Since joining The Real Housewives of Durban (RHOD) in Season 5, Minnie Ntuli has quickly become one of the most talked-about stars on the show. Whether trending online or stirring up conversations in real life, the 30-year-old radio personality has truly made her mark. In a recent chat with Showmax, Minnie opened up about her journey into reality TV, her relationships on the show, and how the experience has changed her.
When asked why she joined RHOD, Minnie admitted it wasn’t planned. “To be honest, it wasn’t part of the plan,” she said. “But when the opportunity came, I saw it as a chance to step out of my comfort zone and be part of something bold, loud, and very Durban. I also wanted to represent a different kind of woman — someone who’s still figuring things out, but doing so authentically and unapologetically.”
Her family and friends were shocked but supportive. “They were shook!” she laughed. “But my mom said, ‘Ungakhohlwa ukuthi ungubani’ [Never forget who you are].”
Going into the show, Minnie was nervous about how people would see her. “People will judge you for breathing wrong on camera,” she said. But she decided to stay true to herself and go in with an open heart.
The experience turned out to be more intense than she imagined. “Watching the show is entertainment,” Minnie explained. “Living it is unpredictable, emotional, and sometimes overwhelming. The cameras don’t stop rolling when you’re tired or triggered.”
While she didn’t name names, Minnie said she made a few strong connections with some of the other women on and off the camera. She also discovered a lot about herself during filming. “You think you know who you are, and then someone presses your buttons on camera and it’s like, ‘Oh wow, is that me?’”
Handling public pressure hasn’t been easy. Minnie says she leans on prayer, takes breaks, and reminds herself that people online don’t know her full story. “Some days are harder than others,” she said. “But I’m learning not to take everything personally.”
She admitted some scenes didn’t show the full context, especially during emotional moments. “That’s the nature of edited television. But I also take responsibility for how I showed up. I’m a work in progress.”
Online criticism has been tough, too. “People say hurtful things with zero context. I read what I need to grow and release what doesn’t serve me. Being flawsome means owning your mistakes and giving yourself grace.”
As for those who think she’s just angry and defensive? “There’s more to me,” Minnie said. “I’m soft-hearted, loyal, thoughtful. I just happen to be fiery when pushed.”
Regarding her drama with Londie London, Minnie said there’s no hidden history. “What happened between us happened on the show. Emotions were high, egos were bruised, and communication broke down. I’ve since reached out privately to apologise.”
Would she return to RHOD full-time? Minnie’s not ruling it out. “Never say never,” she said. “If I did, it would be from a place of growth, not ego. I’ve learnt that being real doesn’t always mean being reactive. Sometimes, showing up with silence is the biggest lesson.”
