Lo and behold: Nonku's holier-than-thou attitude runs riot in 'The Real Housewives of Durban' season 5

Before I delve into the drama of the fifth season of “The Real Housewives of Durban” (RHOD), I would like to clarify some common misconceptions about reality shows. 

Yes, they have become the holy grail for TV networks and streaming platforms, propelling the content into trending territory and, in doing so, pushing up the viewership/ streams.

Hence, the deluge of content available at any given time and the renewals of popular shows.

Of course, the juiciest storylines make the final cut - hence some characters cry foul after finding themselves pegged as villains.

With RHOD and shows of a similar ilk, the wardrobe and make-up are always a talking point. The main characters always look cover-ready. I can’t imagine how many outfits they go through in one episode, let alone a whole season, including the reunion episodes. 

And I highly doubt that the bill is footed by the production house. 

My rambles are going somewhere, I promise, so please bear with me. 

I was looking forward to the new season of RHOD. After a lacklustre first season, it got progressively better in entertaining streamers. 

I have been a fan - the drama was de-stressing, for sure, especially in season four, where the divide among the cliques was like the parting of the Red Sea. Some made it to the new season, others didn’t. 

OGs Sorisha Naidoo and Nonku Williams are back alongside season 2’s Jojo Robinson and season 4’s Angel Ndlela. They are joined by Kwanele Kubheka (aka Fafa), Lo Sithole and Ayanda Mthembu.

Minenhle "Minnie" Ntuli and Precious Udoye are brought in as friends of friends but end up taking up a chunk of the screentime. 

New faces are brought in to shake up the dynamics and elevate the drama. After all, it’s about being a fly-on-the-wall in the lives of the rich and famous. 

Even when talking about wealth, there are levels and, on this show, Sorisha is in a league of her own, which is probably why Nonku was riled up so much throughout this season.

How can she compare with a billionaire status when a R10 million lawsuit threat puts the fear of God into her (pun intended)?

So let’s get into this season’s shenanigans. The main showdown has been between Nonku and newcomer Lo. You would think that, by them sharing similar religious values, they would get along like a house on fire. Not. 

At Lo’s event, Nonku's tardiness and inappropriate attire displeased Lo. Furthermore, her request for a royal guest to pass the chicken was considered gauche.

Nonku brushed it off as her simply being fashionable late and defended her Robert Cavalli outfit, which cost R150k, as her interpretation. 

Since then, the two have been going for the jugular. If pettiness were a person, Nonku’s picture would be right next to it. 

She seized every opportunity to take a dig at Lo and was determined to expose her for lying about not drinking. 

Lo was no pushover, though, even though Nonku made it clear that she is the OG and newcomers must stay in their lane. Lo stood her ground. She likened Nonku’s outfit to something off Shein. But she didn’t stop there, she took it further by making comparisons between it and a Checkers Shoprite packet. Ouch. 

Then the supporting characters briefly became the main ones when Minnie exposed Precious, who runs a hair business, for being a toxic boss. 

This conversation got heated several times before Precious removed herself from the group.

Sorisha was her usual zen self after mending fences with Jojo, who also channelled a similar disposition. However, she did get in a few low blows. However, she wasn’t popular for her feedback on the Minnie-Precious situation.

And Minnie called her out about showing her privilege in her retort about people having the option to leave if they are unhappy. 

Her comment about Nonku and Lo finding middle ground at a Checkers near them was below the belt, even if it was said in jest. 

Sorisha also stirs things by bringing a surprise guest to the girls' trip, but I won’t say more. Oh, and Somizi Mhlongo makes a cameo at her event. 

Ayanda, who had her twin sister join her on the show, is sweet-natured. I know she’s got daddy issues and childhood trauma from bullying. But that’s about it. 

Aside from having a bone to pick with Lo, Nonku also took a few potshots at Fafa over her marital woes. Now, if memory serves me correctly, didn’t Nonku have a child with a married man (as revealed in season one)?

Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.

Nonku was an absolute train wreck this season. She kept ruffling feathers all around. She had zero filter or respect. 

Her ego was so inflated by her "international clout" that I muted her a few times. Poor Jojo was simply trapped between her loyalty to Nonku and being her own person. 

My favourite - and she has truly grown on me since joining the show last season - is Angel. She has more maturity in her pinky than Nonku with her 45 years of life experience. 

Don’t even get me started on Nonku bodyshaming Lo. Uhm, how many nips/tucks has she undergone so far? Sit down, please. 

I’m just disappointed with this season. It is just giving childish behaviour served with an unhealthy serving of hypocrisy, below-the-belt comments and mean girl energy. 

Rating: ** significant flaws but some merit.