we don't expect because there is a lot of personality there. But I think that she was still trying to establish herself. She's a dark horse. That's what I love.' He also sang the praises of Angel Ndela. 'With the Angel that we had last season and the Angel that we had this season, I'm seeing growth, and I love it. It's the same thing that I'm enjoying with Jojo (Robinson), every season we see Jojo evolving.' Hosting the reunion episodes of shows of this nature is not easy, as personalities clash and the atmosphere has a tendency to get quite tense. But MaBlerh is the epitome of calm, confident and supportive. He offers a balanced perspective when irrationality runs riot, making him akin to a reality show whisperer. On how he manages to stay so zen, he said: 'Get your pen and paper out and note this. I believe that God prepares you for certain things without you actually knowing what you are being prepared for. And that is how I was prepared for this. 'I grew up with my mom, and I've only got two siblings. Unfortunately, one passed away, the girl. She was in high school. And my brother, who is much older than me, moved out of the nest very quickly, leaving me in a house with all my female cousins, aunts, and all of these people. 'Even my helper had her granddaughter living with her as well. So in total, I was living with about five women at times. And I became the sounding board for them. That is how I learned how to navigate female drama.' MaBlerh pointed out that while many view the catfights as 'trivial, overdramatised and women overreacting', he learned 'that these are actual feelings and that they are valid because women tend to be more in tune with their emotional side'. He continued: 'I understood the thought process, and so I was able to understand, listen, ask the right questions and direct someone to their blind spot. I applied that to my female friends, and I found that it worked, and then I found myself on 'The Real Housewives of Durban'.' In case you are wondering, London is at the reunion. MaBlerh added: 'I still want to get to the bottom of how that Londie and Minnie thing escalated to what it is. I'm sure you can attest to this; it just went from zero to 100.' Another massive talking point this season was Nonku's close-knit friendship with Jojo hitting a few rocky patches, culminating in the BFFs unfollowing each other on social media shortly after the season aired. He joked: 'A friendship dies every season and a new one comes along.' That said, he did reveal that the Minnie and London saga, as well as the demise of 'Joku', will be unpacked in the second part of the reunion.
News24
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
‘It's a big job': MaBlerh returns to unpack RHOD feuds and viewer questions in S5 reunion
Radio and TV personality MaBlerh will return to host the Real Housewives of Durban reunion. Facing praise and critique from the previous season, he aimed to represent viewers' opinions, confront the cast, and provide closure. Highlights from the season five reunion included intense debates, unresolved storylines and reflection on the season's controversial new additions. KZN-born TV and radio personality Mthokozisi Cele, better known as MaBlerh, is making waves as the first African to host multiple Real Housewives franchise reunions. His accomplishments on the local front arguably rival those of US reality TV veteran and Real Housewives executive producer Andy Cohen. On Wednesday, streaming giant Showmax confirmed that MaBlerh would helm the Real Housewives of Durban (RHOD) Season 5 reunion once again. The two-part special, airing 4 and 11 July, will proceed without original cast member Nonku Williams and Season 5 newcomer Minnie Ntuli. According to Showmax, the reunion will spotlight lingering feuds and unresolved storylines following the season's dramatic conclusion during a tumultuous final dinner in Mauritius. 'I'm there to represent the viewers,' MaBlerh stated. 'I've seen the tweets, I've read the comments and concerns, and trust me, everything will be addressed. People have been asking the same questions week after week. I hear them, and I'm going to ask those same questions in that reunion chair.' Watch the reunion teaser trailer here: This marks MaBlerh's third time hosting the RHOD reunion. Reflecting on viewer feedback from his Season 4 appearance, he acknowledged the mix of praise and critique he received. While many applauded his efforts to hold cast members accountable, some accused him of favouritism. MaBlerh affirmed his commitment to fairness, accountability, and honest dialogue in addressing cast dynamics in preparation for the upcoming reunion. 'Everyone needs to be held accountable for what they've said and done so we can reach a real resolution. Accountability is key,' he said. This is not just about drama for the sake of entertainment. It's about honesty, clarity, and sometimes even healing. Despite mixed reactions to the new additions in RHOD Season 5, MaBlerh promised viewers that he would represent their perspectives. 'They have burning questions that need answers. Being back for the third time is an honour I don't take lightly. It's a big job that requires sensitivity because these ladies are opening up and sharing their lives with us. Some of the topics are deeply personal,' he said. In addition to his tenure with RHOD, MaBlerh has also hosted reunions for Real Housewives of Johannesburg Season 3 and Real Housewives of Gqeberha Season 1.
The South African
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
MaBlerh returns to host 'Real Housewives of Durban' reunion
MaBlerh will once again take the hot seat as host for The Real Housewives of Durban reunion. This marks his third consecutive year leading the much-anticipated event. Showmax confirmed his return, promising viewers answers to the season's most burning questions. The Season 5 finale, which aired on 13 June 2025, sent shockwaves across South Africa. The episode quickly became the top trending topic nationwide. Several cast members trended simultaneously, reflecting just how invested fans are in the show. The season ended with a dramatic dinner in Mauritius. The cast tried to resolve old wounds and new betrayals. Tension peaked when Nonku received an anonymous letter at the table, and she left abruptly, leaving fans in suspense, according to Showmax Stories. The letter's contents remain a mystery, sparking widespread speculation online. As the episode closed, emotions ran high, and viewers demanded answers. Showmax will air The Real Housewives of Durban reunion in two parts, on 4 July and 11 July 2025. The reunion promises fireworks as the cast comes face to face to confront unresolved issues. Long-standing feuds and unanswered questions will finally be addressed. MaBlerh is ready for the challenge. 'I am here to represent the viewers and get to the bottom of all the drama,' he says. 'The show has a lot of loyal viewers, and I intend to step in and represent all of their views. They have burning questions that need answers.' He is the first African to host multiple reunions within The Real Housewives franchise. His previous credits include The Real Housewives of Gqeberha S1 and The Real Housewives of Johannesburg S3. 'Being back for the third time is an honour I don't take lightly, it's a big job that requires sensitivity, because these ladies are opening up and sharing their lives with us. Some of the topics are deeply personal,' MaBlerh explains. Known for his calm approach and tough questions, MaBlerh has become the go-to host for South Africa's Real Housewives reunions. He promises not to hold back this year: 'This year, I'm making sure that no stone is left unturned. Everyone needs to be held accountable for what they've said and done, so we can reach a real resolution. Accountability is key. This is not just about drama for the sake of entertainment, it's about honesty, clarity, and sometimes even healing.' MaBlerh is also paying close attention to viewers' voices. 'I've seen the tweets, I've read the comments and concerns – and trust me, everything will be addressed. People have been asking the same questions week after week. I hear them. And I'm going to ask those same questions in that reunion chair,' he assures. With the promise of tough questions and real answers, fans can expect an unmissable reunion. The Real Housewives of Durban reunion will air exclusively on Showmax, with all eyes on MaBlerh to deliver the closure viewers crave. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
