Meet The Real Housewives of Durban Cast

When the Real Housewives franchise started long ago in 2005, not many anticipated that a time would come when it would be the turn of South Africans to showcase the wealth and luxury prevalent in the everyday lives of wealthy hardworking women. When The Real Housewives of Durban premiered, it became the 24th installment of the show worldwide and the second in South Africa after the Real Housewives of Johannesburg which began earlier in 2018.

The Durban installment garnered a lot of excitement, especially because the Real Housewives of Johannesburg unleashed rounds of drama that fans had not gotten over before it was canceled. True to form, The Real Housewives of Durban was everything its eager fans expected and more. Although the first installment only had a cast of six women, there is no doubt they had everything needed to keep fans of the show at the edges of their seats.

These Are The Cast Members Of The Real Housewives Of Durban

In no particular order, these are the women who entertained viewers of the Real Housewives of Durban in season 1:

Ayanda Ncwane

  • Birthday: 12 August; Year of birth Is unknown
  • Cast Type: Main
  • Number of Episodes: 12
  • Husband: Late Sifiso Ncwane
  • Duration of Marriage: N/A
  • Number of Children: 2
  • Career Hat(s): Actress, music manager

Popular as the widow of late South Africa gospel singer Sfiso Ncwane, Ayanda Ncwane is no newbie to the spotlight. Remarkably known for her impeccable fashion sense and the ability to look absolutely elegant at all times, there is no doubt that Ayanda is a perfect Housewife. Besides being known as Sfiso’s widow, Ayanda has made giant strides of her own in business and all things music.

She is the CEO of Ncwane Communications and Sfiso Ncwane Productions, outfits which she established alongside her husband. She is also a manager, an effort that began with her husband and has grown since his demise. Ayanda has also dabbled into acting with appearances in Generations the soapie and others. At home, the fashionista is a mother of two boys who she shares with her late husband.

Her persona on the show is reserved, not fast to speak, not prone to a lot of drama, but also tribalistic with a superiority complex, and is not hesitant to set anyone straight when they step on her toe. She received a lot of support because of the presence of Nonku Williams, the woman her late husband had a child with. It would eventually amount to a whole lot of unwarranted drama when Nonku and her family brought up issues from Ayanda’s personal life on TV and made her cry. As expected, she got a whole lot of support and the incident almost wiped out the criticisms she received for some of her mean comments about the other housewives.

Mantra:

“Music is the business and I am its boss”.

Sorisha Naidoo

  • Age: 47
  • Cast Type: Main
  • Number of Episodes: 12
  • Husband: Vivian Reddy
  • Duration of Marriage: N/A
  • Number of Children: 2
  • Career Hat(s): Actress, radio presenter, beauty queen

Sorisha - Real Housewives of Durban

Sorisha is the first housewife we get introduced to on the Real Housewives of Durban as the narrator of the first episode. The reason for that is not far-fetched, the beauty is an Indian who has lived in Durban for over 10 years. She is married to the very wealthy Vivian Reddy with whom she shares two children.

Amongst many other things, Sorisha is referred to as the Beyonce of the group, most likely because she seems to be the wealthiest and has the finest house of all the housewives. Sorisha is intentional about her looks and as such, she is all about fitness and wellness. Although she is a businesswoman importing and exporting wellness products, it’s easy to see that work is an extracurricular activity for her.

In all, Sorisha’s character is the glue that often brings all of the other ladies together. She is laid back, neutral, logical, and not quick to take sides when the drama begins. Her luxurious life is certainly reality TV material to the core.

Mantra:

”I have a billion reasons to smile, my family and fairies are some of them”.

Kgomotso Ndungane

  • Age: Unconfirmed but likely in her mid-30s
  • Cast Type: Main
  • Number of Episodes: 12
  • Husband: Odwa Ndungane
  • Duration of Marriage: 9 Years
  • Number of Children: 2
  • Career Hat(s): Businesswoman, beauty consultant

Kgomotso Ndungane is the real WAG of the show because she is married to former Sharks and Springbok rugby player Odwa Ndungane and they live in Wildermere with their two kids. Don’t let that fool you though, she is far from just an ordinary housewife. Like most of the other ladies on this list, she is a very dedicated businesswoman with legit money-making ventures to her name.

