The Relebogile Mabotja Podcast #35 – Makoto Phumodi: Reality TV Hid This Side of Me

The official recording date of this episode was 10 October 2025.

In this episode of The Relebogile Mabotja Podcast, I am in conversation with Makoto Phumodi, one of the most talked-about brides from #MarriedAtFirstSightMzansi, Season 2.

We delve into her story, starting from her childhood in Ficksburg and her early start in the world of performance, from leading drum majorettes in grade school to landing her first radio gig in Grade 10.
Makoto shares how her ambitious spirit and love for the spotlight shaped her journey into acting and behind-the-scenes production work long before her reality TV debut.

Makoto opens up about what really happened in her marriage to Nkululeko. She addresses the big questions head-on: Was she acting? Why was sexual compatibility such a major issue? And what did she really think when she walked down the aisle? She gets candid about feeling mismatched by the experts, confronting Nkululeko's past, and dealing with what she describes as controlling behaviour.

She reflects on the immense personal challenges she was navigating, sharing a deeply emotional account of her mother's passing and the grief that followed. Makoto also speaks on the complicated family dynamics with her father and how that conflict has impacted her life and relationships.

Finally, we talk about her future. Makoto shares her powerful declaration to become an executive producer, her plans to tell her own story, and how she is applying the lessons from her past to heal, grow, and be the best mother she can be for her son.

Experience all the twists, love, and lessons from Married at First Sight Mzansi. Watch the full current season and revisit Season 1 on Mzansi Magic Catch Up or Showmax:
https://www.showmax.com/za

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03:48 - "I WILL Be An Executive Producer"
04:01 - Makoto's Start in Acting & Performing
06:26 - Perfect Family & Upbringing in Ficksburg
07:58 - Makoto Reveals Her Hidden Singing Talent
09:20 - Journey with Church & Faith
10:32 - Remembering Her Mother
13:00 - The Day My Mother Passed Away
18:40 - Family Drama: "It Crushed My Spirit"
20:20 - The False Porn Video Rumour
21:50 - That Emotional Reunion with Her Father on MAFS
23:34 - Why She Left Home & Moved to Johannesburg
34:50 - Her First Impression of Nkululeko at the Altar
35:40 - Unpacking The Sexual Compatibility Issues
36:32 - Nkululeko's Past with Drugs & Finding God
42:12 - The Red Flags
43:23 - Did The Experts Fail Her?
44:56 - "I Knew It Wasn't Going to Work"
48:46 - Was She Acting on the Show?
49:56 - Her Response to Claims About Money
51:04 - What She Wishes She Could Say to Mzansi
52:13 - Which Guy Would She Have Chosen?
52:41 - Does She Have a New Man?
52:52 - Final Words for the Viewers
56:55 - What's Next for Makoto?
58:22 - Does She Still Question His Sexuality?