Tshepo Spills on His Marriage, Makoto Feud, and What Really Happens Off-Camera on Married at First Sight SA

Married at First Sight South Africa has been on air for eight weeks, and the drama hasn’t let up for a single Sunday. From fiery arguments and family tensions to shock revelations and raw emotions, this season has firmly gripped Mzansi.

Airing every Sunday at 6:30PM on Mzansi Magic and streaming on Showmax, the second season introduced a bold new panel of experts and four brave couples:

• Palesa Mphaki & Tshepo Miya
• Makoto Phumodi & Nkuleleko Mahlangu
• Themba Khosa & Nelisa Ntabeni
• Portia Baloyi & Bongani Luvalo

Now legally married, they’re figuring out married life in real time – and it’s been a rollercoaster. From disapproving families and unresolved baby mama drama to shocking control issues and emotional blowouts, the show has become one of the most talked-about reality experiments in South Africa.

In the latest episode, emotions reached new heights:

• Portia opened up about the heartbreaking passing of her father.
• Tensions between Tshepo and Makoto nearly boiled over.
• A messy cast trip threw even more fuel onto the fire.

And now, Tshepo himself is speaking out.

Tshepo on Why He Said “I Do” to a Stranger

“I joined the show because my traditional way of starting relationships had not worked,” Tshepo revealed. “I thought this would be an ideal way to see what’s out there for me.”

He admits that while nothing can prepare you for marrying a stranger on TV, he leaned on his therapist before the experiment began.

“My therapist told me that I should always remember what I can control, and leave the things I can’t. That advice has carried me through the chaos.”

Cracks in His Marriage With Palesa

Fans were quick to spot tension between Tshepo and his new wife, and according to him, the “cracks” began during the honeymoon.

“She asked me not to communicate directly with women in production and to redirect them to her. That was strange, especially since we were still getting to know each other. It raised eyebrows.”

Things only got worse when he felt pressured to present a “perfect couple image” for the cameras.

“My wife would tell me to ‘nip issues in the bud’ and pretend we were okay, even when we weren’t. But I can’t fake it – if I’m not okay, I’m not okay.”

His Explosive Clash With Makoto

Tshepo also addressed the drama with Makoto, which has kept social media buzzing.

“My issue with Makoto came from a few off-screen run-ins, mostly linked to her conflict with Nkululeko. I don’t want to surround myself with unruly people who speak without respect. That kind of energy doesn’t sit well with me.”

On Bullying, Brotherhood, and Watching Himself on TV

While the show has made Tshepo a household name, it hasn’t been easy.

“Watching myself on TV has come with mixed emotions. There’s been online bullying and a lot of assumptions. But the brotherhood with the other grooms has been incredible. We’ve been there for each other since the bachelor party.”

Tshepo’s Advice to Future Contestants

His message to anyone thinking of joining Married at First Sight SA next season?

“Be prepared for anything. Not all that glitters is gold. Do it for the right reasons, trust your gut, and never depart from who you are.”

With only half the season behind us, the fireworks are far from over. From gaslighting claims and emotional abuse allegations to cast rivalries and heartbreak, Married at First Sight SA is delivering the kind of jaw-dropping reality TV that Mzansi can’t stop talking about.

👉 Catch new episodes every Sunday at 6:30PM on Mzansi Magic, or stream on Showmax.