14-07-2025
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
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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.