First among the many things that keep her busy is Oak Celebrations, a three-tier event creation, equipment hire, and floral decor company she founded. Following the massive setback that Covid-19 restrictions had on businesses, Kgomotso re-invented her business front with the launch of a luxury personal care brand which she aptly named LeLaPa Brand. As expected, the brand received the necessary exposure on the show. Testament to her hard work, Khomotsho was nominated for the Emerging Entrepreneur of the year award.

Her personality as a housewife is that of a genuinely happy and dutiful wife and a doting mother, never holding back when it comes to family. The malicious streak that is typical with housewives is certainly not the case with Kgomotso, she always has good cheer to go around. Although her wealth status is nowhere near Sorisha’s level, she has a beautiful and decent house which was a bit of a letdown, considering that the show opened to Sorisha’s opulent home.

Mantra:

”I’ve spent my life learning the game and I know just how to play it”.

Nonkanyiso Conco

  • Age: 32
  • Cast Type: Main
  • Number of Episodes: 12
  • Husband: Formerly engaged to Jacob Zuma
  • Duration of Marriage: N/A
  • Number of Children: 1
  • Career Hat(s): Radio presenter, reporter

If there was a scandal magnet on the show, it would be Nonkanyiso Conco who was formerly engaged to Jacob Zuma, a past president of South Africa. The young lady who many referred to as Zuma’s best-kept secret was in a clandestine affair with the politician until it came to light in 2018 that the two were having a child together. As expected, she got the harsh end of the stick with criticisms raining down from all angles, including from Zuma’s existing four wives and many children.

To her credit, Laconco handled it all like a boss and bid her time on airing her opinions about herself and her actions until the opportunity came to join the Real Housewives of Durban. In her opinion, she joined the show to give South Africans a glimpse of who she really is outside of the gold digger image the media labeled her.

Her character on the show is the typical Zulu woman with the superiority complex marker. She has been classified as a mean streak with class and the money to pull it off anytime. She ended up pissing a lot of fans off with her secrecy about what went down with Jacob Zuma. Moreso their 53-year age gap gives her the perfect Housewife outlook. Career-wise, Nonkanyiso Conco is just as much of a businesswoman as the other housewives. She owns a luxury skincare range named Laconco Naturals. She is also a radio presenter with Vuma FM and is well involved in mentoring young people with the Nomkhubulwane Culture and Youth Development organization.

Mantra:

”I never stumble, distinctive is the centerpiece of my table”.

Anne-Tonni Lodick Mthembu

  • Age: Unconfirmed but likely in her early-30s
  • Cast Type: Main
  • Number of Episodes: 12
  • Husband: Kgolo Mthembu
  • Duration of Marriage: NA
  • Number of Children: 2
  • Career Hat(s): Event Producer, Beauty Studio Manager Owner

One word particularly pops to mind that totally captures the personality of Anne-Tonni Lodick Mthembu on the show, and that is bubbly. She is the youngest housewife on the show, but you would not know that from how hard she works. She is married to the South African businessman and creative director at Kgolo Daguru Experiential, Kgolo Mthembu. The two were longtime partners but eventually got married in a lavish ceremony at La Paris Estate, in the Cape Winelands. She is also a mother of two kids who they had years before they officially tied the knot.

If there is one thing fans of the show agree on, it’s that Annie is not lazy. She is a choreographer/dancer, runs a saloon, and co-owns a few nightclubs in Durban with her husband. Even though her life does not necessarily scream luxury, there is no doubt that she is doing well for herself in business. Between that and her husband’s ever-expanding business interests, Annie has a cozy life.

Her character on the show is one that prides herself on her husband’s achievements. She seemed to have no spunk at first and would often shy away from actually saying what she thinks about the other housewives except in her diary sessions. She would soon go from a flip-floppy character to creating the most irrelevant drama. By the reunion, however, Annie’s carefree nature and not so confrontational attitude was fully transformed and her opinions were more definite.

Mantra:

”I’ve choreographed my life perfectly…it’s Mrs ambitious to you”.

