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IOL News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
The scandalous scoop: why Mzansi was eager for Norma Mngoma's tell-all on 'Untied'
Norma Mngoma spilled the tea on her marriage to Malusi Gigaba on 'Untied'. Image: Supplied Unlike their Hollywood counterparts, such as Reese Witherspoon, Jessica Alba, and Jennifer Aniston, who have demonstrably moved on from their divorces, many high-profile personalities in Mzansi are still navigating their healing journeys. This couldn't be more apparent than on 'Untied', a Showmax talk show where the well-known guests share their no-holds-barred take on marriage and divorce. 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 Next Stay Close ✕ With Relebogile Mabotja tactfully broaching issues that audiences want answered, she does a sterling job in celebrating her guests while empathising with them too. Of course, some of the scandals made headlines, too, while others were kept low-key. I watched episode one with Nonku Williams, who unpacked her tumultuous marriage before her rise to fame on 'The Real Housewives of Durban'. And who could forget the 'cheesecake saga' between Sonia and Matthew Booth that turned the country into zealous spectators, watching the drama play out in headlines and on social media. Everyone wanted to hear more straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak. And it's been the same curiosity that surrounded Norma Mngoma's couch session, more so after her ex, Malusi Gigaba, the former beleaguered Minister of Home Affairs, sought a court interdict to stop the episode from airing. On Wednesday, Mzansi tuned in for the skinny on their relationship. Mngoma claimed to be a woman in her own right, highlighting her successes when they met. While she admitted to liking nice things, as flagged by the soft life she led during her marriage, she alluded to being able to afford them, too. On her being identified as 'the other woman' before she tied the knot with Gigaba, she claimed not to know he was still legally married when they first met. She made it clear she wasn't the reason for his previous marriage ending. The businesswoman admitted to getting a call from Gigaba's then-wife, though. During her marriage, where they shared two children, Mngoma noted that there were red flags, as various women informed her of her husband's infidelity. His Diddy-esque move of taking baby oil on his travels also didn't sit well with her. There was also talk of his alleged porn addiction, unresolved daddy issues, gaslighting and more. Yes, every story has two sides. She disclosed what she could, careful not to prejudice their ongoing legal matters. Mngoma was given a platform to tell her side and, in doing so, delivered a cautionary tale for many others, which is the objective of the show. 'Untied' is about sharing, without judgment, and finding solidarity among other women. And the upcoming guests - Beverly Steyn, Dawn Thandeka King, Mona Monyane, Palesa Madisakwane and Zandi Nhlapo - promise to share more nuggets of wisdom from their healing journeys.
The South African
3 days ago
- The South African
'I was going to shoot him': Norma Mngoma on catching Malusi Gigaba cheating
Norma Mngoma has detailed the infamous moment she smashed a luxury car belonging to her ex-husband, Malusi Gigaba, in a fit of rage. The businesswoman has opened up about her marriage and divorce from the former Minister – whom she did not name – in a sit-down interview on the Showmax show, Untied. Speaking to Untied presenter Relebogile Mabotja, Norma Mngoma shared the shocking story of how she reportedly caught her then-husband in bed with another woman. Mngoma and her two children, whom she shares with Gigaba, has returned home early after a trip to Durban. After suspecting him of cheating throughout their marriage, she finally saw 'proof' of his actions. 