South Africa, prepare yourself for a new reality show that is informative, real, emotional and deeply exciting. The Real City Makoti is not just another addition to the reality TV landscape—it is a powerful cultural moment, and we were excited to be part of its launch.
This 13-part reality series follows the lives of five makotis who are boldly navigating modern city life while maintaining a strong connection to their rural roots, traditions and cultural identities. At a time when marriage, family structures and womanhood are being redefined, The Real City Makoti arrives as a necessary and refreshing voice.
A Bold Reflection of Modern Womanhood
The Real City Makoti offers a fresh, empowering and deeply authentic portrayal of modern “wifey” roles. It moves beyond surface-level drama to explore the real complexities of love, marriage, culture and personal growth—making it relatable to a wide and diverse audience.
This is a show that honours tradition while questioning it, embraces modernity without abandoning heritage, and places women’s lived experiences firmly at the centre of the narrative.
Themes That Mirror Real Life
The series explores themes that resonate strongly within South African households and communities:
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Marriage
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Culture and Tradition
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Parenting
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Cyber Bullying
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Nuclear and Extended Family Dynamics
These themes are unpacked through honest storytelling, allowing viewers to engage with the emotional, social and cultural realities faced by women today.
Meet the Makotis Behind the Stories
Each makoti brings a powerful and distinct journey shaped by love, sacrifice, belief and resilience.
Anika Dambuza
A Capetonian born into a small Afrikaner family, Anika’s story is one of cultural collision and fierce love. After falling in love with Sihle, a Xhosa man, she stepped into a new world of identity and responsibility. Now a mother, wife and entrepreneur, her journey explores ancestral duty, self-determination and the realities of modern family life.
Keneilwe Mofokeng
From Lomanyane Village near Mafikeng in the North West, Keneilwe’s life is deeply rooted in spirituality and tradition. As a sangoma and first wife in a polygamous household, she navigates complex family dynamics, cohabitation and evolving relationships. Her story highlights cultural depth, adaptability and the emotional realities of modern polygamy.
Linda Mbunyuza
Raised in Butterworth in the Eastern Cape, Linda moved to Johannesburg to pursue the city dream. Today, she balances a jet-setting lifestyle with her husband while remaining deeply connected to a traditional rural homestead. Her journey reflects ambition, ancestral expectations and the daily negotiation of identity within marriage.
Lucy Mahlangu
Born in Sekhukhune, Limpopo, Lucy’s journey took her through Pretoria and Witbank as she built her career. Married into a Pedi polygamous household, she faces the challenge of balancing personal ambition with societal and marital expectations. Her story is one of self-discovery and compromise within modern city-life marriage.
Sessy Mofokeng
From Didiza on the East Rand, Sessy’s story is raw, honest and unfiltered. A mother of four, she embraces polyamory with her partner Collin, challenging traditional ideas of monogamy while navigating family pressure and personal truth. Her journey reflects strength, vulnerability and the evolving nature of modern relationships.
A New Standard for Reality Television
Produced by Ray Content Hub, The Real City Makoti stands out for its inclusive, nuanced and respectful storytelling. It moves beyond stereotypes to offer a deeply human portrayal of women who exist at the intersection of tradition and transformation.
This is not just reality TV—it is a reflection of how South African families, marriages and identities are evolving in real time.
When and Where to Watch
The Real City Makoti premieres on Friday, 30 January at 18:30 on Mzansi Wethu (Channel 163).
For viewers looking for depth, authenticity and emotional truth, this is a must-watch.
