
Rianza Snyman on Vaal Riviera and being a stay-at-home mom
Vaal Riviera has been streaming on Showmax for three weeks, and the drama is heating up. The series follows four families from the Vaal Triangle as their lives collide in unexpected ways.
From POP24, the producers of The Mommy Club: Van Die Hoofstad, which became the most-watched Afrikaans show on Showmax, Vaal Riviera brings all the right ingredients for binge-worthy TV. It’s not just entertaining; it’s packed with grit, bold personalities, race cars, family bonds and plenty of twists.
Watch the trailer for Vaal Riviera
The four families at the heart of Vaal Riviera are the Arangies, the Snymans, the Deysels and the Swarts. They are all bold, proudly local Afrikaans families navigating love, loyalty, legacy and loads of drama on the banks of the Vaal River.
We caught up with Rianza, the matriarch of the Snymans, who gave us the inside scoop on the show, her family and more.
Why did you decide to join the show?

Rianza Snyman on Vaal Riviera
I joined Vaal Riviera because it was an opportunity to step into something new. I mean, why not let the world be part of your everyday chaos? If I’m going to be tripping over toys, refereeing arguments and laughing through the madness, at least now it’s documented. Plus, deep down I knew my story might connect with others.
As a stay-at-home mom, most of my world has revolved around my kids and supporting my husband in his career. This show gave me the chance to show another side of myself and share my journey as a mom and supportive wife.
How has it been watching yourself and your family on television?
It’s been surreal seeing our lives unfold on screen. At first, it felt unusual to watch myself and my family from the outside, but it’s also been special. It’s like watching a home video but with better lighting and more people judging you. Sometimes I cringe, sometimes I laugh and sometimes I’m yelling at the screen like, “Girl, why did you just say that?”. All in all, it’s kind of beautiful in a perfectly imperfect way.
What have you learned about yourself through filming the show?
I’ve learned that I’m stronger than I thought and that it’s okay to be vulnerable. Balancing motherhood, marriage and filming pushed me out of my comfort zone and I discovered that I can handle more than I imagined while staying true to myself. Oh, I also learnt that I make pretty questionable faces when I’m stressed and maybe a little more dramatic than I thought, but hey, that’s good TV, right?
What’s more challenging, being a stay-at-home mom or reality television?
Being a stay-at-home mom wins hands down. Reality TV gives you breaks, like producers saying cut, but there’s no cut button when your toddler is having a meltdown at 6AM. Being a mom is 24/7, no commercials, no snack breaks. Unless you count the ones you hide in the pantry.
What were some of the challenges you faced during filming the show?
My biggest challenge was balancing it all, making sure my kids felt secure, supporting my husband and still allowing myself to open up. There were moments where I had to remind myself that it’s okay not to be perfect and showing the real side of life is what makes the story authentic.

Why should people watch the show?
People should watch the show because it’s real life with a sense of humour. You’ll see love, chaos, laughter and maybe even a few tears. You’ll probably say, “Wow, that’s my family too.“ Plus, if nothing else, you can say, “at least my family isn’t that crazy.“
We all have different stories and different backgrounds coming together in one space. It’s entertaining, but it also shows the raw and honest sides of family and friendship.
What are you hoping viewers take from your story?
I want people to see that families don’t have to be perfect to be worth celebrating. Life is messy, loud and unpredictable, but there’s so much love in the middle of all of it. I hope people can see that even as a stay-at-home mom, your story matters. Life doesn’t have to be glamorous to be meaningful and that it’s okay to grow, stumble, and keep moving forward in your own unique way.
Who do you think should watch the show?
Anyone with a family, or anyone who’s ever survived a family dinner. Parents, kids, grandparents, basically anyone who ever thought “my family is nuts”, then this show is for you, which, let’s be honest, is everyone.
More like this

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.

Where to see the cast of Levels on Showmax
From Bonko Khoza as Steve to Lunathi Mampofu as Bongi and Melusi Mbele as Frans, see the cast of Levels in some of their acclaimed roles on Showmax.

Married at First Sight's Bongani on Portia, therapy and more
Bongani reflects on his journey on Married at First Sight Season 2. Catch new episodes every Sunday on Mzansi Magic and Showmax.
Laugh Africa Comedy Festival S2 on Showmax
Youngins S3, coming soon to Showmax
The most addictive shows to stream

Where to see the cast of Levels on Showmax
From Bonko Khoza as Steve to Lunathi Mampofu as Bongi and Melusi Mbele as Frans, see the cast of Levels in some of their acclaimed roles on Showmax.

Ace your Matric exams with 10 Afrikaans series and movies
Looking for the less-sweat, more-fun way to study? Brush up your Afrikaans before exam time with these shows and movies.

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.

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.
Latest Stories

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
.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Ilana Glazer delivers in Babes