Nonku Williams

  • Age: 44
  • Cast Type: Main
  • Number of Episodes: 12
  • Husband: NA
  • Duration of Marriage: 5 Years
  • Number of Children: 3
  • Career Hat(s): Blogger, money manager, founder of Ashes to Beauty Winery

Nonku Williams is a divorced mother of three, a business mogul, and the founder of Beauty to Ashes Winery. She also has interests in construction even though there is no clear scope of the stakes she has in it. Nonku first shot to fame after her affair with late gospel singer Sfiso Ncwane who was the husband of fellow housewife Ayanda Ncwane. From this alone, fans of the show expected fireworks and they were not disappointed. What’s more…she is an ordained pastor.

Her character on the Real Housewives of Durban is that of the ultimate drama queen who speaks her mind and does not mind who gets offended by what she has to say. Her energy is real and she never backs down from a challenge. Being the ultimate feather-ruffler, her character received a healthy dose of love and animosity without which the entire cast could pass for another soapie. There’s been a unanimous agreement that the producers of the show nailed whatever they had in mind when they brought her on board.

Mantra:

”In a world full of choices, I know I am enough”.

Mabusi Seme

  • Age: N/A
  • Cast Type: Friend of The Housewives
  • Number of Episodes: N/A
  • Husband: N/A
  • Duration of Marriage: N/A
  • Number of Children: N/A
  • Career Hat(s): Businesswoman and founder of KaSeme Holdings (Pty) Ltd

She may not have been a part of the original cast of the Real Housewives of Durban, but Mabusi has a presence one cannot just ignore. Since she joined the show, she has become a fan favorite and is gathering followership fast. Mabusi was introduced to fans as a good friend of Nonku Williams who did not get along with the rest of the housewives. She was often subject to cruel jokes and mockery with no one to defend her, not even Nonku.

Her character on the show was enduring and non-problematic. She was the butt of many jokes, was not often invited to events, was denied gifts, and generally treated like a pushover, but that did not deter her one bit. All the bad treatments changed by episode 11 when she eventually found her voice and stood up for herself against all of the uncomfortable situations she has been through and put the ladies in their places.

There isn’t much background info to go on concerning whether or not she is married and whether she has children, but she is well-diversified on the business front. Mabusi owns a real estate company named KaSeme Holdings, a luxury hair and beauty shop, a fashion and jewelry line, alongside a female wellness line of products. From all of the above, Mabusi is living her best life and raking in big cash.

Zanele Mbokazi

  • Age: N/A
  • Cast Type: Guest
  • Husband: Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule
  • Duration of Marriage: 10 Years
  • Number of Children: 2
  • Career Hat(s): Strategist, turnaround coach & public speaker

Zanele Mbokazi came on to The Real Housewives of Durban as Sorisha’s guest the night she hosted a night out for the girls at a casino. Although her time on the show was short, the palpable tension and hostility between her and Ayanda Ncwane had fans wondering what has got the two powerful women on edge.

Zanele is the wife of gospel minister Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule who she shares two kids with. Years back in 2014, reports came up about an altercation between Ayanda and Zanele and allegations that Sfiso was boycotting Zanele’s Gospel Crown Awards. Both women had quickly released statements saying all was well. This is probably why many were surprised at the cold reception the two gave each other. But being ladies of class, the fireworks many expected did not go off.

Who To Expect On Real Housewives of Durban Season 2 Cast

After all said and done, Real Housewives of Durban Season 1 was a massive success and has changed a whole lot of perceptions. While there have been no official announcements about a second season, the drama that took place at the reunion has fans itching for more. There is no certainty who will be coming back but fans do have certain expectations and opinions.

First on the list of people fans are looking forward to for season two, is Mabusi Seme. Her perseverance through all of the bullying she received endeared her to fans, but her ability to eventually set her detractors straight had fans readying themselves to see her as part of the main cast in season two.

Following closely on her heels is Nonku Williams. It’s a given fact that Nonku’s penchant for ruffling feathers, creating drama, calling people out on their bullshit, and generally having a good time, cannot be so easily dismissed on a reality show.

For Sorisha, reactions are mixed. She played her role of uniting the girls very well and hardly took sides. She is often calming situations and keeping the girls logical and straight, thus, many are looking forward to seeing her and her beautiful house in season two.

