Latest news with #PalesaMphaki
News24
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News24
‘It all started off-camera': Makoto explains the real reason for her clash with Tshepo
The second season of Married at First Sight South Africa (MAFS Mzansi) has kept viewers glued to their screens, with explosive drama, heated confrontations, and unexpected friendships unfolding weekly. While the show's focus is on the turbulent marriages, one of the most heartwarming subplots has been the blossoming friendship between co-stars Palesa Mphaki and Makoto Phumodi, two women who found solace in each other amid the chaos of the social experiment. When asked about why she went through with marrying a stranger on national TV, she said: 'I decided to take part in Married at First Sight Season 2 because I wanted to try something different. I wanted to look for love in an unconventional way. I mentally prepared myself to get married to a stranger by simply being open to the unknown; that is all you can do, there is no manual to this experiment.' Noting how she felt when she saw him for the first time, moments before saying, 'I do,' she said: 'When I first saw him, I was like, 'I've seen this face before'. We had seen each other in the past, and that was really interesting to me because I did not know what to expect.' Though she mentioned recognising his friends in her diary session during their wedding in episode 2, by episode 7, we find out that Nkululeko Mahlangu had dated Makoto's former best friend when he was younger. Both Palesa and Makoto entered their marriages with hope, but reality quickly set in for each of them. The experts paired Palesa with Tshepo Miya, while Makoto married Nkululeko Mahlangu, and the latter found themselves in a rocky relationship almost immediately. Makoto's wedding night disagreement with Nkululeko set the tone for their union, while Palesa and Tshepo's clashes intensified as the season progressed. 'The fight we had on our wedding night started when he said I must leave my church and go serve at his church, so by the time he started being hyper-religious on screen, I was already upset,' says Makoto, sharing insight into the on-screen fight viewers saw between them. 'The Bible says that a man must provide and a woman must submit, right? Imagine being asked if you're willing to submit, but you don't even know if the guy is willing to provide emotionally, financially, mentally, or physically, so I was taken aback by that. But as you have seen, we moved past that.' However, the peace the couple found was short-lived, and by the midway point, tensions reached a boiling point when Makoto discovered that Tshepo had been badmouthing her behind her back. This information made its way back to Makoto just as Palesa and Tshepo found themselves arguing over suspicions of infidelity. Their mild-mannered confrontation in episode 7 whet viewers' appetites, and a preview for episode 8 hints at another heated exchange during the couple's retreat. Although Nkululeko was the one who told Makoto what Tshepo had said about her, he did an about-turn when sitting across the table from Tshepo, when he claimed that he did not remember exactly how their conversation went. 'My husband confided in Tshepo a lot. Our argument happened off camera when Tshepo said I shouldn't be asking my husband about his whereabouts, 'Monna ha a botswe o tswa kae'. He was basically saying Nkululeko can do whatever he wants, whenever he wants, and I shouldn't ask anything. When I reacted to that comment, he called me disrespectful,' she told Showmax, tracing their feud back to its roots. Nkululeko's assertion ignited another fight between the newlyweds that led back to their underlying intimacy problem. 'Intimacy is important to me. If we can't connect emotionally, it won't work. My husband didn't believe in foreplay or kissing when we first met, so those are the things we had to learn about each other and overcome.' 'Palesa is my girl' Although Palesa and Tshepo are feuding, she gets along quite well with his wife. In her Showmax Q&A, Makoto opened up about her friendship with Palesa, saying: 'Besides my husband, Palesa is my girl. We've built a beautiful relationship outside of the show. We talk on the phone almost every day.' @_palesahm 'A girls girl'🥺❤️I beyond greatful to have met someone who just gets me like @Makoto does! 💕 Mokgotsi, I know our paths just crossed but it feels like we've known each other for years. This journey would have been beyond difficult had you not been there. Thank you for holding my hand. The vibes were instant, the laughs are real, and the conversations are deep. 🌟 I'm so grateful for new friendships that feel like old ones. Here's to many more 2 hour phone calls, spontaneous adventures, and late-night talks about life, love, and everything in between! Love you Mokgotsi ❤️ #NewFriendAlert #BestiesInTheMaking #FriendshipGoals #marriedatfirstsight #marriedatfirstsights2 #showmaxonline ♬ Girl - Destiny's Child Based on what viewers see on TikTok, Palesa and Makoto leaned on each other for support behind the scenes of all the on-screen chaos. Watching the show with this information in mind, their bond becomes even more evident as you notice the two often confiding in each other during group gatherings. Now, a year after the experiment, they've broken their social media hiatus, sharing throwback clips and photos, letting us in on their sisterhood. The actor also addressed the view that she is acting on the show while commenting on what it's like to watch her journey from a viewer's perspective: 'Watching my journey on screen is amazing. I'm not shocked by anything. People think I'm acting, but little do they know, I react like that in my everyday life.'
