Relebogile Mabotja to host the two-hour Married at First Sight reunion special

TV presenter, actress, singer and conversation curator Relebogile Mabotja will host the 2-hour Married at First Sight South Africa reunion special, which will unpack all the Season 2 drama, love stories and unexpected friendships. The special airs exclusively on Mzansi Magic and Showmax on Sunday, 5 October at 5:00PM.

The explosive Season 2 finale ended on a tense and uncertain note. From couples who chose to stay together to those who went their separate ways, there’s plenty to unpack. Since filming wrapped, a lot has happened behind the scenes and some of the revelations are sure to leave viewers shook.

The four couples in the spotlight at the reunion are Palesa Mphaki and Tshepo Miya; Makoto Phumodi and Nkuleleko Mahlangu; Themba Khosa and Nelisa Ntabeni; and Portia Baloyi and Bongani Luvalo.

Ahead of the reunion, we caught up with Relebogile, who gave us an exclusive look into how she prepared for the big day, what viewers can expect, and all the behind-the-scenes tea from the show.

What made you say yes to hosting the Married at First Sight reunion?

I love the format and the concept of social experiments. I also happen to love this group that has kept Mzansi glued to their screens for weeks on end.

How did you get yourself ready to take on this role?

I allowed myself to get sucked into the characters and episodes without the social media commentary. I then squizzed through social media to get a sense of what many wanted to know and understand. When chatting to the team and getting more information and context, I made sure I made note of as much as possible while remaining curious.

Are there any big or sensitive topics you’re especially keen to dive into?

I love everything about what informs human behaviour. I am super fascinated with it all. So I am always keen to dive into topics that centre around behaviour automatically labelled as bad. I want to understand what informs it and who the person is behind it. 

What can viewers look forward to seeing in the reunion?

A lot of drama and shocking revelations. Some clarity and resolution on some issues and some serious entertainment.

Heading into the reunion, what’s your mindset when it comes to the show and the couples?

The mindset when walking into any conversation is to remain curious. What more could there be? What is the person not saying? How can I make the space safe enough for an open conversation, no matter how hard it is?

The show has really taken off on social media. Have you seen the comments and questions people are asking, and can they expect you to bring some of those up?

I have seen the many comments and questions, and best believe I ask them!

Is this the kind of experiment you would ever try yourself?

Definitely not! Hahahah. I am way too much of an overthinker and am way too private to allow strangers into my vulnerability like that. I have the utmost respect for all the participants’ courage.

Why should people make sure they don’t miss the reunion?

The reunion has lessons for us all, even outside of intimate partner relationships. And it’s great that we are joined by two of the experts who speak on what informed their decision on coupling the participants. 

From where you’re sitting, why do you think some couples found connection while others didn’t?

Relationships are unpredictable, as are human beings. Some situations bring out different parts in us. And even when people are compatible, timing is also a factor. The situation is so unique and realistically, not all will thrive in it.

What do you hope viewers walk away with after watching the reunion?

I hope they walk away feeling resolution on some things and maybe seeing a different side to each of the participants. Maybe even walk with some introspection on themselves in their own relationships. And of course, they must walk away ready for a new season!

You wear many hats, from making music to producing and interviewing. What’s been more challenging for you, being behind the scenes, performing, or hosting something like this reunion?

Honestly, I was extremely nervous hosting this reunion, understanding that there will never be enough time to get through everything, not everyone will be pleased and it being my first reunion. Having said that, releasing my music independently has been beyond challenging because it’s all on me. The reunion has a massive team in the form of the production company and channel, and with “Still Me”, it really rests all on me and my little team. That was and still is scary and challenging. But I am here for it all.