Cardboard cutouts, legal drama and ghosting: 'The Real Housewives of Durban' S5 was anything but classy

In the same way that money can’t buy happiness, it doesn’t buy class either. 

This has never been more apparent than on season 5 of “The Real Housewives of Durban”, including the two-part reunion episode. 

I wanted to reserve all comments until I’ve watched every episode. But before I could pen my thoughts (harsh as they might be), I found myself drawn to all the off-screen drama post the show.

Seriously, what in the world is going on?

If you have been living under a rock, here’s what you need to know. Londie London, who made a surprise guest appearance on the show, took legal action against Minnie Ntuli, who was a fresh face on the show.

There was clearly more to the beef than was witnessed on the show. 

Meanwhile, Jojo Robinson is heartbroken after being ghosted by her BFF Nonku Williams, who chose not to attend the reunion episode and quit the show altogether. Her Instagram “Joku”  tribute to her was so heartfelt.

With her enjoying a winter wonderland escape with the family, I hope it helps with Jojo's healing from this. 

And Angel Ndlela, who has truly grown on me since season four, received flak for her modest new home, which is a stark contrast to the affluent image sold on the reality show, and the opulent mansions of her co-stars. 

Ahead of the reunion special, I caught up with host MaBlerh (real name Mthokozisi Cele), who said two things about Nonku, one I now agree with and the other I don’t. 

He said he felt that Nonku wrapped up everything that she needed to and that, as much as viewers loved to hate her, she would be missed. 

Now I’ve been quite vociferous about being glad to see the back of her. Admittedly, the reunion episodes lacked that explosive element that Nonku brought to the party.

She has been the drama queen of the party, along with Minnie Ntuli, who also decided against attending. 

The first reunion episode was a damp squib for me, and that’s no slight on the host; he was dealing with the cards he’s been dealt with. 

MaBlerh was smart enough to save most of the juicy upsets for part two. Everyone laughed about “her” being on time, at least. 

Yes, all the ladies looked beautiful, including Londie, who needed to get her point across after being misunderstood towards the latter part of the series. 

Before getting the cast to spill the tea - and not walking out - they cheered with a piece of chicken (veg spring roll for Sorisha Naidoo, who is the only remaining OG on the show).

MaBlerh, while pointing out that if it happened, it was shown - nothing was fabricated - gave the ladies a chance to weigh in on whether they felt misrepresented. He was smart enough to save most of the juicy upsets for part two. 

Ayanda Mthembu and her twin sister, Andile Pieterson, were quick to bring up the luxury swimwear saga that erupted at Londie’s pool party. 

In unpacking how they felt, Londie also cleared a misconception that they were holding onto, which snowballed into more confrontations. 

Newcomer Lo Sithole, who clashed with Nonku over several issues: her tardiness, lack of respect and disregard for following the dress code for her event, gave her side of the story. 

For the first time in the history of the show, the husbands were invited to the reunion too. Of course, Kwanele Kubheka’s (aka Fafa) alleged infidelity became a huge talking point. But the guys rallied around her husband.

Of course, MaBlerh left no stone unturned in getting all the juicy details. 

The first reunion episode touched on the whole Minnie and Londie beef. Angel, who was sporting a new smile having had some dental work done, wasn’t co-signing on Minnie’s bad behaviour. 

The bullying reached toxic levels. 

Londie wasn’t Minnie’s only victim, though. Precious Udoye, who was briefly brought in, found herself in the eye of Minnie’s storm. 

Let’s just say, Minnie was like a dog with a bone about the founder and CEO of Precious Brand Hair Couture not treating her staff right. Also, the two had history, and Precious's not recognising her was the final straw for Minnie.

In one of the episodes, Angel broke down after receiving news of her mother being sick. She addressed the issue, still visibly emotional about it.

In part two, the Joku split was addressed with Jojo naming the alleged instigator, Beverly Steyn (“The Real Housewives of Cape Town”). Beverly and Nonku bonded during the filming of “The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip - SA”.

In case you are wondering what was in the note that set Nonku off in Mauritius, it still remains a mystery. However, we now know that it is Minnie who did it and made the twins and Fafa complicit in the plans. 

Talk about a shit-stirrer and then some.

If there is a next season, can the production team do better with its cast selection, especially in introducing a new villain?