IOL News
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Palesa Mphaki opens up about her journey on Married at First Sight South Africa
The second season of Married at First Sight South Africa has been trending on X every Sunday as one of the most talked-about shows in the country. Image: Supplied/Showmax The second season of Married at First Sight South Africa has been trending on X every Sunday as one of the most talked-about shows in the country. A spinoff from the Critics Choice-nominated franchise, the reality series follows a group of singles who agree to marry partners chosen for them by relationship experts. They meet for the first time on their wedding day, hoping to find lasting love with a complete stranger. Screened on Mzansi Magic at 6.30pm every Sunday, and also on Showmax, this season introduces a new group of experts and hopeful singles ready to take a leap of faith. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The brave couples are Palesa Mphaki and Tshepo Miya, Makoto Phumodi and Nkuleleko Mahlangu, Themba Khosa and Nelisa Ntabeni, and Portia Baloyi and Bongani Luvalo, who are now navigating life as married couples. In the last dramatic episode, we saw cracks starting to show in Palesa and Tshepo's marriage. Palesa suspects that her new husband, who's expressed admiration for polygamy, might be cheating on her. We recently caught up with Palesa to get the tea on joining the show, her relationship with Tshepo, and more. What made you say yes to joining Married at First Sight South Africa? I said yes to Married at First Sight South Africa for the experience, with the objective of discovering affection through an unorthodox approach. How has it been watching yourself on screen? Watching myself on screen has been a peculiar experience, yet I am grateful for the occasion to observe myself from a distinct perspective. Are people starting to recognise you in public? What's that experience been like? Yes, people are beginning to take notice of me. I'm gradually becoming accustomed to the stares and whispers that surround me. It's quite amusing to observe. I appreciate those who are bold enough to approach and acknowledge me when I'm out and about. The recognition is gratifying, and I'm slowly becoming more comfortable with it. When you first laid eyes on Tshepo at the altar, what was going through your mind? When I first laid eyes on Tshepo, I was slightly shocked. I mean, I had said I wasn't into super skinny guys but I hadn't anticipated meeting a pretty chubby dude at the altar. But hey, I know that looks aren't everything, so I was still willing to give it a shot. What's been the biggest challenge of being married to a complete stranger? The most significant challenge when it comes to being married to a stranger is the aspect of discovering their darker side, as well as gaining insight into the reasons behind their continued single status. The polygamy conversation seemed to strike a nerve. What about it triggered that reaction?The polygamy question truly took me aback. I couldn't understand why he would even bring up such a topic. What has being on the show taught you? Being on the show taught me that not everyone is completely honest in their actions and movements. It was a real eye-opener. And what has it taught you about love and relationships? It has taught me the importance of setting healthy boundaries and not allowing others to take advantage of my good nature. I have learned to stand up for myself while still being respectful and considerate of others. Overall my time on the show has been a valuable learning experience that has helped me grow both personally and professionally. From the episodes that have aired so far, whose journey have you enjoyed watching the most and why? I am truly savouring and relishing the journey of Makoto and Nkululeko. There is something incredibly compelling about focusing on those who are frequently misunderstood or misjudged by society. Their stories and experiences add depth and richness to our understanding of the world, and I find great value in paying close attention to their paths. Especially because I know the show is not scripted. What's your relationship like with the other cast members off-camera? I have conversations with Makoto nearly every day, and I engage in frequent discussions with Nelisa. However, Portia's communication with me is dead. Why do you think people should keep watching your journey on the show? People should watch because the storyline is brimming with potential developments, and one can only anticipate the surprises that await those who remain vigilant and engaged. The road ahead is filled with intrigue and uncertainty. IOL