'The lady was in bed [with him]. She was trying to cover herself. I took off his glasses, and I tried to beat him up. A livid Norma Mngoma then proceeded to smash a R3 million Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG, which Gigaba had borrowed from a friend. She continued: 'I hated him, I thank God we didnt have a gun. Because if we had…I wasn't going to be dead. I was not going to die and leave my kids. I was going to shoot him, that's how angry I was. She added: 'I was not in the right state of mind, what happened…I don't even remember' A video of the incident went viral on social media… Norma Mngoma was later arrested and sued by Malusi Gigaba and his pal for malicious damage to property and for sending a 'threatening' WhatsApp message. Her arrest – where all of her electronic devices were confiscated – was deemed unlawful, and the case was withdrawn by the NPA. However, the defendant pursued civil charges, which are still ongoing. In 2021, the year her divorce was finalised, Norma Mngoma testified against her ex-husband, Malusi Gigaba, on his alleged dealings with the notorious Gupta family. In it, she claimed that Gigaba allegedly received bags of money from the brothers. The family allegedly paid for their honeymoon in Dubai, home renovations, a luxury car, as well as purchasing designer clothing. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
'I'm Sorry We Let You Down' RHOD's Jojo Robinson Reflects
One of the most beloved friendships in The Real Housewives of Durban has come to a bittersweet end. Jojo Robinson has broken her silence after an emotional fallout with fellow cast member and former bestie Nonku Williams. Jojo posted a heartfelt tribute and farewell note on Instagram that's got fans talking. In what's being called the most emotionally charged season yet, The Real Housewives of Durban has delivered on drama, but for fans of the 'Joku' friendship between Jojo Robinson and Nonku Williams, the final episodes were more heartbreaking than entertaining. Jojo took to Instagram on Wednesday to share an emotional montage and open letter to Nonku, reflecting on their once-close friendship that blossomed on the show and seemed to unravel just as quickly. 'The way I've avoided this post…,' Jojo began. 'But it's gotten to the point where I just want to address it.' The pair's bond, once marked by laughter, private jokes, and loyal defence of one another, appeared to fracture in the penultimate episode of the season during the cast trip to Mauritius. Nonku questioned Jojo's faith and described their friendship to the other ladies as 'surface level' and 'for the show'. While they shared an emotional reconciliation on-screen, they even swam together in the ocean after a tearful talk. Jojo later revealed she only discovered afterwards that Nonku had tried to 'baptise' her by pushing her head underwater. ALSO READ:'I am not a boy anymore': Mpumelelo Mseleku pays lobola 'It was very real, and it was filled with love and sisterhood,' Jojo insisted in her post, addressing social media speculation that their bond was staged. 'Saying this friendship didn't matter… It's really hard to see.' At the reunion show, which Nonku did not attend, Jojo appeared tearful and struggled to articulate exactly what went wrong. It was mentioned that Nonku had found new friends, including Beverly Steyn from Real Housewives of Cape Town and Ultimate Girls Trip, another Showmax reality spin-off. Jojo's Instagram tribute included a video montage of their happy moments; however, it made it clear she still values what they had. 'Dear Nonkie Nonks, I hope you find peace and love with whoever you choose in this life… I'm forever grateful for the friendship we shared and the fact that you were a big part of my journey in this life.' She continued with sincerity, acknowledging the pain but choosing closure: '♥️ I understand that you are going in a different direction, and I hope one day we get to talk again in person…but for now, because I know someone will send this to you. Know that I'm grateful for you… I'm grateful for what you meant in this life to me, and I will always remember that, regardless of what happened, we always had each other, and now maybe it is time for us to start our journey and just be nonku and jojo, not joku anymore. 'I forgive you, and I'm also sorry for any part I played that upset you [too]. 'I understand now… and I'm okay. I wish you so much peace and love in this crazy life… thank you for being [a part] of mine. And to Joku nation. Thank you for believing in love and friendship…thank you for defending us… I'm sorry we let u down.' The Real Housewives of Durban cast. Picture: Supplied Followers were especially touched by Jojo's message to supporters of their friendship: 'To Joku Nation. Thank you for believing in love and friendship… I'm sorry we let you down.' The two no longer follow each other on social media, and as of today, Nonku has not responded to the post.
