When claws came out to play and roaring became louder Ratile Mabitsela remained posed and unbothered in season 2 of The Mommy Club reunion - a reaction that triggered a few but was applauded by her loyal fan base.To set the record straight and shut some murmur, Ratile sat down with GLAMOUR for an exclusive Q&A to unpack season 2 of The Mommy Club and what went down at the reunion.
Tell us about your background in pageantry, How did that come about?
Being a pageant girl was something that took me out of my shell, I grew up very shy, I was in my corner but I wanted to explore life just a little bit more and I decided there is no other way to do it than into a pageant. I entered Miss Thembisa and I could not believe the transformation. I could see wasn't shy it was just fear- I was scared to interact with people and embrace who I was but I found that confidence in pageantry.
How did you find season 1 of The Mommy Club?
Season one was terrible, life onset and offset is two different things and you literally sitting with people you are meeting for the first time and when the camera roll everyone's character come to play and I had to catch up with them. So I had to dig deep within and find the things that I love - which was fashion, make-up and just getting to know people and embrace the old soul in me.
What were your expectation for season 2?
Going to The Mommy Club season two my intention was to live my truth and be myself, because when I started season one I was finding it hard to adjust, but season 2 I feel like I came back trained and regardless of what people think they know, I told myself I will hold on to my true self.
Do you think there was a transformation between Ratile in season one to season 2?
In season one I held up quite an act that I also could not relate to but a big part of season two, was authentically me, I am not an extreme person or dramatic and I got to showcase my calmness this season.
Your followers applauded you for your calmness at the reunion of season 2, was that something you planned?
I think drawing deep into myself was the best thing I did. I didn't want anyone to cause me any emotional meltdown.I was ready for anyone to pull a stunt, I realized reality tv is all about people trying to get under your skin - so in the middle of the chaos I chose to be calm.
There has been people who've referred to you as a mean girl of Mommy Club, do you think the production favoured or showcased certain aspects of your life to paint you as a villain?
I do feel like there was favouritism but I don't think it will ever change who I am because of the side they decide to show or not to show. At the end of the day people will see you for the person you really are. One thing I appreciate is my followers - I have people who send me messages, prayers and pour genuine love into my life.When you are going through chaos there are people who want to make mockery of the situation but I know I can always rely on my real followers. I found a group of people who I can relate to because I think reality tv is about being relatable not untouchable.
You once mentioned that, you want to bring women empowerment in reality tv, do you think you were able to achieve that?
Sometimes I feel like its not about directly doing it on the show, remember the show is only shot in 3 months and this has been my life long journey - I've been doing it through pageantry and I do it every year - whether I am shooting or not - but I prefer to empower women offset, because I feel like onset it can be used for marketing reasons and I think things you love and hold deeply to your heart should be done in a safe space, and I don't think the camera is the best place.
What is the status of your relationship with Mrs Sande, we know there was quite a stir during the reunion
Mrs Sande told me she didn't like how I mentioned the way we met. As a pageant girl we were taught the only way to get something is to ask for it but I do understand my response made Mrs Sande feel horrible. As far as I know me and Mrs Sande are fine, we talk on the phone, my son was not well not so long ago and she came over and visited us at the hospital.
Do you think you had Mrs Sande's back at the Mommy Club reunion S2 or do you wish you had done more?
You know when we are shooting at the reunion there is so many things, the moment you get up and go to the bathroom you come back to a changed atmosphere, but when Mrs Sande spoke about mental issue, I did support her, I told her there is no shame in it, but unfortunately that was cut off for whatever reason. The least I think I could have done is when she walked off stage I should have followed her.
Is there a possibility of bringing back your helper Barbara into your family?
The Barbara situation was actually heartbreaking - I don't think anyone brings in a helper and stay with them for 7 years only to let them go and have bad intentions for them - Barbara has been a really significant part of my family - my kids love her I still have to deal with them asking about her whereabouts, however I do feel like she crossed the line and I will never compromise my family. If you pose a threat to my loved ones the only thing I can do is cut you off unfortunately, as petty as that may sound but I do believe there is boundaries that needed to be respected.
Did you know Barbara was coming to the reunion?
I didn't know that she was coming and on top of that I didn't know she was shooting behind my back, which I think was a sneaky thing for production to do. I have never been mean to Barbara or hectic in a way that she cannot talk to me - I don't like what she did and how it unfolded - she literally left after we were done shooting and I asked her what is going on and she left and never came back and I told myself I'll address it at the reunion.
Which of the ladies do you think mirror the epitome of The Mommy Club ?
Its the ladies I am close with - Nozipho, Mrs Sande an Nunurai, even when we out for coffee they are hands on as mothers, to the extent of cancelling a meeting for their children, and that says a lot about you as a parent.
Lets talk about your fashion looks this season, what inspired them?
That was honestly my favourite part of this season, before shooting I had enough time to prepare all my favourite looks from my favourite designers. I always dress up and I wanted to showcase that side of me and I think it came out effortlessly on screen.
Will you be coming back for season 3?
I am literally in my thoughts about it because I need to think about what I will be bringing to the show - but there's been other opportunities in the pipeline that I am excited about, so we’ll see what happens.
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