News24
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- News24
Palesa Mphaki on Married at First Sight S2 – ‘Not everyone is completely honest'
Four couples who meet at the altar are bound to have the whole country talking. Married at First Sight South Africa Season 2 has shown couples Palesa Mphaki and Tshepo Miya, Makoto Phumodi and Nkuleleko Mahlangu, Themba Khosa and Nelisa Ntabeni, and Portia Baloyi and Bongani Luvalo traverse through life as newlyweds, getting to know each other and ultimately falling in love, with the help of relationship experts. However, cracks are already beginning to show in some of the relationships, as seen with Palesa and Tshepo. On joining the social experiment series and seeing herself on screen, Palesa says, 'I said yes to Married at First Sight South Africa for the experience, with the objective of discovering affection through an unorthodox approach. 'Watching myself on screen has been a peculiar experience, yet I am grateful for the occasion to observe myself from a distinct perspective.' Viewers were waiting to see sparks fly as the couples first laid eyes on each other at the altar, but for some of the couples, it might not have been love at first sight. 'When I first laid eyes on Tshepo, I was slightly shocked. I mean, I had said I wasn't into super skinny guys, but I hadn't anticipated meeting a pretty chubby dude at the altar. But hey, I know that looks aren't everything, so I was still willing to give it a shot,' Palesa explains. But it all came to a head once Tshepo started to bring up his interest in polygamy, a subject that Palesa was adamant about never breaching again. 'The most significant challenge when it comes to being married to a stranger is the aspect of discovering their darker side, as well as gaining insight into the reasons behind their continued single status,' Palesa revealed, an ominous note to what could be a dissolving marriage for the pair. When it came to the topic of polygamy, the event organiser admits, 'The polygamy question truly took me aback. I couldn't understand why he would even bring up such a topic.' The latest episode of the series showed what could be more cracks in Palesa and Tshepo's relationship when she suspects that her husband might be cheating on her. 'Being on the show taught me that not everyone is completely honest in their actions and movements. It was a real eye-opener,' Palesa says. She continues, 'It has taught me the importance of setting healthy boundaries and not allowing others to take advantage of my good nature. I have learned to stand up for myself while still being respectful and considerate of others. Overall, my time on the show has been a valuable learning experience that has helped me grow both personally and professionally.' Fans eagerly await each episode as they bear witness to the complex pairing of newlyweds Makoto and Nkululeko, who both have shared their deep traumas and the winding path to healing individually and as a couple. Palesa looks forward to seeing where their journey takes them, and says, 'I am truly savouring and relishing the journey of Makoto and Nkululeko. There is something incredibly compelling about focusing on those who are frequently misunderstood or misjudged by society. 'Their stories and experiences add depth and richness to our understanding of the world, and I find great value in paying close attention to their paths. Especially because I know the show is not scripted.' Palesa adds, 'I have conversations with Makoto nearly every day, and I engage in frequent discussions with Nelisa. However, Portia's communication with me is dead.'
