The Real Housewives of Durban reunion host reflects on industry recognition, managing on-screen conflict, and what the SAFTA nomination means to his career.
By Bulelwa Hoala
Hosting a reality TV reunion is part mediator, part referee, and part therapist. A balancing act MaBlerh has quietly mastered. Now SAFTA-nominated for his work on The Real Housewives of Durban reunions, the Kaya 959’s The Upper Room host reflects on industry recognition, managing clashing personalities, and why showing up prepared remains at the heart of his craft.
What does being nominated for a SAFTA mean to you personally and professionally?
Being nominated is a heart-warming feeling. In whatever industry you are in, it always feels good to get a nod from your peers.
Who was the first person you shared the good news with?
Funny enough, I actually woke up to the news being shared with me by my loved ones. I do a night show and sleep in, so the announcement was made at 8 am, and I woke up to a flood of messages and missed calls.
Did you expect this recognition, and how does it motivate you moving forward?
To be honest, I didn’t expect it. I’ve taught myself not to expect much when it comes to awards because there are so many moving parts involved. In terms of motivation, I’m still going to keep my head down and keep showing up as my best self whenever I’m called to work. I treat what I do as work. I show up professionally and do what needs to be done.
Do you feel hosting a reunion is held in the same regard compared to other roles in television?
I don’t think people always understand what it takes to successfully host a reunion. There’s a lot that happens before you even get to the shoot. The shoot itself also takes a lot out of you, managing different personalities and steering the conversation while preventing the whole thing from descending into total chaos. It’s definitely harder than a lot of other roles in television.
If you had to handle a reunion for any other reality TV show in SA, outside of the RH franchise, which one would you choose and why?
I remember when Uthando Nes’thembu had a reunion of some sort, and I absolutely salivated. The dynamics on that show always intrigue me, and I think it would be a lot of fun.
Who would you say is your toughest competition in the category you’re nominated for?
Everyone in my category is doing something completely different from what I’m nominated for. It’s also a public‑vote category, so it really rests on The Real Housewives of Durban fans to come through for me. Let’s see which one of us has the bigger fanbase.
Which moment from the reunion still makes you laugh, shake your head, or even cringe?
It’s not a specific reunion moment, but I always laugh when I read social media comments where I’m labelled as “biased” or accused of favouritism. My only horse in the race is delivering a good and entertaining reunion. I love and respect all the ladies I work with, and I admire their courage in sharing their lives with us.
What has hosting the RHOD reunions taught you about human behaviour or conflict?
It’s taught me that people just want to be heard and validated. It’s also shown me the importance of having a third, impartial party when dealing with conflict.
How do you think you’ll celebrate this achievement when you take the SAFTA home?
It’s still warm outside, so the best way for me to celebrate is around a braai with the people I love. Always good vibes. I’ll also go to Akhumzi’s resting place with the award. He ran to my house the very next day after he won his. Laughs
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