Not just 'Lazy, rich housewives'! Louise Volschenk Reveals All
In just weeks since its premiere, The Mommy Club: Van Die Hoofstad has become the most-watched Afrikaans show on Showmax since the platform's relaunch, officially surpassing the previous hit, Trompoppie.
In an exclusive interview, the beautiful Louise Volschenk opened up about her journey on The Mommy Club: Van Die Hoofstad and what fans can expect.
The cast includes Ansu Viljoen, Crystal Van Der Burgh, Johandri Johnson, Tessa Tullues, and fan-favourite firecracker Volschenk, each bringing her unique flair, story, and drama to the table.
Picture: Showmax
'Motherhood is about more than just routines and responsibilities; it's about embracing the joy, humour, and every little moment in between,' says Volschenk.
'When the opportunity came along, I saw it as the perfect chance to share my story as a mom, wife, and businesswoman in a real and relatable way.'
She promises laughs, emotion, and plenty of fashion moments — but warns that living the show is nothing like watching it.
'You feel every emotion – the laughter, the chaos, the challenges. Things aren't always as glamorous behind the scenes!'
Glamour meets grit
While the moms live lives filled with sparkle and sophistication, their day-to-day is anything but easy. Volschenk, a proud entrepreneur and hands-on mom, speaks candidly about the importance of balance.
'You can't pour from an empty cup,' she reflects.
'Taking time for myself isn't selfish – it's essential. And of course, I've learned that a little humour can get you through almost anything!'
Despite the demanding schedule of the show and her personal commitments, she says planning and time management have become her superpowers.
ALSO READ: 'I was never a pushover or an instigator': Johandri Johnson on her 'Mommy Club: Van Die Hoofstad' journey
Friendships, friction, and real talk
With strong personalities comes inevitable tension, but Volschenk has her own approach to conflict.
'Laughter is my first weapon. When that fails, I go for open, honest conversations. Not every battle is worth fighting.'
She feels especially close to fellow cast member Tullues, bonding over their shared love for wine, comfort food, and the art of the hustle.
'She's my kind of person – strong, grounded, and always ready for a good time.'
ALSO READ: Get to know Zoalize Jansen van Rensburg, representing Mzansi at Miss World competitions
Critics, trolls, and taking a stand
Though the public has shown immense support, Volschenk admits the show's reception hasn't been all smooth sailing.
'Some Afrikaans women have criticised us, calling us lazy, rich housewives, which couldn't be further from the truth.'
'I've built a business from the ground up while raising my kids and running a household – no nannies, no shortcuts. If that's lazy, I'd hate to see what hard work looks like!'
She hopes the show will challenge these stereotypes and showcase the strength behind the glitz.
ALSO READ: Kefilwe Mabote burns her pricey Christian Dior tote to 'cut spiritual ties'
Breaking records and raising eyebrows
The Mommy Club: Van Die Hoofstad, a Showmax Original directed by Pascual Wakefield (Beaulah: Queens Van Die Kaap), isn't just making headlines – it's rewriting them.
The reality series follows five dynamic Afrikaans mothers juggling motherhood, status, and ambition in Pretoria.
Among the standout personalities is Johnson, a 33-year-old wife, full-time mother, and multi-title Bikini Fitness champion.
Have you watched The Mommy Club: Van Die Hoofstad yet?
Who do you relate to most – and why?
NOW READ: Diddy's ex Cassie to face intense defense questioning
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
SA Literary Awards extend submission date, calls for more submissions in indigenous languages
The extension is to give authors and nominators who may not have been aware or failed to beat the first deadline another chance to submit. Despite a fair rate of submissions from English and Afrikaans literature, the South African Literary Awards (Sala) have extended the submission date, encouraging work in indigenous languages to be submitted. 'It has been our experience in the past years that we attract small numbers of work written in indigenous languages than in Afrikaans and English,' Sala executive director, Morakabe Raks Seakhoa tells The Citizen. The original submission date was 8 May, and authors have been given until 9 June to submit their works so they can be recognised for this year's edition of the awards. Seakhoa says the extension is to give authors and nominators who may not have been aware or failed to beat the first deadline another chance to submit. Founded by the wRite associates, in partnership with the then national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) in 2005, the main aim of Sala is to pay tribute to South African writers who have distinguished themselves as groundbreaking producers and creators of literature. Sala celebrates literary excellence in the depiction and sharing of South Africa's histories, value systems, and philosophies, as well as art inscribed and preserved in all the languages of South Africa, particularly the official languages. ALSO READ: South African literature celebrated at 19th Literary Awards Indigenous work Seakhoa says there may be various reasons why authors of indigenous works haven't submitted their work for consideration at this year's awards. 'The reasons may be many,' he says as he shares some insight. 'Inadequate resourcing of writing in these languages; the misguided notion among some writers that their work stands a better chance of reaching wider markets,' shares the Executive Director. This year marks 20 years of Sala. 