Portia Opens Up About Relationship With Bongani: “We’re Still Figuring Things Out, To Be Honest”
Married at First Sight South Africa has officially wrapped, and Season 2 has easily been one of the most talked-about reality shows in Mzansi. Each episode brought fresh drama, raw emotion and explosive moments — from baby mama tension and debates around polygamy to fiery conversations about religion and intimacy. Nothing was off-limits.
Now streaming on Showmax, the hit reality experiment followed four brave couples who tied the knot as strangers and faced the highs and lows of married life in real time: Palesa Mphaki and Tshepo Miya, Makoto Phumodi and Nkuleleko Mahlangu, Themba Khosa and Nelisa Ntabeni, and Portia Baloyi and Bongani Luvalo.
In the highly anticipated reunion special hosted by Relebogile Mabotja, emotions ran high and unresolved tensions resurfaced as the couples looked back on their journeys. Of the four, only Nelisa and Themba remain married and are still building their life together.
We caught up with Portia Baloyi, who opened up about her experience on the show, her emotional growth, and where things currently stand with Bongani.
“It’s been a rollercoaster, to be honest.”
Reflecting on her journey, Portia says being part of the experiment pushed her in ways she never expected.
“Coming into this, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy but I also didn’t expect it to be this intense. You’re marrying a complete stranger and then you have to figure each other out in front of the whole country,” she explains.
“There’ve been amazing moments, don’t get me wrong, but also real challenges. It’s stretched me emotionally and spiritually, but I’ve also grown so much.”
Finding herself in the chaos
When asked what she’s learned from the experience, Portia says the process taught her to slow down and be intentional about communication.
“I’ve learned that I can communicate better when I give myself space to breathe first, instead of reacting. So yeah, a lot of personal growth,” she says.
Facing the reunion
The reunion episode brought together all the couples after the cameras stopped rolling. For Portia, the mix of emotions was intense.
“Eish… mixed emotions, hey. I was nervous but also curious to see everyone again and hear their stories because now we’ve had time to reflect,” she shares.
“I’m proud of myself for showing up fully and being true to who I am. I didn’t hold back and that’s something I’ll always stand by.”
On her relationship with Bongani: “We’re still figuring things out.”
Naturally, fans want to know what’s happening between Portia and her on-screen husband, Bongani Luvalo.
“We’re still figuring things out, to be honest,” Portia admits. “It hasn’t been easy but we’ve had some real conversations since filming ended. We’re not where we were on decision day, that’s for sure.”
Watching herself on TV
Seeing her relationship play out on national television was both humbling and eye-opening.
“Yo, that part was wild! Watching yourself back with everyone’s opinions flying around? It’s hectic,” she laughs.
“But I also had moments where I was like, ‘You know what, Portia, you handled that well.’ It gave me perspective and helped me understand how I come across to others.”
On the divorce and what the future holds
Since announcing her divorce, Portia says both she and Bongani are focusing on personal healing.
“At this point, I think both of us are focused on healing and moving forward individually. What the future holds, only God knows,” she says.
“Right now, my priority is peace, growth, and rebuilding myself from a place of strength and grace.”
What’s next for Portia?
“I’m stepping into a new chapter, one centred on purpose, faith, and self-discovery. I want to focus on my work, my passions, and the things that truly feed my soul,” Portia shares.
“I’ve been through so much, and now it’s about rebuilding, refocusing, and realigning with the woman I’m becoming.”
Setting the record straight
“I take full accountability for my part in everything that’s happened. I’ve learned, I’ve grown, and I hold no bitterness,” Portia says.
“People may have their opinions, but only we know the full story. My truth is that I loved deeply, I tried, and now I’m choosing peace over pain.”
Whether fans loved or questioned her choices, Portia Baloyi has undeniably been one of Married at First Sight SA’s standout personalities — real, vulnerable, and unapologetically honest.
As Season 2 continues to trend on social media, her story reminds viewers that love, growth, and healing are all part of the same journey.
Married at First Sight South Africa is now streaming on Showmax.
