Lenore Goss-Matjies on being in The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice

The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice is now streaming on Showmax with new episodes every Thursday.

Produced by POP24, The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice is an all-access look into the lives of fabulous moms within Durban’s Indian community who seem to have it all. The show features the moms and their colourful extended families who assist them in running their empires and raising their heirs.

Watch the trailer for The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice

The cast includes Abigail Nepaul (41), Asharia Parsad (27), Christina Devraj (26), Devina Knowles (43), Kim Jones (33), Lenore Goss-Matjies (45), Neetasha Singh Bugwandin (36), and twins Losh and Resh Naidoo (45).

We recently caught up with Lenore Goss-Matjies and she gave us the scoop on her heritage, her chronic condition and her relationship with the other ladies. 

Why did you join The Mommy Club?

I joined The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice because it showcases progressive women, their children, family life and culture. It gave me the opportunity to showcase my journey as a devoted mother, wife and a successful entrepreneur.

Another reason it spoke to me is because It highlighted the challenges and joys of managing to balance motherhood and the demands of business with family life, despite me facing personal challenges like managing a chronic health condition. It also created an opportunity for me to meet other mothers and to create new experiences with them.

How do you incorporate your Zulu, Xhosa, Scottish and Indian culture?

As a person of mixed heritage, I bring a unique perspective and experience to the show's dynamic. My maternal grandparents are Zulu and Indian, and my paternal grandparents are of Xhosa and Scottish heritage. My heritage allows me to bridge different cultures and identities, offering a rich tapestry of traditions, values and viewpoints. 

This diversity enriches discussions and interactions, creating a deeper understanding and appreciation among the ladies. As a coloured woman, my mixed heritage and cultures also serve as a strength that enables me to contribute authentically to conversations about identity, diversity, respect and inclusion on the show.

What are some of the challenges of being a working mom?

Being a multifaceted working mom comes with its own set of challenges, like finding a balance between work and family life. The pressure to excel both at home and at work can be overwhelming and one may find themselves neglecting their personal well-being and self-care, which can lead to burn-out.

What has been the toughest thing about being on a reality show?

The toughest part of being on a reality show for me was managing my fibromyalgia flare-ups during filming. Despite the challenges, I pulled through because I am a warrior.

The second was dealing with people’s ignorance with regards to “isms”, such as ageism and stereotypes, which was sometimes emotionally draining, but I schooled them.

The PhD (“pull her down”) syndrome displayed by some cast members was also sad to witness and experience.

What was the most fun part about being on a reality show?

I enjoyed meeting and bonding with new ladies and sharing new experiences with them; sharing our lives with the audience and creating unforgettable and enjoyable experiences.

I also got to share this amazing experience with my children and created life-long memories.

How much of yourself and your family do we see in the show?

I share openly and authentically about myself, my family, our experiences and our daily lives. But there are areas where I set boundaries to protect personal and family moments that are more private.

How do you deal with your chronic condition? 

My journey as a fibromyalgia sufferer has been both challenging and empowering. Dealing with chronic pain and extreme fatigue on a daily basis for almost two decades has taught me resilience and the importance of self-care. Despite the unpredictability of my condition, which still has no cure, I have refused to let it define or limit me. 

Instead, I've used it as a catalyst to prioritise my health while pursuing my passions in business, fashion, and advocacy. There are days when my condition is debilitating to the point that I am unable to do even the most basic things. 

Some of the other symptoms of my condition are hair loss, thinning hair and skin flare-ups. The most difficult thing about this is that you never know when they are going to strike.

Through my journey living with fibromyalgia, I raise awareness and break stigmas surrounding invisible illnesses.

I show others that, despite health obstacles, it is possible to thrive professionally and personally with determination, support and a positive mindset, and the fact is that it is also okay not to be okay and to seek help.

Is there anything you would like to clarify in the episodes we have seen so far?

Yes, I have never once claimed to be an Indian woman, but I have acknowledged my Indian heritage amongst all my other heritages.

Did you make any real connections with the cast?

I definitely made real connections with some of the cast members, namely Neetasha, Devina and Asharia. Those are my girls and you will have to watch the show to see how everything plays out.

Stream The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice now on Showmax, with new episodes every Thursday.