News24
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
‘I chose uNelisa': Married at First Sight star reflects on customary marriage discovery
Married at First Sight: Mzansi stars Nelisa Ntabeni and Palesa Mphaki face unexpected marriage dilemmas. Nelisa is grappling with revelations about her husband's previous customary marriage, while Palesa struggles with mismatched expectations and challenges like polygamy talks. Despite setbacks, both women explore love, boundaries, self-worth, and the rollercoaster of being thrust into the spotlight. What would you do if you found out your new husband was previously customarily married to someone else, and it's unclear whether they followed due process to dissolve their union? That is the dilemma Nelisa Ntabeni found herself in on Married at First Sight: Mzansi after hearing that her new husband, Themba Khosa's, ex was not happy that he married a stranger on a national TV show. She posted an out-of-context image, leading fans to believe that she had already left Khosa; however, many said she may have been referring to an ex when she shared a photo of herself holding luggage with the caption: 'I packed my bags [and] left him. Never looked back. I chose uNelisa.' When congratulated for her decisions and quizzed by fans about what she thought about the revelation, she wrote: 'Ndisacinga girl! Ayilulanga. Mara, how many South African men pay Lobolo even for multiple women [and] never marry them? Then sonke sikwi sthembu mos... singooo 1... noo2... noo3!' she wrote, letting fans know that she's still thinking about the matter and that it is not okay. She also questioned the definition of marriage if several men pay lobola or customary fines (colloquially called 'damages') for the mothers of their children. Ntabeni argued that several people are effectively in polygamous marriages if paying lobola for a person you have a child with is considered a customary marriage. 'My baby daddy paid Lobolo partially for me but, when he married someone else, I had to accept... sivana ukufa today nomkakhe coz I had to get ready for the fact that my boy was about to gain a 2nd mom,' she added, explaining that the father of her child married someone else even though he paid lobola for her. 'Ewe siba hurt, but we need to be bigger than that for the sake of abantwana.' In what fans viewed as a veiled comment directed at her husband's ex, she said she developed a good relationship with her child's stepmother despite being hurt about not being the one getting married because she had to do the right thing for her son's sake. When another fan asked her to give her marriage with Themba a fighting chance, Ntabeni commented: 'All I can say is... he's a good man who made mistakes... and the mistakes were not against me... they were actually before me. Lots to consider here, but I'm letting God guide me.' Another contestant facing a similar dilemma is Palesa Mphaki, whose journey with husband Tshepo Miya has been anything but smooth, especially after last night's explosive episode, where suspicions of infidelity left fans on edge. Showmax shared the answers from a Q&A with the star to give fans more insight into her journey and what life has been like now that everyone is watching events filmed months ago as she reintegrates back into everyday life outside of reality TV. 'I said yes to Married at First Sight: South Africa for the experience, with the objective of discovering affection through an unorthodox approach,' she says. But nothing could fully prepare her for the whirlwind of emotions that followed, from walking down the aisle with a stranger to navigating the complexities of a televised marriage. She also says watching herself on screen has been surreal. 'It's been a peculiar experience, yet I am grateful for the occasion to observe myself from a distinct perspective,' she admits. Public scrutiny has also intensified as her face becomes more recognisable. 'People are beginning to take notice of me. I'm gradually becoming accustomed to the stares and whispers that surround me. It's quite amusing to observe,' she says with a laugh. The recognition is gratifying, and I'm slowly becoming more comfortable with it.' First impressions become uncomfortable truths When Palesa first locked eyes with Tshepo at the altar, her initial reaction wasn't what fans were hoping for - a couple happy to see the stranger waiting for them at the end of the aisle. However, her feelings about what she got seem to echo those of Portia Baloyi, who has been pretty unkind to her match, Bongani Luvalo. 'I was slightly shocked. I mean, I had said I wasn't into super skinny guys but I hadn't anticipated meeting a pretty chubby dude at the altar,' confesses Mphaki. 'But hey, I know that looks aren't everything, so I was still willing to give it a shot.' However, the challenges of marrying a stranger quickly surfaced. 'The most significant challenge is discovering their darker side, as well as gaining insight into the reasons behind their continued single status,' she says. One of the biggest red flags? Tshepo's unexpected stance on polygamy. TikTok/@nelisa_ntabeni 'The polygamy question truly took me aback. I couldn't understand why he would even bring up such a topic.' Despite the disappointments, she says the show has been a crash course in relationships and self-discovery, which reinforced valuable lessons about self-worth. 'Being on the show taught me that not everyone is completely honest in their actions and movements. It was a real eye-opener. It has taught me the importance of setting healthy boundaries and not allowing others to take advantage of my good nature. I have learned to stand up for myself while still being respectful and considerate of others.' Though her marriage was rocky, she said she enjoyed watching fellow cast member Makoto's journey. 'I am truly savouring and relishing the journey of Makoto and Nkululeko. There is something incredibly compelling about focusing on those who are frequently misunderstood or misjudged by society. Especially because I know the show is not scripted.' Although her TikTok account makes it apparent that she developed a strong friendship with Makoto, her off-camera bond with the rest of the cast varies. 'I have conversations with Makoto nearly every day, and I engage in frequent discussions with Nelisa. However, Portia's communication with me is dead.' Married at First Sight: Mzansi airs every Sunday at 18:30 on Mzansi Magic and is available on Showmax directly after the broadcast.
