
Nelisa Ntabeni on finding love in Married at First Sight
Married at First Sight South Africa airs every Sunday at 6PM on Mzansi Magic and is available to stream on Showmax.
In this bold and emotionally charged social experiment, four couples say “I do” the moment they meet. The brave newlyweds embarking on this unconventional journey are: Palesa Mphaki and Tshepo Miya, Makoto Phumodi and Nkuleleko Mahlangu, Themba Khosa and Nelisa Ntabeni, and Portia Baloyi and Bongani Luvalo.

From awkward introductions to navigating the complexities of married life, every moment is captured on camera: the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
Over the past 10 weeks, Married at First Sight SA has become one of Mzansi’s most talked-about reality shows. It's sparked national conversations by holding up a mirror to South African relationships, unpacking everything from complicated family dynamics and infidelity, to power struggles, unresolved ex drama, and the growing pains of emotional and physical intimacy.
We recently caught up with Nelisa, who’s quickly become a fan favourite in her relationship. Her marriage to Themba has been dubbed the fairytale of the season – and she didn’t hold back as she dished on life behind the scenes, what it’s really like being married to a stranger, and everything in between.
Why did you join the show?
I joined because I’ve always believed in love and marriage, even when life didn’t make it easy. When the opportunity came, I saw it as a chance to trust the process, step out in faith, and allow the experts to match me with someone who could see me beyond the surface. Saying yes to the experiment was me choosing hope, and reminding myself that love is still worth believing in.
How did you prepare yourself for this experiment?
Marriage is God’s institution, and I didn’t want to step into it without His approval. I prayed and fasted, asking for His signs, and once I received them I never looked back. I also had honest conversations with myself, reminding myself that marriage requires patience and grace. I knew I couldn’t control everything, but I could show up authentically and fully commit to the journey. That gave me peace, knowing I had done everything I could to prepare my heart for this step.
What did you learn about yourself during this experiment?
I learned that I’m stronger than I thought, and also softer than I allow myself to be. I learned that vulnerability is not a weakness, and that my calmness and emotional honesty can carry me through difficult moments. More than anything, I learned that showing up as my true self, flaws and all, is enough, and it can actually be the very thing that makes love possible.
Before joining the show, how was your dating life?
My dating life was very quiet, to be honest. And yes, it’s true that I came into the show hungry, and I shared that with the girls at the table. For me, that didn’t come from desperation, it came from honesty. I value my time and energy, so I don’t engage in casual dating. I wait until it feels right. I’m not for everyone, and not everyone will get to experience me. I wasn’t rushing into relationships because I didn’t want to entertain something that wasn’t intentional. I knew what I wanted and what I didn’t want, and I wasn’t prepared to compromise on the wrong things. That clarity gave me the confidence to step into this experiment without fear.
What went through your mind when you first saw Themba?
I remember thinking, “Wow, this is really happening.” I felt calm, curious, and hopeful all at the same time. There was a gentleness about him that made me want to lean into the moment instead of running away from it. In that instant, I felt like my decision to trust the process was being rewarded.
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to find love in this way?
Be open-minded but also stay true to yourself. Don’t try to perform for the cameras or for people’s opinions. Be honest about your intentions, because love is not about perfection, it is about partnership. At the end of the day, being genuine will attract the kind of love that is truly meant for you.
Why should people keep watching?
People should keep watching because this season is full of realness. You’ll see the highs, the lows, the tears, the laughter, and the growth. It is not just entertainment; it is an experiment that asks hard questions about love, family, and faith. Viewers will see that marriage is not a fairytale; it is a commitment that requires courage, and that makes the journey worth watching.
How are you preparing yourself for the reunion?
I am preparing myself for the reunion by staying grounded, praying for peace, and reminding myself that I can only speak my truth. A reunion can bring up old emotions, but I know who I am and I know what I stand for. My focus is on keeping my dignity intact and trusting that my truth will speak for itself.
More like this

Bea's Block S1
Join Bea and her friends as they spread kindness and build empathy through playful adventures in their community.

Nelisa Ntabeni on finding love in Married at First Sight
Nelisa Ntabeni shares the best things about being on Married at First Sight. Catch new episodes every Sunday on Mzansi Magic and Showmax.

Is HBO’s Task “the best crime thriller of the year”?
Brad Ingelsby talks Task, HBO’s gritty crime thriller with Mark Ruffalo and Thuso Mbedu. New episodes Mondays on Showmax, express from the US.

Task S1
Mark Ruffalo plays Special Agent Tom, who leads a task force in working-class Philadelphia to put an end to a string of violent robberies.

Afrikaans series to stream on Showmax
From Donkerbos to Nêrens, Noord-Kaap, from Een Keer Om Die Son to Troukoors, here are some of the best Afrikaans shows to stream on Showmax.

Rianza Snyman on Vaal Riviera and being a stay-at-home mom
Rianza, the matriarch of the Snymans, talks Vaal Riviera and her family. Catch the reality series now on Showmax, with new episodes every Tuesdays.
Amahle Khumalo talks about her role as Nosipho in Empini S2
Amahle Khumalo opens up about her breakthrough role as Nosipho in the Showmax Original Empini. Catch all the episodes now on Showmax.

17 medical dramas to stream in an entertainment emergency
From New Amsterdam to The Good Doctor to House, these compelling medical shows are all streaming on Showmax.
Laugh Africa Comedy Festival S2 on Showmax
Youngins S3, coming soon to Showmax
More Mzansi Gold

Nelisa Ntabeni on finding love in Married at First Sight
Nelisa Ntabeni shares the best things about being on Married at First Sight. Catch new episodes every Sunday on Mzansi Magic and Showmax.

Giants S1
A compelling docuseries that takes you deep inside the lives of players from one of South Africa's most iconic football clubs, Orlando Pirates.

Afrikaans series to stream on Showmax
From Donkerbos to Nêrens, Noord-Kaap, from Een Keer Om Die Son to Troukoors, here are some of the best Afrikaans shows to stream on Showmax.

Make a date with an Afrikaans romcom
From Khaki Fever, to Swaaibraai, Gebokste Liefde, and Soos Pynappel op Pizza, we’ve got the perfect romantic comedy to steal your heart and make you cry…with laughter.
Latest Stories

Uncover the soul of South African football with the boxset of Giants

The best Premier League signings of 2025's summer window

Simo Magwaza on his challenging role as De Klerk in Youngins

Alexander Isak a great option for LFC's attack, say former Liverpool striker David Ngog

What to watch on Showmax in September 2025

Kate and Annie take charge in Ten Pound Poms Season 2

Tshepo Miya talks about being on Married at First Sight

Vilakazi's verdict: Sundowns to "edge it" in high-stakes MTN8 semi-final

Khaki Fever and more sexy Afrikaans movies and series

Rivalries reignite in thrilling Premier League games on Showmax

5 patients you’ll meet in The Pitt Season 1
.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Ilana Glazer delivers in Babes

Makoto on what really went down in her Married at First Sight journey

Palesa Mphaki on being Married at First Sight, her husband and more

5 new reality shows on Showmax in August

The Big 6ix on new Premier League season and their SA adventure

Will anyone stop the champs? Booth on Downs' quest for a 9th title

The curtain rises: Wembley Showdown - LFC vs Crystal Palace

Showmax Premier League weekly watchlist: 4-9 September 2025

Showmax PL kicks off football fiesta with MTN8 quarter-finals

Melissa Kape Saili tips Morocco to win WAFCON final

Must-watch trailer: upcoming Showmax reality show Vaal Riviera

Showmax PL kicks off new football season with unmatched action

Shaka iLembe's Dawn Thandeka King on Untied