One of those iconic Housewives is Nonkanyiso “LaConco” Conco, who appeared on local screens in her first reality series feature on The Real Housewives of Durban S1-S2. Since then, LaConco has diversified her portfolio as a TV presenter (Our Perfect Wedding S12, Forever Thina, Ingane Yam S2), a voice-over artist, MC, and entrepreneur.
In her first interview since the announcement of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip – South Africa, LaConco speaks on returning to the franchise, her relationship with the other cast members, and how she’s managed to navigate the fame that comes with being a reality star.
How was The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip pitched to you?
I was actually in chats with one of the producers about something else. They then inquired about whether I knew of this particular Housewives franchise, which I admitted to having a bit of knowledge of. The producer then proceeded to ask if I was interested in being a part of this version and my answer was a definite yes!
What also piqued my interest about this version was the location. When I was informed that we’d be filming in Jamaica, I was one hundred percent sold on the idea, even though at the time I didn’t know who was going to be part of the cast.
Speaking of the cast, how would you describe your relationship with the other ladies?
Myself and the other ladies have a good understanding of each other. Although I had been quite acquainted with the likes of Nonku Williams and Londie London, I had no extensive knowledge of the other ladies. I’m glad that I hadn’t watched the other franchises before going to Jamaica, which helped me to not get any preconceived ideas about fellow cast members.
What did you thoroughly enjoy about being on this trip?
For the first time in all my travelling experiences, I found that when we were in Jamaica I was not home-sick – I only missed my son and my mom. When I travelled to Europe and Asia, I was very home-sick. However, this time around it was different. Jamaica was like my home away from home, especially when it came to the food. I loved our housekeeper Mr Alton’s cooking. Even the overall hospitality experience was amazing, with five-star treatment at its best! I also loved that the gym was a stone’s throw away from my room.
Speaking of the gym, your body transformation has been the talk of the town for the past two years now. How would you describe your health and fitness journey currently?
I’m quite close to my goals but I’ll be honest and admit that it is also a constant work in progress. For example, I’m going in for my second liposuction in September for my stomach because I’m still dealing with a lot of skin excess. In addition to that I’m exercising and eating right, so I’m constantly working at improving my physique. I’m not done yet.
Now that you’re going to be on another Housewives franchise, how do you think you’ll handle fame this time around?
I’m no stranger to being on TV, so being in the news is not a shock to my system anymore. There is new information about me that will be revealed and it will probably create a lot of talk, but that all comes with being on a public platform. How I’ve handled fame is always ensuring that I stay true to myself and that I am intact and not shaken by whatever is out there. Everything is constantly happening around you but if you are at peace within yourself you can then navigate around all these external factors. So whatever waves that will come with The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip, I will always pass those waves because I am content with who I am.
Do you think this version of the franchise will open up more business opportunities for you?
Oh, definitely. LaC has been collecting small, medium and large coins. The Real Housewives franchise has introduced me to many business opportunities and eye-balls. It has provided me with a clientele that is quite broad – a combination of premium, mid and lower LSM clients whom I’m always more than willing to provide a service to.
In a nut shell, how would you describe The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip – South Africa?
It is one for the books! It is content that South African viewers will thoroughly enjoy streaming. I think what is also important to note is that it is the first one in Africa and it will have so much to offer. Kusazo shuba! [It’s about to get real!]
