Africa’s first installment of The Real Housewives franchise is finally back with a new season. After a three-year hiatus, The Real Housewives of Johannesburg (RHOJ) will be bringing back the original glitz and glamour to tv screens on 19 May.
The franchise has since opened the door to the jaw-dropping Real Housewives of Durban, Gqeberha and Cape Town.
As explosive as the previous seasons were, they were almost two for the books as it has been reported that Dr Nandipha Magudamana was, at some point, approached to join the cast.
Even without that, “The Real Housewives franchise has become [a] much-loved show across the continent, and viewers have been clamoring for the return of the Johannesburg edition," says Shirley Adonisi, Director of Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net.
While some familiar faces will be returning for the third season, new faces will also be joining the six-women cast.
Unfortunately though, Christall Kay, Brinnete Seopela, Mpho Merriweather, Mpumi Mophatlane and Tarina Patel did not make the cut this time around.
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Meet the six cast members who will be giving us a glimpse into their lavish lifestyles, friendship dynamics, romantic relationships and everything else in between in this new season.
Lethabo ‘Lejoy’ Mathatho
An all-too-familiar face is Lethabo 'LeJoy' Mathatho who is hoping to reintroduce herself and change the narrative around her brand. This time around, Lethabo wants to use her platform to support and uplift the boychild – all while building her empire. With a thriving career and having achieved huge success over the years, is Lethabo ready for the next big step in her life? Better yet, what is the next big step in her life?
Lebo ‘Jojo’ Mokoena
Lebo ‘Jojo’ Mokoena is no stranger to RHOJ die-hards. Previously, one would argue that she was living under her husband’s shadow with all her business ventures tied to her now ex-husband – Lebo Gunguluza. But now, she is out to set the record straight as she sets out on her own as a single businesswoman. Clearly, the host of a podcast and radio show on Opulence radio is in the process of self-discovery after her divorce.
Nicole Watson
Another recent divorcee is Nicole Watson – a dynamic serial entrepreneur with just the right reality television personality. The Steyn City resident and ‘Miss Know It All’ does not shy away from a "teachable" moment with her castmates, has a plethora of international connections and celebrity friends. While she’s dedicated to her son, she makes time for the Nicci Lee Watson Foundation which is centred on youth development and knows just how to have fun.
Keabetswe Marema
Bringing a whole new vibe and personality to the glamorous group will be Keabetswe Marema who is described as the type of wild-spirited woman who will book an expensive VIP table opposite her husband from whom she is separated, just to prove a point. The founder and owner of a children’s clothing and bedding brand – Leware Kids is was born and bred in Soweto, Johannesburg.
According to a press statement released by Multichoice group, the mother of three is married to a multi-millionaire who counts stacks of cash in broad daylight. This season viewers will get to know Kea's interesting and complicated family dynamic and the opulence of her day-to-day life as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing while finding her passions and financial freedom from her ten-year marriage.
Her story is one of love, sacrifices and trauma and her goal is to encourage women to love themselves first and to realize that it's never too late to find happiness and everything else they deserve.
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Thobekile Mdlalose
She is someone who definitely knows how to get the action rolling, a self-made millionaire and traditional healer. Thobekile Mdlalose is a former former TV producer and director and an advocate for healthy lifestyles and is launching a charity organisation as her personal passion project. With it, she hopes to help alleviate period poverty and teach girls how to be financially independent.
Back at home though, her husband – Sunny Mdlalose, has presented a dilemma by urging them to expand their family.
Mamus Koka
One that sounds a little bit more reserved and laid-back than the rest in the group is Mamus Koka. Mamus’ life is very colourful though, with twists and turns on the way to becoming a force to be reckoned with. She is an HR administrator for an NGO by day and an occasional Youtuber by night. Her YouTube channel covers a variety of topics of her interest while her podcast with her husband - Couple of Things, covers all things love, romance and relationships.