Mail & Guardian
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mail & Guardian
The art of holding space: Relebogile Mabotja on love, loss and Untied
A listening ear: Relebogile Mabotja hosts and is the associate producer of Untied, a series in which each episode focuses on one woman's story of breakup and healing. Relebogile Mabotja is no stranger to the spotlight. From radio to television, she has built a reputation for her sharp intellect, commanding presence and the gift of making the most delicate conversations feel like home. But in her latest Showmax series, Untied, in which she is host and associate producer, she shifts the spotlight off herself and onto the experiences of women navigating the messy terrain of separation, heartbreak and healing. The result is raw, riveting and deeply human. The show features Beverly Steyn, Nonku Williams, Dawn Thandeka King, Mona Monyane, Palesa Madisakwane, Zandi Nhlapo and Sonia Booth. We meet through a video call. It's one of those afternoon meetings that feel more like a catch-up with a cousin than a formal interview. Before we dive into the depths of the show, I have to get this out of the way: the outfits in Untied? Absolutely breathtaking. 'Oh, thank you,' she beams. 'I wish I could take credit, but there's an amazing stylist behind that. They made sure everything was perfect.' But what Untied gets right beyond the aesthetics is its unwavering emotional honesty. It's not just another heartbreak show. It's a tribute to resilience. Each episode gives space to one woman's story of love lost, relationships redefined and the quiet courage it takes to begin again. At the centre of it all is Mabotja, a host who doesn't posture or pry but gently holds space. 'What draws you to these kinds of stories?' I ask. Her answer is simple: curiosity. 'I'm drawn to human experiences. I've always been curious about what we go through as people, and love and loss are something we can all relate to.' She didn't think she'd be chosen to host the show. 'I pitched for it and didn't get it,' she laughs. 'When they called me, I said, 'Are you sure? I thought someone who'd gone through what some of these ladies have been through would be more relatable.' But they were clear. They wanted me. And once it started, I understood why. It was meant to be.' For Mabotja, this moment aligns with a deeper calling. 'I was already intentional about being the go-to person for sensitive conversations. I don't think of myself as someone who only facilitates divorce stories. I'm drawn to vulnerable, complex stories, ones that ask us to show up fully.' Watching Untied, you feel the safety in the room. These women, many of whom are telling their stories on camera for the first time, offer their truths freely. I ask how she manages to create such trust. Her answer feels less like technique and more like an ethic of care. 'I ask myself, how would I want someone to ask me a difficult question?' she says. 'Some therapists have told me, 'You're in your therapy era,'' she chuckles. 'But really, I've always believed in talk therapy and the power of different kinds of healing. I try to create a judgment-free zone, a space with a listening ear that comes in without assumptions.' Some of the guests she knows. Many she doesn't. But she approaches each conversation with radical openness. 'If I'm not careful, my own biases could steer the conversation in a direction that's not true to them. So I have to stay open.' One episode in particular stayed with her long after the cameras stopped rolling. It hasn't aired yet, but it involves the death of a child. 'That one touched me in ways I can't explain,' she says. 'As a parent, you become more sensitive to certain topics. You hear people say, 'When a mother loses a child, every mother grieves with her.' And it's true. Even when I knew beforehand what the episode was about, I could never prepare myself emotionally. You don't get desensitised to that kind of pain.' There's a depth of emotional labour involved in work like this. But Mabotja doesn't rely on scripts or autopilot. She prepares in a deeply personal way. 'The team gives me a brief based on the pre-interviews, but before I sit down, I disconnect from everything else in my life. I have to fully arrive. I don't work with a script, I rely on active listening. That's how I stay present.' In a world of hot takes and hyper-reactions, Untied is refreshingly unhurried. It doesn't weaponise pain for ratings. It listens. Mabotja was determined to keep it that way. 'I told myself from the beginning: I'm not going to cry for the sake of crying or become someone I'm not. I've never been a sensationalist. It doesn't interest me and it doesn't align with who I am.' That refusal to perform pain or exploit it for entertainment is what gives Untied its emotional credibility. 'Yes, sometimes I can be funny or spicy,' she says, 'but I always try to be authentic. If a viewer feels like they're eavesdropping on a conversation between friends, then I know I've done my job.' Has the show changed her view on love, separation or healing? She says: 'What it's really shown me is how much we can carry as human beings. We are far more resilient than we realise. Some of these women have gone through so much and come out the other side wiser, more grounded, more whole. It's not just about love or marriage or divorce. It's about capacity. About growth.' I ask what it looks like for her, personally, to be 'untied' from something emotionally heavy. She pauses. Her answer is layered. 'My dad always says, 'It's okay to pause it.' When something is overwhelming, we want to fix it now. But sometimes, you just need to put it down for a while. Not because it's not important, but because you need to protect your own capacity.' She also speaks about changing the narratives we tell ourselves. 'You can talk about your past without letting it define you. I've had to untie myself from stories like 'I'm not worthy' or 'I'm not good enough.' Those stories are not the truth, they're just the stories I told myself once.' And finally, she says, it's about updating the tools you use to survive. 'There could be a time where someone who operated from scarcity can now be scared of not having money, for example. But when that phase of your life is over, you can't keep using the same tools. You've got to grow with the problem. That's part of the untying too.' Our time runs out, but the conversation feels unfinished in the best possible way, like one you'll return to later, when you need to. That's what Untied does. It doesn't wrap things up in a neat bow. It sits with the mess, the grief, the beauty, and the strength that comes with being human. 'I just hope people see themselves in these stories,' Mabotja says, 'and realise they're not alone.'
