Latest news with #MakotoPhumodi
News24
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Religious passion and personality collide for Married At First Sight Mzansi's Nkululeko and Makoto
Episode two of Married At First Sight Mzansi Season 2 saw sparks fly and tensions rise as four more strangers said, 'I do'. While the fiery pairing of Nkululeko and Makoto showcased the challenges of compromise in a marriage, Tshepo and Palesa's heartfelt bond offered a hopeful contrast. Drama-fuelled moments, bold personalities, and touching support systems made this episode a whirlwind of emotions. The second episode of Married At First Sight Mzansi Season 2 delivered the drama, surprises, and blush-inducing first kisses we've come to expect from the entertaining social experiment. This week, four more strangers entered matrimony, and while some sparks flew, others fizzled under the weight of clashing religious views. The relationship experts paired Nkululeko Mahlangu, a 32-year-old logistics business owner, with Makoto Phumodi, a 32-year-old actor. Meanwhile, Tshepo Miya, a 37-year-old IT specialist, wed Palesa Mphaki, a 33-year-old credit control supervisor. The matches seemed promising on paper, but as the episode unfolded, it became clear that the reality of getting to know each other would dictate the real test of these unions. Nkululeko and Makoto: A battle of wills climate proof your skin Nkululeko and Makoto's pairing raised eyebrows from the get-go, leading fans to compare them to season 1's ill-fated couple, Zithobile and Thami. Makoto, a bubbly and outspoken actor, found herself face-to-face with a man who, as expert Dr Mpume Zenda pointed out, is dogmatic in his approach to relationships. The self-proclaimed leader wasted no time setting the tone: He expected Makoto to submit, compromise, and essentially mould herself to fit his vision of a wife without endeavouring to do the same in his capacity as her husband. Their wedding was a mix of sweet moments, such as Makoto's adorable son, Duma, cheering her on and cringeworthy missteps like Nkululeko barely looking at her while reading his vows. READ | Nelisa and Themba emerge as early fan favourites on Married At First Sight Mzansi season 2 But the real tension between them came during their post-wedding-ceremony chat. Nkululeko (who says he has faced a lifetime of comparisons to Chris Brown) praised Makoto for being humble, then immediately asked if she could actively display this quality for the sake of their marriage. She rightfully pushed back, and her refusal to play pretend was labelled as stubbornness by some viewers, but others applauded her honesty. And then there was the kiss. After declaring they should wait two months before being intimate during the male contestants' group bachelor party, Nkululeko was suddenly all over Makoto as soon as the officiant said he could kiss his bride. Tshepo and Palesa offer a glimmer of hope X, Mzansi Magic X, Mzansi Magic In stark contrast, Tshepo and Palesa's wedding had a quieter, more promising energy. Their vows were heartfelt, their kiss lingered, and their conversation flowed naturally. One standout moment came when Palesa's pastor, unlike so many before him, didn't pressure her into accepting 'struggle love' as he gave her a pep talk to calm her pre-wedding jitters. Instead, he offered reassurance, reminding her that her support system would be there for her no matter the outcome of the union. Speaking of support systems… This episode wasn't short on star power. Between Sandile GQ in Makoto's corner, Summary, the comedian in attendance, and Palesa's wedding guest Nkateko, who has a reality TV past, the guest list had viewers side-eyeing the casting process this season. With all couples now officially matched, the season is truly under way.
News24
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Fresh faces, familiar stakes: Married At First Sight Mzansi S2 embraces SA traditions
Married At First Sight Mzansi S2 incorporates distinct local customs, including lobola negotiations and family approval processes across 11 official languages. Eight new singles, including credit analyst Nelisa Ntabeni, actor Makoto Phumodi, and finance professional Themba Khosa, will marry strangers chosen by an expert panel. Following season one's low success rate, producers applied significant lessons with enhanced casting processes, including psychometric assessments. The countdown has officially begun for the debut of Married At First Sight Mzansi season 2, premiering Sunday, 6 July, on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) and Showmax. Season one featured couples Thami Nyandeni and Zithobile Sibaya, Thabang Mvuyane and Makhumo Ngobeni, Sebenzile Ngwenya and Boitshepo Mashetla, and Khutso Mokoena and Litsoanelo Seturumane. Unfortunately, only one couple remains together from the four—Thabang and Makhumo. A panel of experts matches the couples using analysis applications to determine compatibility. Returning from last season is gynaecologist and sexologist Dr Mpume Zenda, who will be joined by new faces: marriage and relationship coach Linda Yende, conflict resolution expert Khanyi Yende, and counsellor and author Thabang Mashego. Pastor Xolani Hlitana will serve as marriage officiator and counsellor. The Brides: • Nelisa Ntabeni (39) - Credit Analyst • Makoto Phumodi (32) - Full-Time Actress • Portia Baloyi (34) - Flight Attendant • Palesa Mphaki (33) - Credit Control Supervisor The Grooms: • Themba Khosa (38) - Finance and DJ • Tshepo Miya (37) - Senior IT Specialist • Nkululeko Mahlangu (32) - Logistics business owner • Bongani Luvalo (36) - Entrepreneur Connect Channel CEO Kopano Cowen previously revealed to News24 that the new season has been reimagined for local audiences by incorporating distinctly SA marriage customs and family dynamics. Beyond adapting an international format, the production team has woven in cultural elements like lobola negotiations and family approval, reflecting South Africa's diverse heritage across 11 official languages. Cowen emphasised that they had significant creative lessons from the first season, providing a much stronger foundation. 'Married at First Sight is a format which has been produced all over the world, and we wanted to make sure we stayed true to its core format pillars while also including elements that are uniquely South African. We know that South Africans don't marry people; we marry families, and the process always starts with the man sending a letter to the woman's family declaring his intention to pay lobola. If the woman's family does not respond favourably, the marriage might be dead in the water. This is the extent to which our successful nuptials depend on family buy-in and acceptance.' 'Casting for a show like Married at First Sight Mzansi requires a nuanced approach because one wants to ensure our participants are diverse, mature, and engaging. Our process included all the relevant background checks, psychometric assessments, health screenings and compatibility interviews because we seek to make sure each applicant doesn't have any red flags where criminal records, etc, are concerned.' 'In season 2, we knew that we wanted to bring some of these stakes into the show by creating more opportunities for families to express how they felt at the actual weddings and before. We wanted to remind the viewer of their own authentic experience with marriage, allowing lots of space for resonance.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Connect Channel (@connect_tv) 'Of course, the viewer can expect many twists and turns on the show; the stakes are high, and the participants are agreeing to be part of something totally unconventional. Romantic relationships are complicated enough without cameras in one's face every day, and this is what creates the tension and conflict that underscores most dating and relationship reality formats.'
