The unexpected friendship crossover between The Real Housewives of Durban (RHOD) star Nonku Williams and The Real Housewives of Cape Town (RHOCT) star Bev Steyn shocked fans when it first went public. Less than a year later, that same friendship has completely fallen apart and has now moved beyond reality TV drama into a legal battle.
According to Steyn, the breakdown of their friendship is linked to alleged financial exploitation. Speaking to News24, Steyn claimed that Williams borrowed a large sum of money from her under a signed agreement but failed to repay it by the agreed deadline. After months of trying to recover the money with no response, Steyn said she handed the matter over to her legal team, with a summons expected to be issued in Pinetown this week.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share my experience of being defrauded by someone I once considered my closest friend,” Steyn said. “Nonku Williams, who represents herself as a pastor and a woman of faith, deceived me with lies and manipulation.”
Steyn said she fully trusted Williams and believed their friendship was genuine. “I opened my home and my heart to her, placing my trust in what I believed was a genuine friendship,” she said. “Unfortunately, her intentions were far from sincere.”
She added, “Never could I have imagined that someone who professed to love God would exploit my kindness for financial gain.”
Their friendship first made headlines after the RHOD season five reunion, when Jojo Robinson revealed that her fallout with Williams was linked to Williams’ friendship with Steyn. After Williams announced her exit from reality TV, she and Steyn openly celebrated their bond online, sharing messages about sisterhood, shared values, and support.
Months later, Williams and Robinson appeared to reconcile, and Steyn was welcomed into the group publicly. However, Steyn said things were very different behind the scenes.
“She initially wanted R2 million from me,” Steyn revealed. “Thank goodness I never gave her that much, but I still trusted her with a substantial amount of money.”
Steyn said she refused the R2 million request due to what she called “red flags.” “The money was never a gift. We signed an agreement, and she was meant to pay it back within 30 days,” she explained.
According to Steyn, the repayment never happened. “That deadline came and went without repayment,” she said, adding that she waited more than six months before taking legal steps.
“The betrayal not only cost me but also shattered my heart and the trust I had in our friendship,” Steyn said. “This ordeal has been a painful lesson, but I am determined to seek accountability and move forward with resilience.”
Despite the allegations, Steyn said she is not trying to destroy Williams’ name. “I loved her as a friend. I still love her,” she said. “But I can never trust her again.”
She added, “This isn’t about revenge, it’s about survival and accountability. What’s mine is mine, and promises need to be honoured.”
Williams has denied the claims. Responding to News24, she said, “I am mortified by the behaviour and falsehoods being circulated by Bev Steyn. The allegations you have outlined are absurd and defamatory.”
Williams confirmed that she is involving her lawyers. “I am taking formal legal action against Bev Steyn and will pursue action against anyone who attempts to defame my name, character or brand,” she said. “Given that this matter is now subject to legal process, I will not be providing further comment at this stage.”
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