For Ayanda, many fans of the show expressed feelings of disappointment about some of the characters she showcased, considering how well-loved and popular she is as a minister and the widow of the beloved Sfiso Ncwane. From her superiority complex to the tribalistic statements she made, to her disrespect of the other housewives, especially as regards her inability to keep to time or a dress code, Ayanda definitely has fewer fans than she went on the show with. She received a whole lot of criticisms, but the anger towards her thawed when Nonku and her mother ambushed her at the reunion with family info that had no place on TV. This, notwithstanding, not many are eager to see her return for season two but some others are holding out hope that she will be given the opportunity to redeem her public image from the gutters it has been dragged through.

Annie started out with a lot of fire, good humor, and a carefree nature but as the season progressed, she transitioned into a mean girl alongside Kgomotso which gave her very bad press. In the end, many are interested in seeing what she will bring to season two.

Speculations are rife that Laconco got more than she bargained for on the RHOD, especially because she was often shying away from the one thing that helped her rise to fame which is her relationship with Jacob Zuma. This is made worse by the fact that her diary sessions were spent talking down the other housewives without any remorse. In the end, fans would prefer her to be nicer and open if she is coming back for season two.

Kgomotso Ndungane Is Not Coming Back For Season Two

Kgomotso Ndugane did not attend the reunion episodes despite how much her fans wanted to see her there. She first explained it away by saying she had a family emergency that needed her full attention at the time. However, when pressed further, she revealed that she would not be coming back on the show. In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, she further explained that when she was approached to be on the show, she knew it was not her kind of thing, so her goal had always been to do one season only and move on to other things. She had hoped that one season was enough to give her the exposure she wanted for her business.

Moreso, she says the production storyline had a narrative and certain societal issues that it tried to communicate to the viewers which she had to adhere to but this made her look like a confrontational mean girl. This, she insists, is very far from her actual persona. She also pointed out that Ayanda and Laconco’s tribalistic comments were very derogatory and had hurt her feelings deeply.

She concluded by saying it was a great experience to be part of the show, meeting all the ladies and the production team as a whole.

Possible New Additions For Season Two

Gugu Khathi

  • Birthday: 25th October; year of birth is unknown
  • Husband: Mthokozi Khathi aka DJ Tira
  • Duration of Marriage: 5 Years
  • Number of Children: 3
  • Career Hat(s): Businesswoman & Motivational Speaker

At the height of the drama that went down on the first season of The Real Housewives of Durban, rumors came up that DJ Tira’s wife Gugu will be joining the show. After the speculation of her involvement in the assault incident that happened with Christall Kay of the Real Housewives of Johannesburg, it was certain Gugu was a drama magnet that would be a perfect fit for the show.

However, as soon as the speculations came up, the producers of the show were quick to set the record straight. They released a statement saying that they would not be bringing her onto the show as they had already concluded filming for the first season. But her fans have their fingers crossed that she would be cast in the second season.

When Did The Real Housewives of Durban Debut?

At the time the installment was announced, the reality show was scheduled to air on M-Net’s 1Magic but following the amount of anticipation from fans, it was later announced that some changes were made. The announcement stated that RHOD will air first and exclusively on Showmax on 29 January 2021 with subsequent episodes to follow every Friday.

By this, RHOD became a well-deserved replacement for Babes Wodumo and Mampintsha’s traditional and white weddings, Uthando Lodumo. Although the show about Babes and Mampintsha was equally much anticipated and is a Showmax original, the restrictions of Covid-19 constituted a very long delay that warranted the replacement.

Spoiler Alert!

Irrespective of the fact that the Franchise and ultimately the show, is named Real Housewives, it is important to note that not all of the ladies cast on the show are actual housewives. Their current marital status notwithstanding, it is noteworthy that the women of RHOD have met more important criteria which the show cannot do without, hence the term housewives is used loosely.

Among some of the other qualities which the Real Housewives franchise cannot do without are good looks, especially as regards what they wear and how they wear it. Other ingredients are drama – particularly the ability to give an offending party a piece of your mind and most importantly, money, plenty of it, and the will to spend it on a good life.

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Romeo Ndlovu
Romeo Ndlovu
Romeo's secret talent is taking the ordinary and making it extraordinary content. At work, he is thinking about how best to provide the most unique, original content that provides utmost satisfaction to the user. Away from work, he is a football addict who loves to catch up on his favorite pastimes

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