The Makhenes is a deeply personal reality series that offers an unfiltered look into one of South Africa’s most recognisable families. Spanning five decades and three generations, the series follows a powerful legacy shaped by love, conflict, healing, and growth. Premiered on 12 April on Mzansi Magic, with new episodes every Sunday at 19:00, viewers are invited into the heart of the Makhene family story.
In the forefront is actress and musician Letoya Makhene, who opens up her life as she balances motherhood, public life and her calling as a spiritual healer, all while navigating a difficult personal chapter. As her story unfolds, so do those of the people closest to her. Her father, Blondie Makhene, a legendary name in South African music, her sisters Pauline and Gontse, and her children, who share their own experiences, bringing to light long-standing tensions, hard truths and the moments that push the family to confront what has been left unsaid.
Before the premiere, we sat down with Blondie Makhene and he opened up about joining a reality show, being a dad and more.
How do you feel about sharing your life on reality television?
It feels good to debrief, to be able to look back and to meditate on my past. I guess this is my own way of dealing with my Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a South African.
What were some of your favourite things about filming a reality show?
There were a lot of things that I enjoyed but having more family gatherings than we've had in a long while as a family and also watching the crew at work and seeing how it all comes together behind the scenes.
As one of South Africa's living legends, what are you hoping viewers take from seeing your story?
My story is our story and many of us are going through the same things. I'm hoping that people may find solutions to their challenges through our story.
How do you deal with the public scrutiny your family faces?
I accepted a long time ago, when I woke up to this life, where this family chose to be. It comes with the territory. Ours is a contested space where the weak will fall by the wayside and we are the Makhenes; we don't die early.
When you aren't touring, how do you enjoy spending your time?
I spend my time devising ideas on how to make tomorrow better for someone, creating new music with many different people, attending my grandchildren's celebrations and events, an amazing bunch of people who may be misunderstood.
When you see your loved ones trending on social media, how does that make you feel?
Trending is good when we are sharing; however, there are owners of the space on social media who won't let others be. This is when I cry for my beloved country and regret how we have lost the ability to be abantu. We have turned into heartless bullies without empathy. We rejoice over one another's pain instead of reaching out to each other.
Why should people watch the show?
People should watch the show because they might learn something from our experiences, there is something for everyone and we are putting it all out for the world to see.
GLAMOUR Recommends
Olandria Carthen lands Barbie deal and stuns at Fashion Trust U. S. awards
Nompumelelo Vilakazi returns as Senzeni in Isithembu sika Msongelwa S2
Gen Z slang explained: 11 Internet terms you need to know to stay in the loop
5 Ways to spot a pathological liar, according to psychologists
Big Brother Mzansi bazozwa's top 6 finalists reflect on the challenges that shaped them
