The Real Housewives of Durban: Season 1 Recap
We’re only a week away from the return of one of my favourite reality TV shows: The Real Housewives of Durban. Although old faves are coming back, there are some significant changes from what we saw in Season 1, one change being the new faces I hope will shake the tables even more. I’m excited. But naturally, there has to be some retrospection before any progression, so here’s how I felt about last Season.
The Ladies’ Connections
In Season 1, I struggled to believe the ladies had a genuine connection; it was uncomfortably evident that they had not known each other before filming. LaConco and Ayanda’s “mnge” friendship? Didn’t buy it. Kgomotso virtually gossiped about everybody. Sorisha hardly said anything the entire time (I’m exaggerating, I know). Nonku toyed with MaBusi and was constantly at odds with LaConco and Ayanda.
The Drama
The one storyline that carried the show was the Nonku-Ayanda saga, them coming to terms with sharing a baby daddy. However, even that was milked for all it could have given, which wasn’t much. Once we all had gotten past the shock that Sifiso Ncwane, late Gospel star, fathered a child outside of his marriage with Ayanda, the novelty swiftly wore off. The situation bordered on cringy for the rest of the Season. We all watched the show for the drama. That’s no secret. However, except for Nonku and Ayanda’s dilemma, it fell short for me. The unnecessary beefs and the petty ‘She-said-she-said’ squabbles between the Housewives simply didn’t do it for me.
Individual Critiques
I don’t have much to say about Sorisha. She was so forgettable, I don’t remember a single word from her. I hope in Season 2 she steps into the limelight more, showcases more of her personality, and stops trying to be so diplomatic all the time.
Annie is another Housewife I just didn’t find interesting. To me, she was on the show to advance herself (which she admitted). It was evident her purpose was to expose her businesses, which made for bad television. She tried to stir the pot a bit but it fell flat. I still don’t know who she is; I hope she changes that this upcoming Season.
Ayanda, my Season 1 fave, and Nonku were the spiciest. Apart from possessing the most sass individually, they were the most open about their lives.
I had never heard of Nonku before, but she left an impression on me. She laid the mess on thick—I lived for it! I can’t wait to see what she’ll be bringing next.
Even though Ayanda’s tardiness got on my nerves, she gave us quotables and FASHION! Two things I expect from a Real Housewife. I am disappointed she won’t be back.
I enjoyed LaConco, to an extent. Her personality made me look, yet I couldn’t really ‘get’ who she was since she avoided personal questions like the plague. I expect a certain level of transparency from my Housewives, and I need her to bring it next Season.
Lastly, Kgomotso. Well, I’m glad she’s not returning.
In conclusion, Season 1 was solid. I’m expecting fireworks from the new Housewives: Thobile Mseleku, Londie London, and Jojo Robinson (the one I’m most curious about). The returning ladies have now gotten a feel of what reality TV is about, so they better bring their A-game in Season 2 come the 28th of January.