MaKhumalo opens up about Uthando neS’thembu, fame and more

The hit reality series Uthando neS’thembu is back for its ninth season and since its premiere on 4 February, it has once again become one of the most talked-about shows in Mzansi. The show trends on X every week when it airs exclusively on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) at 20:00, with new episodes on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Last week’s episode saw a tense and emotional conversation between Musa Mseleku and his third wife, MaKhumalo. During a sit-down dinner, the couple discussed how they truly feel about one another and where their marriage currently stands.

It was one of the few times viewers have seen MaKhumalo and Musa openly disagree. Over the years, MaKhumalo has often been regarded as the most understanding of Musa’s wives, so seeing the couple clash left many viewers shocked and saddened by the state of their relationship.

We recently caught up with MaKhumalo, who opened up about Uthando neS’thembu, her parenting style and more. 

On Uthando neS’thembu, your life is often in the public eye. How do you deal with people taking your words out of context and creating false narratives about you and your family?

As we all know, everyone has freedom of speech and there is nothing we can do about that. When we decided to be on a reality show, we opened ourselves up to people’s opinions, whether they are good or bad and we cannot blame them for that. When people watch the show, they analyse it in the way they see and understand it. However, I do wish people would try to understand certain situations better before they say they know for sure what is happening. It is not always easy, but it is something we have chosen to be part of. As difficult as it may be at times, life goes on.

You and Mpilo share a very close bond. How would you describe your parenting style with her?

My parenting style is not that unique. I trust God to guide me in raising her. I was also born into a family that is grounded in faith, respect and humility, and that has given me the tools to raise her in the way that I do. I draw a lot from my own upbringing and from my parents. At the same time, I understand that we are not the same and we are not being raised in the same generation. Our children are different from us and in many ways, they are more advanced. I try to parent with an open heart and an open mind. I do not force her to live according to my life. I want her to live the way she wants to live because she is the author of her own story. We love each other, and we listen to and understand each other.

Being part of a widely watched show like Uthando neS’thembu comes with both praise and criticism. How do you stay grounded through it all?

I believe understanding that the show will come and go helps me stay grounded. With or without the show, I remain who I am. My background and where I come from also keep me grounded. I do not see myself as a celebrity or a star. I see myself as a normal human being  and I try to treat everyone with love and respect.

What has being in the public eye taught you about yourself?

Being in the public eye has taught me that there is nothing special about me. I am just like everyone else. I am human. It has also taught me that God’s grace is not only for me, but that it can also help other people in their own lives. The public life and the things I have achieved are not bigger than God nor bigger than who I am as a person. It has reminded me of what truly matters. It has also taught me not to place too much value on material things or the applause that comes with being famous. At the end of the day, you are still left alone with yourself and that is something I always remind myself of.

What advice would you give to people who look up to you and follow your journey?

I would encourage people who follow my journey to understand that my life is not only what they see on television. What people see on TV is just a small part of who I am. I have said before that it can be difficult to live your life on a show that is edited, because your story is not only defined by you, but sometimes also by the people around you and how situations are portrayed. My advice would be for everyone to live their lives honestly and to be true to themselves. You do not owe anyone anything. If you live your life trying to impress others or trying to be someone you are not, it will eventually cost you. Be yourself and live your life in a way that is true to who you are.

How do you protect your peace while living such a public life?

In my spare time, I prefer to keep to myself. I am not someone who enjoys a very flashy or public lifestyle. Even though I am on a reality show, I like to spend quiet time in my own space. Not always being in the public eye helps me regroup, reflect and find my balance again.

Catch Uthando neS’thembu on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161).

Join the social media conversation: #UthandoNesthembu