6 days ago
‘Toxic cycle': Nonku Williams slams ‘relentless' drama in shocking RHOD exit announcement
Real Housewives of Durban star Nonku Williams has announced she won't return for the show's next season after stating that watching herself on screen confronted her with 'a reality that's hard to accept.'
Williams specifically called out the show's 'destructive tendencies,' including 'the relentless pursuit of drama, the pitting of women against each other, the gossip, and the put-downs,' describing it as 'a toxic cycle' that wore her down.
In her exit statement, the entrepreneur and owner of A2B Winery acknowledged her 'part in the chaos' while emphasising her responsibility to her children, faith, and community.
Reality TV star Nonku Williams has officially announced her departure from The Real Housewives of Durban, stating she will not return for the next season nor participate in the upcoming reunion.
The businesswoman and A2B Winery owner released a detailed statement on social media on Sunday evening, explaining that after 'much reflection,' she felt 'compelled to share my truth' with followers about her decision to leave the popular reality show.
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'Watching myself on screen, I'm confronted with a reality that's hard to accept. The woman I see isn't someone I recognise or respect,' Williams wrote in her statement.
Williams, who has been part of the show since its inception, specifically called out its format and structure as contributors to her decision.
She explained:
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.
While her time on RHOD showcased both her business ventures and personal life, including her A2B Winery based in Stellenbosch, Williams now appears focused on realigning her public persona with her personal values.
'I've come to realise that I have a responsibility to myself to prioritise my well-being, to protect my mental health, and to surround myself with positivity,' she stated, adding that her responsibilities extend to being a role model for her children and upholding her faith.
Her announcement comes while Season 5 of the show is still showing on Showmax, which features Williams alongside original cast member Sorisha Naidoo and several other returning and new personalities.
While the specific on-screen incidents that may have contributed to her decision weren't detailed in her statement, the season was promoted as featuring significant drama and tension among cast members.
In her exit message, Williams struck a reflective tone, acknowledging her own contribution to the show's controversial moments. 'I acknowledge my part in the chaos, but I also recognise the show's role in shaping our narratives,' she wrote, suggesting a complex relationship with how reality television portrays its participants.
The businesswoman concluded her statement on a forward-looking note: 'As I close this chapter, I hope my story can serve as a testament to the power of self-awareness, courage, and redemption.'
In a previous interview with True Love, speaking about this season, she said she has 'grown a lot.'
'I don't want to react to situations like I did. I'm more mindful of what I say. I try to think before I speak. I try to be considerate, and more than anything, it's the will of God that I want to do over my lie, and I've learnt to understand that this platform is bigger than me.'
