The Makhenes are currently airing on Mzansi Magic
An intimate look into one of South Africa’s most recognisable families
Letoya Makhene shares her thoughts
The Makhenes is a deeply personal reality series that offers an unfiltered look into one of South Africa’s most recognisable families. Spanning five decades and three generations, the show explores a powerful legacy shaped by love, conflict, healing and growth.
Since its premiere on 12 April on Mzansi Magic, with new episodes every Sunday at 19:00, the Mzansi Magic Original has sparked widespread conversation for its honest, relatable and unfiltered storytelling.
In the latest episode, viewers saw Letoya celebrate her partner’s birthday, while Pauline opened up about her mental health journey. Gontse’s struggles were also explored, offering deeper insight into her experience.
As conversations continue to build online and anticipation grows around what’s still to come, we spoke to Letoya about her experience on the show, being in the spotlight, how she navigates the negativity surrounding her love life and more.
What made you say yes to doing a reality show?
It was my idea. I approached producers and shared my concept with them, and they then took it to the channel. Beyond it being a good financial opportunity and helping me get back on my feet after the first smear campaign against me shut down my work, it was also a chance to correct the narrative and allow people to decide for themselves, through my story, whether they want to love or hate me.
You’ve been in the spotlight from a young age, how do you feel you’ve changed over the years?
I’ve had to grow a thicker skin and accept that not everyone can be trusted. We live in a world that can be cruel, where people will sometimes try to destroy you just to get ahead. I’ve also come to realise that my heart is very soft and filled with a lot of love.
How would you describe yourself as a parent?
I’m a doting mom. I adore my children and love them deeply. That’s why it hurts so much knowing that some of my choices have affected them negatively. I’ve had to, and still continue to, do the work to forgive myself for where I’ve gone wrong. They are my world.
How do you handle negative attention?
I tend to retreat into my shell and pray a lot, just to find the strength and courage to face another day.
Your love life often makes headlines; how do you balance that with being an actress, musician, mother and daughter?
This is a difficult question for me to answer right now. I am most disappointed in myself when it comes to my choices in partners, and I have worked too hard to establish balance. I am currently on a journey of self-discovery and will share my perspective on balance once I have figured it out.
Has being on the show changed your relationships with your family in any way?
My immediate family and I have grown closer. It has created space for us to have uncomfortable conversations and to decide whether we want to continue loving each other or walk away from one another. Our love has proven to be stronger.
The others have never really mattered to me. They have always been who they are. The difference now is that they are showing the world who they have always been.
When you look back, what would you say to your younger self?
Change your heart, little one, even if it’s just a little bit. Not everyone has a good heart like yours, so you cannot trust or love the world with all of it. Keep some of it for yourself. Be comfortable with your boundaries, and allow there to be consequences when those you love cross them. If they leave, it is okay. If they stay, they will stay knowing they must do better.
Do not, and I repeat, do not sacrifice yourself for love. Instead, love yourself and love God. In that, you will find that you are whole.
Why should people watch the show?
It is probably the most authentic show to come from a high-profile family, and people should know that we deal with the same issues they face in their own families. The only difference is that others often choose to mask their own challenges and make themselves feel better by laughing at us.
So whether it is for your own healing or simply because you need someone else’s problems to feel better about your own, it is a must-watch.
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