Experience and preparation came together in a dazzling display when Ntombee Ngcobo-Mzolo hosted The Mommy Club season two reunion. With over 25 years in the entertainment industry, her expertise was evident, making the event a riveting watch for South African audiences.
Ngcobo-Mzolo’s dedication to her role was clear from the start. In an interview with DRUM Magazine, she revealed her thorough preparation: “I watched this season several times. I even went back to watch season one. I really wanted to make sure that I understood exactly what context things were said and done in, even when reference was made to the first season.”
Her meticulous approach paid off as she posed the questions viewers longed to ask, demonstrating a deep understanding of the show’s dynamics. “I did not want to focus on the things people said to each other; I wanted to focus on what was said in the diaries. Those were not interrogated, and I wanted them to answer,” she explained. Her goal was not to fight or take sides but to ensure accountability.
One memorable moment was when Mrs. Sande had to confront her diary statements, often dismissed with the phrase, “I did not mean it in a bad way.” Ngcobo-Mzolo challenged her with, “How do you say some are presidents and others are deputies in a nice way?” Her insistence on accountability was a recurring theme, but she balanced this with compassion, showing support when Mrs. Sande opened up about her depression.
Ngcobo-Mzolo’s empathy shone through as she stated, “We are all women, and we need to be there for each other to offer support when it is needed. I also wanted her to know that it is okay to not be okay.”
Reflecting on the reunion, she noted the varying behaviour of the participants. Nozi remained quiet, consistent with her demeanour during the season, while Happy’s unexpected silence surprised her. She wished for more measured discussions from Mrs. Mops and hoped Mrs. Sande would take more responsibility for her words. Nunurai’s stand against Mrs. Mops’ shouting and Ratile’s ownership of her actions were highlights for Ngcobo-Mzolo, who appreciated the candid exchanges.
“The back and forth between the mommies was important,” she said. “That is the nature of a reunion. People have an opportunity to ask others about things that were said, especially those said in diaries, behind people’s backs.”
Ngcobo-Mzolo was puzzled by Ratile’s intention to bring “entertainment and spice” to the show. She argued for authenticity, highlighting that even quieter personalities like Nozi have their audience. “Reality TV may have a storyline, but it is not scripted. You do not have to be loud to be interesting,” she emphasised.
Drawing from her own experiences of personal loss and the ups and downs of her marriage, Ngcobo-Mzolo stressed the importance of being genuine. Her transparent approach has clearly resonated with the public.
The reunion, which stretched into the early hours of the morning, was a marathon event. Ngcobo-Mzolo reflected on the experience, saying, “Some mommies were quick with the truth, and I had to dig with others. But overall, the reunion was great.” The extensive content warranted a three-part series, much to her surprise and that of the audience.
Grateful for the public’s response, Ngcobo-Mzolo expressed her appreciation for the constructive criticism and the overwhelming love from viewers. Her adept hosting and heartfelt engagement made The Mommy Club season two reunion a memorable and impactful event.
