Devoted At First Sight: Nelisa Ntabeni Chats Married At First Sight

For the past 10 weeks, we’ve witnessed the ramifications of a bold and emotionally charged social experiment where eight strangers said “I do” to each other, the moment they met. From awkward introductions to navigating the complexities of married life, every moment has been captured on Season 2 of Married at First Sight Mzansi, sparking national conversations and suggesting that people can fall in love while being married at first sight.

Nelisa Ntabeni: A Showmax Love Story?

Having always believed in love and marriage, Nelisa Ntabeni couldn’t pass up the chance to join the show, especially if it meant getting that fairytale ending,

“I saw it as a chance to trust the process, step out in faith, and allow the experts to match me with someone who could see me beyond the surface,” she reveals, “Saying yes to the experiment was me choosing hope, and reminding myself that love is still worth believing in.”

With that, she turned to the best person that she could think of, who could prepare her for such an insane adventure,

“Marriage is God’s institution, and I didn’t want to step into it without His approval,” she admits, adding that she prayed and fasted, asked for His signs, and once she received them, she never looked back. She also admits to having an honest conversation with herself, reminding herself that marriage requires patience and grace. While she couldn’t control everything, she could show up authentically and fully commit to the journey. “That gave me peace, knowing I had done everything I could to prepare my heart for this step.”

A Fairytale Journey?

While she admits that she came to the show ‘hungry’ for love, Ntabeni also adds that her position didn’t come from desperation, but rather honesty,

“I value my time and energy, so I don’t engage in casual dating. I wait until it feels right… I wasn’t rushing into relationships because I didn’t want to entertain something that wasn’t intentional.”

In fact, it’s that same clarity that gave her the confidence to step into the experiment without fear, and ultimately meet her Prince Charming.

For Ntabeni, her marriage to Themba Khosa has been considered the fairytale of the season, despite concerns about her being a ‘second wife.’

Yet, thoughts about ‘baby mamas’ and lobola were far from her mind the first time she laid her eyes on her husband, as she felt calm, curious, and hopeful all at the same time,

“There was a gentleness about him that made me want to lean into the moment instead of running away from it,” she admits, “In that instant, I felt like my decision to trust the process was being rewarded.”

Happily Ever After?

While we’ll have to wait until the end of the season to learn if Ntabeni received her Cinderella ending, what she can share is the lessons that she took from the experiment.

Whether it was dealing with the pressures of a new relationship or addressing conflict with co-star Makoto Phumodi, Ntabeni shares that the entire process proved that she underestimated herself,

“I learned that I’m stronger than I thought, and also softer than I allow myself to be,” she says, before admitting that she also learned that vulnerability is not a weakness, and that her calmness and emotional honesty can carry me through difficult moments.

“More than anything, I learned that showing up as my true self, flaws and all, is enough, and it can actually be the very thing that makes love possible.”

As for those looking for love in the same unconventional way?

Ntabeni advises that you remain open-minded, but also stay true to yourself. She adds that you should shy away from performing for the cameras or for people’s opinions, but rather be honest about your intentions, because “love is not about perfection, it is about partnership.”

“At the end of the day, being genuine will attract the kind of love that is truly meant for you.”

Watch The Latest Episode

Married At First Sight Mzansi Season 2 currently airs exclusively on Showmax, with new episodes released every Sunday evening.

“People should continue watching the show because it is not just entertainment; it is an experiment that asks hard questions about love, family, and faith. Viewers will see that marriage is not a fairytale; it is a commitment that requires courage, and that makes the journey worth watching.”