Long before African reality television exploded into a multi-country empire, one woman helped define its tone, confidence, and charisma. Madam Evodia Mogase, the unforgettable OG of The Real Housewives of Johannesburg.
Now, years after reshaping what a glamorous, outspoken, powerhouse woman could look like on TV, she is stepping back onto the global stage. This time not as the person viewers once knew, but as a woman transformed.
Evodia felt like this year was the right moment to return. To give viewers what life has taught her since RHOJ’s first season. As well as the new chapter she’s stepping into with intention and honesty.
Come-back is all about new chapter
For Evodia, the comeback was never about nostalgia, it was about reconnection.
“I wanted an opportunity to reconnect with my viewers that I love so much. And definitely to travel to Brazil. It’s beautiful, and I got to meet ladies I truly admire from other African franchises. The timing felt right. Some opportunities arrive exactly when they should.”
This isn’t a return fuelled by drama. It’s a return grounded in clarity.
Despite years away from the spotlight, Evodia describes her on-screen revival as effortless.
“Honestly, it was absolutely wonderful. It brought back memories and felt like home. The team captured more than my glamour. They captured my resilience, my laughter, and the moments people don’t often get to see.”
For an icon whose persona once defined the early tone of Housewives TV in Africa, this was less about reliving the past. It was more about reclaiming her own narrative.
Evodia is candid about how life shifted once the cameras stopped rolling.
Evolution of a reality TV star
“As people, we’re constantly evolving,” she said.
“What surprised me was realising how many women I inspired across different walks of life. That changed my outlook. It showed me the responsibility and impact that comes with visibility.”
Her evolution wasn’t loud or public. It happened quietly, off-screen. It happened as she embraced a version of herself that wasn’t solely defined by reality TV.
While she enjoyed meeting the new continental cast, Evodia admits the whirlwind production schedule made deeper bonds difficult.
“I bonded with the ladies, but time was limited. We spent our days shooting and exploring activities. It wasn’t always easy to build meaningful connections while everything was moving so fast.”
Yet even in that short time, she observed how the landscape has changed.
As an original trailblazer, Evodia has watched the African Housewives universe expand into something much bigger than she ever imagined.
Not always as real as reality itself
“There are so many ladies who have come after us. They’re good in their own right. But I do see a lot of pretence, more acting than authenticity.”
“About 70% of the ladies felt unrealistic. They were moving as a group, and I didn’t get to see who they are individually.”
Few Housewives relationships were as layered as Evodia’s dynamic with fellow RHOJ OG Christall Kay. Their reunion, she says, will surprise viewers.
“Christall and I have a lot of history. People must watch, they will be shocked,” she teases. “A lot has changed over the years.”
It’s not about rehashing old feuds. But it’s about understanding how two women have evolved since sharing one of South Africa’s earliest Housewives screens.
If you ask Evodia, this new show offers something bigger than drama.
“It’s entertaining. There’s laughter, bonding, explosive moments, and even tears — all wrapped in fabulousness. It’s women celebrating differences and learning from each other. It’s an experience of power.”
Then she smiles, adding her signature touch: “And darling, when Madam travels, the world watches. I will never disappoint you.”
Today, Evodia stands in a chapter defined by truth, power, and intention.
“I’m in a fabulous new era where I own my truth, unapologetically. It’s not about luxury or drama anymore. It’s about authenticity, impact, influence and confidence.”