'We are planning a special occasion for Sala when [it] celebrates 20 years, as that'll be marking a coming of age for this prestigious Awards scheme. For this year, considerations are being entertained, including increasing the number of Lifetime Achievement Literary Award category celebrants.' The ceremony is expected to be held in November this year. ALSO READ: A spy's story – David Africa's book 'Lives On The Line' thrills Sala's 20-year journey When the literary awards were established, there was only one award, the South African National Poet Laureate Prize. Sala now has 16 categories, which range from the Children's Literature Award to the Nadine Gordimer Short Story Award. According to Seakhoa, some of the most hotly contested categories are the Regional and National Poets Laureate Prize, followed by the Novel, First-time Published Author and Creative Non-Fiction Literary categories. 'There have been a number of calls to include, expand, realign, reconfigure and rename other categories, so these will certainly be considered for the coming years, as well as working very hard to attract more financial support to increase awardees' cash prizes,' shares Seakhoa. The cash prizes for all categories are R30 000, except for the National and Regional Poets Laureate, who receive R100 000 and R50 000 respectively. Last year's Sala coincided with the 12th Africa Century International African Writers Conference, which celebrates the 33rd International African Writers' Day and 30 years of South Africa's democracy. In 1991, the Conference of African Ministers of Education and Culture in Cotonou, Benin, voted to designate November 7th as International African Writers' Day, which is currently observed across the continent. NOW READ: 'It cannot carry on as things have been' – Gayton McKenzie as he cuts funding for Downtown Music Hub
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
See you later, Nonku! Why her exit from 'The Real Housewives of Durban' is a cause for celebration
Nonku Williams foot-in-mouth syndrome is on another level in season five of 'The Real Housewives of Durban'. Image: Supplied Earlier this week, Nonku Williams surprised fans when she announced that she was leaving 'The Real Housewives of Durban' franchise. Not just that, she revealed that she was not attending the season five reunion episodes. Now, if you have been following the reality show, you know that it is customary to wrap with those reflection two-part episodes, where people are not just called out for their behaviour, but they have to account for their actions. So when I stumbled across Nonku's social media post, I laughed. Don't get me wrong, I'm not being dismissive of any mental health struggles. Not in the least. I just thought, "What a load of malarkey". Nonku joined in episode one. I still remember it as if it were yesterday - not for flattering reasons, mind you. Harbouring resentment, she targeted Ayanda Ncwane during Sorisha Naidoo's party with a pointed remark, indicating a lingering issue. The reason came to light. Ayanda married Sifiso Ncwane after his relationship with Nonku ended. The two share a child. Nonku intentionally created an awkward atmosphere at the event, fuelled by her personal conflict. Back to season five, Nonku went to great pains to remind newcomers, especially Lo Sithole, that she's the OG. Throughout this season, she's been at the epicentre of the drama. Her foot-in-mouth syndrome even left me taken aback. She body-shamed women. She put her BFF Jojo Robinson in a very difficult position (although the signs of friendship being over were on the wall for a very long time) several times on the show. She then had the audacity to feign victimhood, all while persistently engaging in this absurd, religiously fuelled game of one-upmanship with Lo. Honestly, Nonku was a mess, looked a mess, and behaved badly. There was no redemption in her reign of rudeness and entitlement. In her Instagram post, she wrote: 'The woman I see isn't someone I recognise or respect. I've played a role in shaping this narrative, but I'm also a product of the show's dynamics. The relentless pursuit of drama, the pitting of women against each other, the gossip and the put-downs - it's a toxic cycle that wears me down.' Again, what a joke, when she was the prime instigator in many instances. I'm glad to see the back of Nonku - and her hypocrisy. She can live out her 'Nonku Williams International' dreams elsewhere. While Showmax has yet to respond to Nonku's announcement, I'm waiting with my popcorn to see how she's going to deal with a breach of contract lawsuit for being a no-show at the reunion episodes.
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
Reel tribute: celebrating Presley Chweneyagae's Oscar-winning legacy with special screenings
DStv and Showmax have organised special screenings of his most notable works, including the film that catapulted him to stardom, " Tsotsi ". Chweneyagae died of natural causes on May 27. The South African entertainment industry recently lost one of the country's most iconic talents: Presley Chweneyagae . In the week following his death, two memorial services were held to celebrate Chweneyagae's life and career, giving friends, family and fans a space to honour the legacy of the versatile actor. His contribution to the arts has left an indelible mark, with "Tsotsi" standing as a notable highlight. This film, directed by Gavin Hood and based on Athol Fugard's acclaimed novel, follows the journey of a young boy navigating the harsh realities of life in Johannesburg's townships. "Tsotsi" tells the poignant story of a car thief who finds a baby in the stolen vehicle, forcing him to confront his own life choices. The film not only gained critical acclaim but also earned Chweneyagae an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. "Tsotsi" stars Chweneyagae alongside Terry Pheto, Kenneth Nkosi, Jerry Mofokeng and Rapulana Seiphemo. The film began its Oscar journey with victories at the Edinburgh Film Festival and the People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival, culminating in a heartwarming moment at the 2006 Oscars when Will Smith presented the Best Foreign Language Film award to a visibly emotional Gavin Hood.
