With her poised presence and authentic charm, Kwanele Kubheka has quickly become one of the most talked-about additions to The Real Housewives of Durban. Balancing life as a devoted wife, hands-on mother of four, successful entrepreneur and social media force, she’s stepping into the spotlight with grace and strength. Intrigued by her journey, we sat down with the 30-year-old newcomer to talk all things reality TV, family life, and the emotional reactions her story has sparked.
What inspired you to join The Real Housewives of Durban?
I’ve always been a naturally shy person and public speaking has never come easy to me. But deep down, I felt it was time to challenge myself, step out of my comfort zone, and push past my fears. I wanted to see if I could be more than just the quiet, reserved version of myself, and whether I could find my voice and share it with the world.It’s been a journey, and honestly, it’s not always easy. There are still moments when I feel nervous or unsure but I’m learning to navigate those feelings. I’m proud of myself for taking the leap and joining the show, and I’m excited to see where this path leads me.
How has it felt watching yourself on screen? Has it been different from what you expected?
To be honest, watching myself on screen has been a bit of a shock. As someone who's generally quite shy, seeing myself so open and in the spotlight was a bit jarring at first. I was very sceptical about joining the show but I’m glad I took that step. It’s been an eye-opening ride and I’ve learned so much about myself in the process.I expected it to be a bit weird, but what really stood out was how the editors pieced everything together: it’s surreal to see my story reflected so authentically. Some scenes came out in ways I didn’t expect but ultimately they captured the real me. It’s been a mix of emotions but, overall, I’m proud of how I’ve been portrayed and the stories that have been shared.
What motivated you to open up about the challenges you and your husband have faced?
I think on social media, people only see a small part of your life, about 40% of it, maybe. Social media shows the rose petals, cute cards, and perfectly posed pictures but it doesn’t show the tough moments, the arguments, the tears, the therapy sessions. For me, it was really important to be open and honest. As a couple, we’ve faced challenges like anyone else. It’s easy to put on a perfect façade for the world to see but I wanted to show the real us. Life is about authenticity, and I believe that’s what makes it so relatable. We’re not perfect, but we’re navigating it all together. My hope is that by sharing our story, we can encourage others to be honest about their own struggles and know they’re not alone.
Have you formed any genuine connections with the other ladies on the show?
I feel really lucky to have formed genuine connections with all the ladies on the show. Each of us brings something unique to the table, and I think that’s what makes our dynamic so special. Every lady has been an incredible source of support and inspiration.
As a social media influencer, how has the attention you're receiving now differed from your previous online following?
I’m still figuring out how to navigate this new dynamic of being a public figure. Being on a reality show has definitely changed the nature of the attention I get online. Before, my social media was all about my personal life and interests but now people are paying close attention to me because of the show. It feels like the spotlight is always on me. The scrutiny is intense – every post, every comment, every story gets analyzed and critiqued. It’s been a wild ride but I’m doing my best to stay true to myself and not let other people's opinions dictate my online presence. On the flip side, my following has grown a lot, and I’m connecting with people I may not have reached otherwise. It’s been a game-changer for my online presence.
What lessons have you learned about yourself through your journey on the show?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the power of staying true to who I am. It’s so easy to get caught up in the drama of reality TV but I’ve learned to take a step back, breathe, and focus on what really matters to me.I’ve also grown in confidence. As a Housewife, I’ve been stereotyped and judged in ways I wasn’t expecting but I’ve learned to rise above it all and just focus on being the best version of myself. Ultimately, this experience has taught me the value of being self assured and authentic.
What’s been the biggest surprise for you about being part of the show, especially compared to what you saw as a viewer?
I went into this experience thinking the show would be a toxic environment, but honestly, I’ve been pleasantly surprised. The biggest shock has been how intense and dramatic everything really is. As a viewer, I thought I had a solid idea of what the show was like but being part of it has shown me just how much more goes on behind the scenes. The cameras are always rolling and you have to be 'on' all the time. It’s exhausting but also exhilarating. Another big surprise has been the level of scrutiny. Every little thing you say or do gets picked apart. It’s hard to get used to, but it’s been a huge learning experience.The difference between being a viewer and a participant is the emotional toll. As a viewer, you’re just watching but when you’re living it, it’s a whole different ball game.
Is there anything you'd like to clarify or address from what viewers have seen so far on the show?
I think some people might be misinterpreting my calm and collected demeanor as uncertainty or hesitation about my story. But the truth is I’m a very private person. I don’t feel the need to dramatise things or over-emote for the cameras. I’m confident in my story and I don’t let other people’s opinions shake that.I’ve shared my truth on the show and that’s what matters most to me. I know that some viewers expect a certain level of drama but that’s just not who I am. I’m all about keeping it real and being authentic, rather than trying to create a particular image or stir up controversy.I understand it’s natural for viewers to form opinions based on what they see but I’d like to remind them that there’s often more to the story than what makes it onto the screen. So, to everyone watching, I hope you can respect my boundaries and take my story at face value and watch it unfold in its truest sense.
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