The popular Pastor’s Wives reality show makes its much-anticipated return to the small screens after an impressive run last year.
The show follows a group of high-profile wives of preachers from across the continent, showcasing their extravagant lives and “less than Christian like” actions and also to prove that “pastor’s wives are not boring”.
Making her return on the show is Phume Khethang (46), who hails from Struisbult, Springs, who admitted that her life has changed a little after the show because of the fame that the show has brought onto her life.
“I returned because I felt I still had a role to serve. Season one was a trial run, I was not sure what to expect and it was all new to me as I was still learning. Now in Season 2, I want people to know more about Phume and what she is about beyond being a pastor’s wife. I’m a businesswoman, a friend, and much more.
“A servant of the Lord and as a Christian that has a duty to encourage people to turn to the Lord. Others may not agree with the kind of maMfundisi (pastor’s wife) that I am but this is me. I love the Lord and He loves just as I am,” she said.
On deciding to be a part of a show that exposed her life - uncensored, Khethang Kethan said people have had a lot of opinions about her from her choice of clothes, the weaves, and nails - but has accepted that some people might not find it befitting the role of being a maMfundisi.
“I have been questioned about the friends I keep and my gift. But it does not bother me because at the end of the day this is me. I know my relationship with God and where I stand only he can judge me.
“Returning to the show, I hope I can spark discussions amongst the Christian community that are not being entertained. Most importantly I want people to know about the work Phume does beyond the pulpit. We are all born with a purpose and mine is to heal, hence my organisation Bhodla - let's talk - we are focusing on healing the nation. We are so broken in many ways and too scared to talk,” she said.
The show has added three new faces to the fold, after Innocent Sadiki left the show. One of the new entrants is Tshidi Mothase, a production company director and the wife of Pastor Ananius Tebogo Mothase.
“I joined the show as an extension of the work that I already do. I am part of a Pastor’s Wives Club, where we share the realities that exist with being pastors’ wives, from the stigmatisations and the challenges we face. I also want to put a face to us, that we may be pastor’s wives but that we are human and we are women and not these supernatural beings that we are sometimes perceived as,” she pointed out.
Mothase said she has received support from her husband, who understands what is her mission and calling on the show.
“I think society perceives pastor’s wives as not being human with personal interests nor do they have the right to explore certain fields just because of the title attached to them. And that is not the case.
“The approach I took with recording the show was just to be real, so much so that I even forgot that I was recording,” she said laughing. “I had to pinch myself a few times to realise how real the entire process is but I am proud of the fact that I did not see myself performing at any moment but I was just myself,” said the 36-year-old from Kwamhlanga.
Noluvo Duna, another new face, said the opportunity found her and she thought she could ride on it and see how it goes.
The 33-year-old who hails from the Eastern Cape’s Bisho, is South Africa’s most popular face in the gospel space and wanted to show the people that being a child of God is not boring.
“That there is still life after marriage and your dreams don't have to stop but can only become better.”
The multitalented singer also works for the family business that is big on construction and logistics.
But she admitted that her husband was not sold on the idea at first.
“But when I explained the concept and how I would approach the show, he understood it and promised to support me.
“I hope the church members will accept me. I mean no harm (by being part of the show) but to show to the world that Christ can be served in different ways.
Judy Ranoto, a self-proclaimed "glamour girl and globetrotter“ who has been married for 22-years and helps run the Trinity Life International Ministries in Gauteng, also joins the seven-member production with familiar faces Adeola Costa Ayo, Anietie Ezeimo, and Nandipha Mlombi.
@AmandaMaliba
Sunday Independent