Season five of The Real Housewives of Durban has introduced viewers to a fresh new face — Ayanda Mthembu, a 36-year-old optometrist, mother of three, and proud twin. Speaking to Sowetan LIVE, Ayanda reflects on her experience on the hit reality show, opening up about sisterhood, bullying, and why she’s walking into the reunion with her head held high.
From the moment she joined the cast, Ayanda hoped to connect with strong, mature women and form meaningful friendships. However, she quickly learned that not all her expectations would be met.
“I came into this experience hoping to meet mature women and build meaningful connections. Sadly, I was disappointed to see that, just like in parts of my past, some women still resort to bullying,” she told Sowetan. “I don’t know if it’s the pressure of reality TV or if the drama is expected, but it wasn’t what I had envisioned. That said, I’m in a place in my life where I can stand up for myself with confidence and without losing who I am.”
She also pointed out that bullying says more about the bully than the target. “I’ve learnt that when people choose to bully others, it often speaks more to their unhealed wounds than to the person they’re targeting. I genuinely hope they find the healing they need.”
Ayanda and her twin sister, Andile Pieterson, have a very tight bond, which has also drawn attention on the show. Some fans feel that the sisters talk too much, but Ayanda sees it differently.
“There’s been talk about how ‘the twins talk too much’, but the truth is, all of us have strong personalities and big opinions – that’s part of being on this kind of show,” she explained. “My sister and I are just naturally close and always communicating. If you ever sit between us, you’ll get it! It’s definitely a twin thing.”
When asked how she would describe her relationship with Andile, Ayanda responded warmly: “My sister is my person, my best friend, my mirror. She gets me in ways no-one else does. Doing this with her by my side has been such a special part of the experience.”
As for the much-anticipated reunion episode, Ayanda is ready. “I’m ready for the reunion. I stand by who I am and how I showed up. I didn’t compromise myself, and I can walk into that room with confidence knowing I stayed true throughout.”
On her dynamic with fellow cast member Nonku Williams, Ayanda had mixed feelings: “When we spoke one-on-one, outside the group setting, I genuinely felt a connection. She was open, and I saw a softer, more relatable side of her. But within the group, I experienced a very different version of Nonku: someone who, at times, came across as a bully.”
Still, she hasn’t ruled out the possibility of building something with Nonku in the future. “That said, I still believe there’s room to build some kind of relationship with her, if she’s open to it too.”
“I’d really encourage people to keep watching. There are still so many powerful moments coming up, real conversations, genuine connections, and scenes that show us simply enjoying each other without the drama. I think the trip is going to surprise a lot of people in the best way.”
