Angel Ndlela on confidence, growth and sisterhood in ‘The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa’

Angel Ndlela has stepped into a new chapter of "The Real Housewives" history, and has been doing so with the same calm confidence she’s become known for on “The Real Housewives of Durban” (RHOD). 

As one of the cast members representing South Africa on “The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa”, the 30-year-old reality star opened up in a recent interview about the moment she got the call, what the trip meant for her, and why this experience felt different from anything she’s done before.

For the young entrepreneur, being chosen to be part of the Pan-African crossover came as a shock in the best way possible.

She shared that she still remembers exactly where she was when the producers reached out.

“I was on a flight to Durban from Polokwane when I received the call, about to take off. I was so shocked at how God’s grace can locate you for things I genuinely never saw coming,” she said. 

As one of the cast members who often faced criticism on the RHOD, she was emotional about the recognition. 

“I cried because I’m one of the cast members who were constantly doubted in terms of ‘belonging’. Not that I’ve ever needed validation, but this was a stamp that I definitely belong in the world of Housewives.”

Stepping into a house full of women from different cities could have been overwhelming, but she said she never felt nervous for a second.

“At no point was I anxious about meeting anyone. I made it a point that I would enjoy this to the fullest, not allowing anything to make me feel otherwise.”

Working with the stars from the Kenya and Nigeria iterations also came with its own surprises, especially when she realised just how alike they all were.

“What surprised me the most was that we were picked accordingly. We have such similar personalities, some more extreme than others, but we were all very strong, opinionated and assertive. Nobody backs down, and that makes for great television.”

Ndlela also added that she walked into the trip with a very clear goal for herself.

“I wanted to fully be myself. Season 4 of RHOD, I came in hot. Season 5, I was a bit more reserved, but this time, I was myself fully. I owed it to myself to just be me.”

Looking back, she said the experience reminded her of what she’s capable of, both on and off camera.

“The show has taught me just how strong, resilient and funny I am. About other people, it has taught me that if you do not conform to the box they want to confine you in, they resort to cruelty, which again taught me that I can take it. I am strong like that.”

As a Showmax Original, “The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa” first aired on the streaming platform on November 28 and later moved to Mzansi Magic channel 161 on December 6. 

The reality show brought together some of the most recognisable Housewives from across the continent for a luxury escape in Brazil.

South Africa is represented by Durban favourites Annie Mthembu, Angel Ndlela and Jojo Robinson, alongside Joburg icons Madam Evodia Mogase and Christall Kay. 

Nairobi’s Dr Catherine Masitsa and Zena Nyambu bring East African polish to the mix, while Nigeria’s Princess Jecoco and Mariam Timmer round off the cast with their bold energy.