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Londie London sues Minnie Ntuli over reunion showdown
Real Housewives of Durban reality TV star and entrepreneur Londie London is suing KwaZulu-Natal radio host Gagasi FM's Minnie Ntuli after a fiery on-camera altercation during the Real Housewives of Durban reunion. In a legal letter posted on the singer's Instagram post, Londie's lawyers allege she was poked in the face. She was also verbally attacked by Ntuli. Now, the singer is demanding a recorded apology by the close of business on Wednesday, 16 July. Meanwhile, fans remain unimpressed by both Ntuli's actions and the station's attempts at damage control. Legal action Durban-born reality TV star and singer Londie London has fired off legal action against Gagasi FM presenter Minnie Ntuli. This comes after what her legal team describes as a humiliating and unprovoked confrontation during the filming of the Showmax Real Housewives of Durban reunion episode, which aired on Friday. According to a strongly worded letter sent by Lamula KB Attorneys, Londie, whose real name is Londiwe Siphiwokuhle Zulu, claims that Ntuli not only verbally disrespected her on camera but also physically poked her in the face. This reportedly occurred during the heated exchange recorded and aired on 11 July 2025. The moment, witnessed by the cast and crew, has sent shockwaves through the show's devoted fan base. It has also impacted the South African entertainment industry. The legal notice accuses Ntuli of launching an intentional character attack masked as TV hosting. It states that her commentary has been 'consistently defamatory' towards Londie throughout the reunion build-up. Despite public backlash, Ntuli posted a statement online to address the incident, but it failed to have an impact. Some RHOD viewers called the apology 'vague', 'defensive', and lacking 'real accountability'. Some fans even labelled it 'performative damage control'. Making matters worse, Gagasi FM issued a statement the next day that emphasised 'a focus on promoting reconciliation'. However, it notably stopped short of addressing the physical aspect of the incident. The station praised its presenter's professionalism and avoided placing any blame. Many online users saw this as an attempt to protect its brand rather than hold anyone accountable. Londie's legal team has dismissed both responses as inadequate and hollow. In their letter, they demand a formal, recorded apology video from Minnie Ntuli by 5pm on Wednesday. Failing that, Londie plans to pursue further legal action for defamation, emotional distress, and assault. ALSO READ:Khanyi Mbau jets off to Los Angeles for Netflix Reality Universe Superlatives 'Corporate PR can't fix this,' a netizen said in reaction. 'What happened on camera wasn't just embarrassing, it was a line crossed.' While fellow cast member Jojo Robinson wrote on Londie's Instagram post, 'Love that you give her the opportunity to make it right. And if she chooses not to, take it further.' Londie's lawyers have also advised Gagasi FM that all future correspondence must go through them. They emphasised that they are prepared to pursue full legal remedies on behalf of their client. With RHOD fans still reeling and Minnie remaining tight-lipped following her lukewarm statement, all eyes are now on whether a public apology video will surface. Otherwise, this may escalate into a courtroom drama.
