Katlego Sekhu
Since stepping into the spotlight as the newest cast member on The Real Housewives of Durban Season 5, Minnie Ntuli has become one of the show’s most talked-about personalities.
At just 30, the radio broadcaster is no stranger to public attention, but nothing quite prepared her for the intensity of reality TV.
We caught up with the rising star to unpack her journey so far, her off-screen reality, and how she’s navigating fame and friendships.
When asked what motivated her to join the RHOD cast, Minnie said:
“To be honest, it wasn’t part of the plan,” she says. “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 wanted to represent a different kind of woman,” she adds, “someone who’s still figuring things out, but doing so authentically and unapologetically.”
Naturally, Minnie has had to come to terms with how she’s portrayed on screen. While she’s embraced the experience, she’s clear that edited television can sometimes miss the nuance.
“There were conversations and context that didn’t make the cut, especially around some of the more intense moments,” she explains. “But I’m not here to blame editing. I also take responsibility for how I showed up. I’m a work in progress.”
One of the biggest misconceptions she wants to clear up? That she’s all attitude.
“People think I’m just this hot-headed, defensive girl with an attitude. But there’s more to me,” she says earnestly. “I’m soft-hearted. Loyal. Thoughtful. I just happen to be fiery when pushed. I feel deeply, and sometimes that comes out messily. But I’m not fake. What you see is what you get.”
A recurring tension this season has been Minnie’s on-screen clashes with fellow cast member Londie London. Fans have speculated about the source of the drama, but Minnie insists there’s no secret history.
“There’s no dramatic backstory or secret feud. What happened between us happened on the show, in real time, and unfortunately, it spiralled. Emotions were high, egos were bruised, and communication broke down.”
She’s since reflected on those heated exchanges and even reached out to Londie privately. “What viewers saw wasn’t the full picture, but my actions in those moments are on me.”
Despite the whirlwind that’s come with reality TV fame, Minnie is standing firm in her truth, growing, learning, and refusing to dim her light for anyone.
“I’ve never claimed to be perfect. But I’ve always promised to be real,” she says. “And if that means being messy sometimes while staying true to myself, then so be it.”
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