
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

South Africa in third place at International Emmys, with four MultiChoice nominations
Stream all four International Emmy-nominated series Koek, School Ties, Chasing the Sun 2, and Catch Me a Killer on Showmax.

Love Island Games S1-2
Former Islanders from across the globe return to Fiji for a chance at finding love and bagging $100 000.

Married at First Sight: Themba on his "stunning" wife Nelisa
Episode 12 of Married at First Sight South Africa delivered some shocking news - will Themba and Nelisa make it through? Stream it now on Showmax.

Thelma (2024)
Scammers meet their match in Thelma, played by June Squibb: after getting duped, the 93-year-old sets out to reclaim what was taken from her.

Sarah Silverman: Someone You Love (2023)
Filmed in Boston, Emmy-winning comedian Sarah Silverman returns with her second comedy special for HBO since 2013.

Youngins S1-3
When a teen flees from a family tragedy in rural KZN to a boarding school in Jozi, she gets entangled in a scandal of epic proportions.

Kealeboga Masango’s wild ride in Youngins' final season
Kealeboga Masango talks about Buhle's wild ride in the final season of Youngins, premiering Friday, 19 September on Showmax.

Chicago PD S12
Action-packed spin-off of the Chicago series, following two different units at the Chicago police department: uniformed cops and the Intelligence Unit.
Laugh Africa Comedy Festival S2 on Showmax
Youngins S3, coming soon to Showmax
More Mzansi Gold

What to watch on Showmax in October 2025
Award-winning local content, hot new reality shows, The Office spinoff The Paper - it's all on Showmax in October.

Finding Optel's Zenobia Kloppers on her breakout year
Zenobia Kloppers talks about Finding Optel, which is having its international premiere at BFI London Film Festival and comes to Showmax on 24 October.

Married at First Sight: Themba on his "stunning" wife Nelisa
Episode 12 of Married at First Sight South Africa delivered some shocking news - will Themba and Nelisa make it through? Stream it now on Showmax.

Youngins S1-3
When a teen flees from a family tragedy in rural KZN to a boarding school in Jozi, she gets entangled in a scandal of epic proportions.
Latest Stories

The clash of the new number 9s: Gyökeres vs Woltemade

Red vs Blue: Showmax Premier League serves up a blockbuster weekend

Blockbuster Premier League weekend: Red vs Blue

Where to see the cast of Levels on Showmax

Showmax presents September 5: A riveting look at a pivotal moment in news history

From doubt to dynamo: Micky van de Ven's rise at Tottenham

Mhlongo's bold prediction: Pirates to clinch MTN8 Title for a fourth year running

Glory awaits: From MTN8 Kings to Manchester's Crown, football's biggest stage is on Showmax

Art, money and power: a blueprint for The Brutalist

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

Rianza Snyman on Vaal Riviera and being a stay-at-home mom

The best Premier League signings of 2025's summer window

SA siblings’ debut film chosen for BFI London Film Festival

Simo Magwaza on his challenging role as De Klerk in Youngins

Christopher Jaftha gets top billing in raunchy Khaki Fever

Nkululeko Mahlangu on Makoto, marriage and more

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