Radio personality and Real Housewives of Durban (RHOD) star Minnie Ntuli is taking control of her own story — literally. The Gagasi FM presenter surprised fans by releasing her very own reunion episode on YouTube after reports revealed that she didn’t attend the official RHOD Season 5 reunion.
The 30-year-old explained that her absence from the recorded Bravo-style reunion was due to personal reasons. “We are recording today because she has other family commitments and she won’t be able to join the reunion,” said her YouTube host. While the official reunion aired without her, Minnie used the opportunity to reflect on her reality TV debut — and to address the major backlash she received throughout the season.
Minnie joined Real Housewives of Durban as a friend for its fifth season and said the experience was far more intense than expected. “For the first time, it’s different when you are in it and you’re shooting for hours. Some of the moments, remember we’re not in people’s diary sessions. I’m getting shocked alongside with you — even moments where I watch myself and I’m like, ‘Don’t say that, let it go.’ Watching myself getting uncomfortable… but you can’t take away the reactions because no one can force them out of me. I take full responsibility for my reactions — I just wish you saw what I was reacting to.”
One of the most talked-about moments this season was her explosive argument with fellow cast member Londie London. During a pool party, Londie questioned Minnie in IsiZulu, asking: “Who do you think you are? Who are your parents?” The moment left Minnie emotional. “I was just triggered, you know. I felt disrespected. I felt my parents were being disrespected, I felt my workplace was being disrespected. We didn’t know each other, so you press on boundaries and say things and don’t know that you’re stepping on a land mine.”
Minnie revealed that before the show aired, she had tried to reach out to Londie to clear the air. Looking back, she admitted, “If I knew what I know now, I would have never done the show.”
Another moment she took accountability for was the emotional letter to Nonku Williams, which caused a major reaction in the season finale. Nonku was left crying and visibly upset after reading it. In the reunion, Minnie admitted to being the author. “Firstly, I want to apologise for the letter. I was the one asking, ‘Who wrote the letter?’ I wrote the letter. It was something that wasn’t as deep as everyone thought. Nonku even asked that we don’t say what was in the letter — they’ve been doing this for years.”
She added, “I take full accountability for my actions. I did what I did and I said what I said.” She confirmed that she and Nonku have since spoken and resolved things. “She accepted my apology,” Minnie shared.
She also read an open letter addressed to Londie London, apologising for her behavior during the show. “There were times on RHOD where I reacted instead of responding, where my emotions would then override respect. I raised my voice, I called you names, pointed fingers, and in one heated moment, I crossed a physical boundary. It was wrong and for it all I am sincerely sorry.”
Although she said her intention isn’t to become friends with Londie, she emphasised the importance of women in media spaces coexisting peacefully. “This letter to you is not to say that I expect us to be the best of friends. However, this is to apologise and to acknowledge that as young women of KZN in media, it is vital for us to coexist cordially. I am open to having an in-person talk.”
