10 April 2024
Nonku on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip – South Africa
Produced by GOAT Productions, The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip – South Africa is the spinoff that fans have been waiting for. The Showmax Original features eight of the most iconic Housewives from some of the most popular editions in South Africa.
The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip – South Africa dream cast includes: Beverly Steyn (The Real Housewives of Cape Town S1); Christall Kay (The Real Housewives of Johannesburg S1-S2); LaConco (The Real Housewives of Durban S1-S2); Lethabo Lejoy Mathatho (The Real Housewives of Johannesburg S2-S3); Liz Prins (The Real Housewives of Gqeberha S1); Londie London (The Real Housewives of Durban S2); Melany Viljoen (The Real Housewives of Pretoria S1); and the longest-serving Housewife in Africa, Nonku Williams (The Real Housewives of Durban S1-S4,) who just broke the tie she had with her fellow Durban cast member Sorisha Naidoo.
In her first sitdown interview since wrapping filming, Nonku Williams speaks about her experience as an all-star Housewife and how the show has changed her life.
How does it feel being the longest-serving Housewife in Africa?
It feels so great having that honour. I have grown so much over the years. If you look at the first season of The Real Housewives of Durban and the fourth season, which is currently airing, you will see the growth. I have gone through many things, ups and downs, and I am so grateful to Showmax and my fans, who have stood by me through the good, the bad and the ugly.
How have you grown as a person?
I have grown in so many ways. The way I look at life now is not the same way I did when I first started this reality journey; it has helped me look at myself honestly and shown me the things that I had to work on and improve about myself to become a better person.
The thing about reality is that it shows you things that you might not have been aware of; it literally forces you to face things that you would have not normally addressed. That has helped me grow as a daughter, mother, sister and friend.
What are some of the differences between filming The Real Housewives of Durban and Ultimate Girls Trip?
Filming Durban can be intense because there is a lot of history there; so much has happened between us and it gets too real. With Ultimate Girls Trip, it was different and fun. The ladies were down to have a good time and connect.
Did the ladies give you a fair chance or did they already have misconceptions about you?
Without revealing too much, I will say that the ladies on Ultimate Girls Trip are very different from the ones in Durban. In this space, I was introduced to ladies who I did not know before, so it was like starting with a clean slate and building new relationships. For the first time in a while, people experienced me as I am and I made genuine friendships.
What is the one thing you regret about being a Housewife?
The one thing I regret is bringing people on the show because that has always backfired and they end up turning against me.
How does being in the public eye affect you?
I try not to read negative things but sometimes the things that people say about me affect me. For the most part, I handle it well, but I am a human. At some point it hits but I have learned not to let it affect me too much. As long as it does not affect my children and work, I am good.
How do you balance being a reality star and a mom?
What I love about my children is that they are not fazed by my job as a reality star. To them, I am still their mom. They take me as their mom and not a famous person. Even if people say things about me, it does not bother them because they know the truth. They are raised with love and they respect me.
As the longest-serving Housewife, what is the one piece of advice you would give to other ladies who are starting out?
For every action, there is a reaction. Just be real, be yourself and be authentic. Over the years, I have always just come as myself. It can sometimes be tricky but you just have to be yourself; that is how audiences will connect with you.
Why should people watch The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip?
People should watch Ultimate Girls Trip because it has all the things that viewers love to see: drama, glamour, fun, sisterhood and real conversations.
People are going to see me like they have never seen me before. Trust me: they are going to be surprised with how they’re going to experience me. I am excited for the opportunity to reintroduce myself.
About The Real Housewives
The Real Housewives is distributed internationally by NBCUniversal Formats, which is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group.
Other Showmax Originals include editions in Abuja, Lagos and Nairobi. Showmax is also the streaming home of the Cape Town, Gqeberha, Johannesburg, and Wynlande franchises.
hayu, NBCUniversal’s all-reality SVOD streaming service, is streaming Season 4 of The Real Housewives of Durban across 45 countries, including Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. S1 of The Real Housewives of Durban is also available on Bravo, the original home of the franchise.
Join the social media conversation: #UltimateGirlsTripSA
RHODurban S4: From sweetheart to villain
RHODurban S4: Tough Conversations
More Showmax Originals you'll love
Showmax Original Cheta M returns for Season 2 in January 2025
Watch the trailer for Cheta M Season 2, set to premiere on 6 January on Showmax, with new episodes every week.
Mimi Chaka on Princess on a Hill: “Tolani is crazy”
Mimi Chaka on her role as Tolani in corporate drama Princess on a Hill, now streaming on Showmax. Catch new episodes every Thursday.
Princess on a Hill episodes 3-4: Things heat up at Lawson Group
In episodes 3-4 of Princess on a Hill, Zara faces tension, betrayal and tough choices. Catch new episodes every Thursday on Showmax.
Efa Iwara on Showmax’s Princess on a Hill
Efa Iwara talks about his character as Ozzy in the Showmax Original series, Princess on a Hill, now streaming on Showmax.