The drama is heating up and we’ve got front row seats to the show! Married at First Sight South Africa airs every Sunday at 6PM on Mzansi Magic and is available to stream on Showmax.
In this bold and emotionally charged social experiment, four couples said “I do” the moment they met:
- Palesa Mphaki and Tshepo Miya
- Makoto Phumodi and Nkuleleko Mahlangu
- Themba Khosa and Nelisa Ntabeni
- Portia Baloyi and Bongani Luvalo
From awkward introductions to navigating the complexities of married life, every moment has been captured: the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Over the past 10 weeks, the series has sparked national conversations by holding up a mirror to South African relationships — unpacking family dynamics, infidelity, power struggles, and the growing pains of intimacy.
And right at the heart of it is Nelisa, who has fast become a fan favourite. Her marriage to Themba has been dubbed “the fairytale of the season.” We caught up with her for an exclusive NOWinSA Q&A — and she didn’t hold back.
Nelisa’s journey: “Love is still worth believing in”
Why did you join the show?
“I joined because I’ve always believed in love and marriage, even when life didn’t make it easy. When the opportunity came, I saw it as a chance to trust the process, step out in faith, and allow the experts to match me with someone who could see me beyond the surface. Saying yes to the experiment was me choosing hope, and reminding myself that love is still worth believing in.”
How did you prepare yourself for this experiment?
“Marriage is God’s institution, and I didn’t want to step into it without His approval. I prayed and fasted, asking for His signs, and once I received them I never looked back. I also had honest conversations with myself, reminding myself that marriage requires patience and grace. I knew I couldn’t control everything, but I could show up authentically and fully commit to the journey. That gave me peace, knowing I had done everything I could to prepare my heart for this step.”
What did you learn about yourself during this experiment?
“I learned that I’m stronger than I thought, and also softer than I allow myself to be. I learned that vulnerability is not a weakness, and that my calmness and emotional honesty can carry me through difficult moments. More than anything, I learned that showing up as my true self, flaws and all, is enough, and it can actually be the very thing that makes love possible.”
Before joining the show, how was your dating life?
“My dating life was very quiet, to be honest. And yes, it’s true that I came into the show hungry, and I shared that with the girls at the table. For me, that didn’t come from desperation, it came from honesty. I value my time and energy, so I don’t engage in casual dating. I wait until it feels right. I’m not for everyone, and not everyone will get to experience me. I wasn’t rushing into relationships because I didn’t want to entertain something that wasn’t intentional. I knew what I wanted and what I didn’t want, and I wasn’t prepared to compromise on the wrong things. That clarity gave me the confidence to step into this experiment without fear.”
What went through your mind when you first saw Themba?
“I remember thinking, ‘Wow, this is really happening.’ I felt calm, curious, and hopeful all at the same time. There was a gentleness about him that made me want to lean into the moment instead of running away from it. In that instant, I felt like my decision to trust the process was being rewarded.”
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to find love in this way?
“Be open-minded but also stay true to yourself. Don’t try to perform for the cameras or for people’s opinions. Be honest about your intentions, because love is not about perfection, it is about partnership. At the end of the day, being genuine will attract the kind of love that is truly meant for you.”
Why should people keep watching?
“People should keep watching because this season is full of realness. You’ll see the highs, the lows, the tears, the laughter, and the growth. It is not just entertainment; it is an experiment that asks hard questions about love, family, and faith. Viewers will see that marriage is not a fairytale; it is a commitment that requires courage, and that makes the journey worth watching.”
How are you preparing yourself for the reunion?
“I am preparing myself for the reunion by staying grounded, praying for peace, and reminding myself that I can only speak my truth. A reunion can bring up old emotions, but I know who I am and I know what I stand for. My focus is on keeping my dignity intact and trusting that my truth will speak for itself.”
Where Are They Now? What happened off-camera
💔 Palesa & Tshepo: From explosive fights to walkouts
Their marriage has been one of the season’s most dramatic arcs. Tshepo apologised for hurtful words, including calling Palesa “ugly,” but she didn’t accept it immediately. At one point, he even packed his bags and left their marital home after a heated altercation. Despite brief reconciliations, cracks remain — leaving fans questioning whether their union can survive beyond the experiment.
🔄 Makoto & Nkuleleko: Can healing save their union?
This couple’s journey has been a rollercoaster of clashing perspectives. Makoto admitted to being a “troublemaker” due to past hurt, but also apologised to Nkuleleko for saying harsh words in anger. Their storyline has been one of growth and healing — showing that even imperfect matches can uncover deeper lessons about forgiveness and resilience.
💖 Themba & Nelisa: The season’s fairytale couple
Dubbed the “fairytale couple” of Season 2, Themba and Nelisa have been praised by fans for their calmness, faith, and commitment to building a blended family. Their connection feels authentic both on and off screen, and their journey continues to give viewers hope that love can indeed be found in the most unconventional of ways.
🤔 Portia & Bongani: Can patience turn into lasting love?
Their story has been one of patience and self-discovery. While Portia initially struggled with Bongani’s looks, the couple’s bond grew as they navigated shared challenges. Their willingness to stay in the process has kept fans rooting for them, even as doubts linger about whether attraction can grow into lasting love.
Why fans can’t get enough
If Season 1 was anything to go by — where couples like Thami and Zithobile went from “ngiyakuthanda” to “it’s complicated” in record time — Season 2 has doubled down on emotional depth and cultural connection. With expert guidance from relationship coach Linda Yende, counsellor Thabang Mashego, and sexologist Dr Mpume Zenda, each couple continues to face the hard questions about what it takes to build a marriage from scratch.
Reality TV fans can also catch current favourites like Shaka iLembe Season 2 and Big Brother Mzansi Season 5. And if you’re in the mood for film, don’t miss these must-watch South African movies to stream on Showmax.
🎥 Watch the trailer
👉 Married at First Sight SA Season 2 Trailer
Join the conversation on X: #MarriedAtFirstSightMzansi
