Married at First Sight's Portia Baloyi on the reunion and her ex

Married at First Sight South Africa has officially wrapped and Season 2 is one of the most talked-about shows in Mzansi. Each episode brought fresh drama, raw emotion and explosive moments, from baby mama tension and debates around polygamy to fiery conversations about religion and intimacy. Nothing was off-limits.

Now available to binge on Showmax, the hit series followed four brave couples who tied the knot as strangers and faced the highs and lows of married life in real time: Palesa Mphaki and Tshepo Miya, Makoto Phumodi and Nkuleleko Mahlangu, Themba Khosa and Nelisa Ntabeni, and Portia Baloyi and Bongani Luvalo.

In the highly anticipated reunion special hosted by Relebogile Mabotja, emotions ran high and unresolved tensions came to a head as the couples looked back on their journeys. Of the four couples who took part in the experiment, only Nelisa and Themba remain married and are currently still building their life together.

We recently caught up with Portia, who opened up about her marriage, divorce and more.

What has your experience been like on the show?

It’s been a rollercoaster, to be honest. Coming into this, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy but I also didn’t expect it to be this intense. You’re marrying a complete stranger and then you have to figure each other out in front of the whole country. There’ve been amazing moments, don’t get me wrong, but also real challenges. It’s stretched me emotionally and spiritually, but I’ve also grown so much.

What are some of the things you learned about yourself?

There are things I’ve already learned about myself, like how I deal with certain situations. I’ve also learned that I can communicate better when I give myself space to breathe first, instead of reacting. So yeah, a lot of personal growth.

Going into the reunion, how did you feel? 

Eish ... mixed emotions, hey. I was nervous but also curious to see everyone again and hear their stories because now we’ve had time to reflect, and also the cameras aren’t following us 24/7 anymore, so there’s more honesty. I’m proud of myself for showing up fully and being true to who I am. I didn’t hold back and that’s something I’ll always stand by.

Where do you and your hubby stand right now?

We’re still figuring things out, to be honest. It hasn’t been easy but we’ve had some real conversations since filming ended. We’re not where we were on decision day, that’s for sure. 

How has watching yourself on TV been?

Yo, that part was wild! It’s one thing living it, but watching yourself back with everyone else’s opinions flying around? It’s hectic. I cringed a few times, not gonna lie. But I also had moments where I was like, “You know what, Portia, you handled that well.” Seeing myself from the outside gave me perspective and helped me understand how I come across to others. It’s been humbling, for sure.

Since you announced your divorce, is there any hope for you and Bongani to rekindle?

At this point, I think both of us are focused on healing and moving forward individually. What the future holds, only God knows, but right now, my priority is peace, growth, and rebuilding myself from a place of strength and grace.

What’s next for Portia?

I’m stepping into a new chapter, one centred on purpose, faith, and self-discovery. I want to focus on my work, my passions, and the things that truly feed my soul. I’ve been through so much, and now it’s about rebuilding, refocusing, and realigning with the woman I’m becoming.

Is there anything you want to clarify?

Yes, I take full accountability for my part in everything that’s happened. I’ve learned, I’ve grown, and I hold no bitterness. People may have their opinions, but only we know the full story. My truth is that I loved deeply, I tried, and now I’m choosing peace over pain.