The Mommy Club season three reunion hosted by Ntombi Ngcobo-Mzolo unpacked a season of fiery clashes and fractured friendships.
However, reality show newcomer Pheladi Madungandaba missed the reunion, and her absence dominated the conversation as she chose to attend a podcast instead.
Pheladi’s appearance sparked a heated argument among the other cast members and show viewers.
After avoiding the reunion, the 31-year-old claimed in a podcast that she was portrayed as the season’s antagonist by the production, sparking discussions about responsibility, editing, and authenticity in reality television.
In addition to being deceptive, she claimed that the editing was detrimental to both the actors and the audience.
Bad side emphasised
She stated: “The narrative they pushed encourages stagnancy, poor mental health, and no form of confidence in telling our journeys as mothers. It promotes bullying just for ratings, and I regret being part of it.”
Pheladi added that, although she brought her true self to the show, the final cut only emphasised her “bad side,” leaving out the vulnerable and maturing moments that she felt were essential to her narrative.
The new season introduced four new cast members Pheladi, Vuyi, Mrs J, and Noksie, alongside returning stars Hermajesty and Mrs Sande, with Mrs Mops and Nozipho Ntshangase appearing as friends of the show.
Shifting alliances, spiritual undertones, and heated confrontations characterised the season, particularly between Pheladi and Noksie Khumalo, a new mother and realtor.
According to sources, Pheladi, whom viewers labelled a “bully”, decided not to go because she allegedly did not want anything to do with the show and was afraid of being scrutinised by the public.
Insiders claimed she was particularly upset about an episode titled Mogwanti Wa Pitori, which featured her image on the thumbnail, further fuelling her belief that the production was crafting a villainous narrative around her.
On X, fans responded quickly, with many expressing disappointment rather than surprise.
“Pheladi not showing up to the reunion is what I expected; she is a bully who doesn’t want to be called out,” wrote one user.
Another user commented: “The absence of cast members at the reunion is so boring.” Pheladi’s decision to appear on a podcast to address the issue is even more disappointing. Yoh, I’m so bored.”
Plot was purposefully altered
During a podcast appearance, Pheladi asserted that the show’s production purposefully altered the plot to make her the antagonist of the season.
She argued that the narrative pushed in season three was harmful, promoting bullying for ratings, and that she regretted joining the show.
“It encourages stagnancy, poor mental health, and no form of confidence in telling our journeys as mothers,” she stated, echoing sentiments from an email she sent to production and Showmax earlier in the season.
She insisted that she gave the show her authentic self, not just the “bad side” that viewers saw.
In March, City Press reported that Pheladi and other cast members met with production and Showmax to complain about their portrayals.
The director reportedly reminded them of their actions during filming, urging them to unpack those moments rather than blame editing.
This suggests a tension between cast members’ perceptions and the reality of their on-screen behaviour, a common issue in the genre.
Although Pheladi’s absence from the reunion prevented viewers from witnessing her directly address the accusations of bullying, it also brought attention to the difficulties in managing public opinion.
Ngcobo-Mzolo received praise for her incisive and impartial hosting, which sought to provide an environment where the mothers could “speak freely and work through their issues”.
Viewers are divided over Pheladi’s claims and reunion no-show; some identify with her worries about editing, while others believe she is avoiding accountability.
Disgruntled former cast member
Recently, Ratile Mabitsela, another former cast member, disclosed that the show was a “big trap” that deformed her image and left her in shock.
Mabitsela did not mince words when he spoke on the Engineer Your Life podcast, which was hosted by Lungelo KM.
She disclosed how the show deceived her and made her the antagonist without even warning her.
“They pitched it as a show about motherhood, kids, and nannies. But what aired was something else entirely,” she fumed.
“Only a fraction of what we shot made it to the screen, and it didn’t represent me at all. Every show needs a villain, I guess, but a warning would have been nice.”
Also Read: Ratile Mabitsela slams The Mommy Club as a big con