News24
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Married at First Sight's Palesa opens up about marriage reality and TV experience
On the show, couples meet and fall in love at the altar. When Palesa Mphaki and Tshepo Miya first locked eyes, sparks flew instantly. For the longest time, they appeared to be the perfect match among all the couples. However, their first major test came when Tshepo brought up the topic of polygamy. This didn't sit well with Palesa at all, and it took considerable time for her to process and move past the conversation. But if viewers thought that was their biggest challenge, they were wrong. Last night's episode revealed much deeper cracks in their seemingly perfect relationship, exposing issues that run far beneath the surface. The bombshell? Palesa now suspects that Tshepo may already be cheating on her - a devastating blow that could shatter their fairy-tale romance. Palesa shares some tea on joining the show, her relationship with Tshepo, and more. What made you say yes to joining Married at First Sight South Africa? I said yes to Married at First Sight South Africa for the experience, with the objective of discovering affection through an unorthodox approach. How has it been watching yourself on screen? Watching myself on screen has been a peculiar experience, yet I am grateful for the occasion to observe myself from a distinct perspective. Are people starting to recognise you in public? What's that experience been like? Yes, people are beginning to take notice of me. I'm gradually becoming accustomed to the stares and whispers that surround me. It's quite amusing to observe. I appreciate those who are bold enough to approach and acknowledge me when I'm out and about. The recognition is gratifying, and I'm slowly becoming more comfortable with it. When you first laid eyes on Tshepo at the altar, what was going through your mind? When I first laid eyes on Tshepo, I was slightly shocked. I mean, I had said I wasn't into super skinny guys but I hadn't anticipated meeting a pretty chubby dude at the altar. But hey, I know that looks aren't everything, so I was still willing to give it a shot. Read more | 'This is not a gig - it's a statement' - Scorpion Kings prepare to rock Pretoria with world-class show What's been the biggest challenge of being married to a stranger? The most significant challenge when it comes to being married to a stranger is the aspect of discovering their darker side, as well as gaining insight into the reasons behind their continued single status. The polygamy conversation seemed to strike a nerve. What about it triggered that reaction? The polygamy question truly took me aback. I couldn't understand why he would even bring up such a topic. What has being on the show taught you? Being on the show taught me that not everyone is completely honest in their actions and movements. It was a real eye-opener. And what has it taught you about love and relationships? It has taught me the importance of setting healthy boundaries and not allowing others to take advantage of my good nature. I have learned to stand up for myself while still being respectful and considerate of others. Overall, my time on the show has been a valuable learning experience that has helped me grow both personally and professionally. From the episodes that have aired so far, whose journey have you enjoyed watching the most and why? I am truly savouring and relishing the journey of Makoto and Nkululeko. There is something incredibly compelling about focusing on those who are frequently misunderstood or misjudged by society. Their stories and experiences add depth and richness to our understanding of the world, and I find great value in paying close attention to their paths. Especially because I know the show is not scripted. What's your relationship like with the other cast members off-camera? I have conversations with Makoto nearly every day, and I engage in frequent discussions with Nelisa. However, Portia's communication with me is dead. Why do you think people should keep watching your journey on the show? People should watch because the storyline is brimming with potential developments, and one can only anticipate the surprises that await those who remain vigilant and engaged. The road ahead is filled with intrigue and uncertainty.
