Everyone loves a famous wedding, but no one enjoys a famous divorce. Showmax has just released the trailer for Untied, a talk show that unpacks the complex world of divorce through the stories of famous women who havelived it.
Untied: From ‘I Do’ to ‘I’m Done’
Untied is produced by GOAT, the creative minds behind Unfollowed and The Real Housewives’ Ultimate Girls Trip – South Africa, and will be hosted by multi-award-winning broadcaster Relebogile Mabotja.
Premiering on Showmax on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, Untied features a powerful lineup of South African public figures, each sharing raw, unfiltered perspectives on the emotional toll of divorce.
The cast includes businesswoman Norma Gigaba, whose marriage breakdown from Malusi Gigaba was anything but sanctimonious. There’s also reality TV stars Beverly Steyn and Nonku Williams, actresses Dawn Thandeka King, Mona Monyane and Palesa Madisakwane, media personality Zandi Nhlapo and model Sonia Booth. Each woman will open up about how their lives were turned upside down after separating from the men they once believed would be there forever.
Relebogile Mabotja Digs Deeper Than Divorce Drama
Society has done a great job of instilling shame in women, especially when it comes to being honest about their relationship failures. This is exactly why Mabotja was eager to be part of Untied, especially because women are often judged more harshly following the demise of a marriage.
“Many of the experiences they speak of, like falling in love, getting hurt, and being let down, are universal human experiences, everyone, married, single, or divorced, can relate to. I truly believe that certain conversations drive healing, awareness and empowerment.”
Now while it does focus on relationships and celebrity culture, Mabotja reveals how she works to respect her guests and ensure that Showmax’s new show avoids falling into superficial and gossip territory,
“I pride myself in using vulnerability as a superpower, because I am only able to have people open up to me if I am open to them. Not necessarily with my own story, but with my energy and my heart. I also do my best to keep things respectful, considerate, and mindful at all times.”
With that, viewers can expect a wide range of topics that will resonate with everyone, from infidelity to family hostility, loss, abuse, depression, and stories of survival, hope, and rebirth.
Behind Every Breakup Is a Badass
With Mabotja’s slew of guests being such public figures, we’ve likely come across bits and pieces about the demise of their relationships, yet that doesn’t mean we truly know everything.
“I don’t think there’s a single episode where I was not shocked or moved just by the details and what some of these women have not just been through but have also overcome,” explains Mabotja, “My face completely gives me away.”
There were even moments during filming where the podcast host had to hold back tears, especially when discussing sensitive topics,
“I struggled with holding back tears because it dealt with the loss of a child. As a parent, I cannot even begin to imagine what that does to a person. It’s heartbreaking to think about how hard that was to live through.”
What’s Love Got To Do With It?
With South Africa seeing an increase in divorce rates, it appears that Untied is the perfect tool to help shape conversations around relationships and marriage,
“While conversations around relationships between men and women typically focus on the differences and what men and women should be doing, I hope the show helps people rethink what marriage and love can be,” shares Mabotja.
With that, the 702 radio host hopes that viewers learn to become more empathetic towards others, and to also adopt healthier and more loving choices for their relationships and themselves.
“Hosting Untied has taught me that irrespective of where you come from, irrespective of where you are and who you are in life, not a single one of us is exempt from love in all its magnitude and depth, as well as loss in all its pain and grief, and starting over.”
Pastry Playdates 
Leave a comment