Lefa is concerned about his wife's obsession of the church in Uthanda Bani ep 3 on Showmax
Zimkhitha13 June 2023

Uthanda Bani episode 3 recap: Do you choose the church or your marriage?

Lefa has a huge problem and needs Uthanda Bani’s Basani to assist him. His wife, Phumzile, has a rather unhealthy relationship with her church and it’s starting to affect their marriage to a point where they don’t even have time to get intimate anymore. 

The couple met in Durban and one thing Lefa loves about his partner is that she’s a Zulu woman. “She does everything that men want. She cooks and she cleans,” he explained on the show. However, he has an issue that he described as self-inflicted. “I took her to this other lady who’s a church-goer hoping that they would become good friends. That was my biggest mistake.” 

Watch the trailer for Uthanda Bani?

The beginning of the end?

Lefa believes that this was the beginning of their relationship problems because his wife is now too focused on the church. “My wife doesn’t have time for me anymore. The biggest thing is time. She loves church too much,” he said. 

He told Basani that Phumzile’s life revolves around the church. “Even things she says, come from the church.” What’s making it even worse is that she linked their household bank account to the church account. “She spends a lot of money in the church. She does little for her family,” he shared.

Does Phumzile agree with her husband’s observations? No, she doesn’t. She admitted that he’d complain about her being at church all the time. “I’m not addicted to church. I was just raised in church and love it. My husband is just jealous,” she said. 

For the sake of my marriage

Phumzile revealed that she’s a leader at church and has a lot of responsibilities. “I’m busy. It’s not like I’m gallivanting the streets or something. I’m at church.” When questioned about taking her family’s money to church, she said: “I told him I would replace it... I was wrong for doing that.” 

After being confronted about her church-going, Phumzile said she’d work on the issue because she doesn’t want to lose her marriage. “It now seems like I love the church more. But I’m hurting because I’m wondering why he didn’t discuss this with me in the first place."

All the episodes of Uthanda Bani are available to binge-watch on Showmax.

More like this

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa on Showmax

Jojo on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa reunion, social media backlash and more

Jojo opens up about the highly anticipated reunion for The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, coming to Showmax on 20 and 27 February.

Original South Africa
iThonga S1 on Showmax

South Africa’s stories and storytellers recognised as SAFTA nominees announced

Mzansi’s boldest stories take centre stage as the 2026 SAFTA nominees are unveiled, with a wave of nominations across DStv and Showmax.

Made in South Africa
Surviving Mormonism with Heather Gay on Showmax

Surviving Mormonism with Heather Gay S1

Former RHOSLC cast member Heather Gay investigates hidden truths within the Mormon church, exposing cracks in its perfect facade.

First
The ‘Burbs on Showmax

The ‘Burbs S1

In this adaptation of the 1980s Tom Hanks dark comedy, a couple moves back to the husband's hometown, only to face a cul-de-sac shrouded in mystery.

First
Shaka iLembe S2 on Showmax

“You don't create something so powerful purely through military tactics” - Shaka iLembe co-creator

Shaka iLembe co-creator Desireé Markgraaff reflects on the vision, research, and importance of telling our stories. Stream Seasons 1–2 on Showmax.

South Africa
Shaka iLembe on Showmax

Where to see the cast of Shaka iLembe S1-2 on Showmax

From Nomzamo Mbatha as Queen Nandi to Lemogang Tsipa as King Shaka Zulu and Thembinkosi Mthembu as King Dingiswayo, see the cast of Shaka iLembe in some of their other acclaimed roles on Showmax. Binge now on Showmax.

South Africa
MaBlerh as the host ofThe Real Housewives of Durban Season 4 reunion on Showmax

MaBlerh to host the first-ever The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa reunion

MaBlerh will host the first-ever reunion for The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, set to air in two parts in February 2026.

Original South Africa
Shaka iLembe on Showmax

Shaka iLembe S1-2

Set in the 1700s, Shaka iLembe tells the story of the making of the iconic African king. All episodes are now available to binge.

Made in South Africa

The Mommy Club: Meet the mommies

The Real Housewives of Durban S3: Emotional queens check in!