‘Married at First Sight SA’ star Bongani Luvalo turns the page with new book

“Married at First Sight South Africa” star Bongani Luvalo is embracing a new chapter in his life with the release of his second novel, “Ntliziyo Ungumkhohlisi - Falling in Love with an It Girl”.

Luvalo first gained recognition as an author with his debut book, “A Father, A Stranger?”, which explored themes of family, identity and reconciliation.

His writing earned critical praise for its honest portrayal of personal and social challenges, establishing him as a voice that speaks to experiences often left unexplored.

With “Ntliziyo Ungumkhohlisi” - loosely translated as “The Heart is a Deceiver” - Luvalo shifts focus to love, loss and the challenges of starting over.

The story follows Mkhuseli, a young professional whose life of success feels hollow when the global pandemic brings the world to a standstill. Seeking connection, he falls for an enigmatic woman, described as an “it girl”. 

Their relationship is intense but unstable, marked by passion, betrayal and longing, forcing Mkhuseli to confront the limits of desire and the lessons of the heart.

Taking to Instagram recently, Luvalo reflected on his journey: “I have walked through many seasons in this journey called life, setting goals, chasing milestones, failing more times than I can count and winning a few.

"Yet in every win, I never paused to bask or celebrate; I simply moved on to the next pursuit.”

“But today feels different. Today I stand in my proudest moment, writing and publishing this book. I have lived up to my own expectations, and with a full heart, I place this body of work in your hands: to hold, to cherish and to journey with, until the very last word carries you apart.”

In an earlier post, while still in the writing process, he wrote: “Some people can’t stand listening to their own voices. Others cringe at seeing themselves on camera (I can relate). But do you know the real rollercoaster? Reading and reviewing your own writing while you’re deep in it."

"The rewrites. The doubt. The random moments of genius when you think, ‘Wait… I wrote that?’ Deleting whole pages. Discovering unexpected storylines. Getting lost. Starting over. It’s chaos. It’s magic.

"And it all comes down to discipline and commitment. They say it’s worth it, and I’m starting to believe them.”

Luvalo’s journey into public life expanded when he joined season two of “Married at First Sight SA”.

While his debut book focused on family and the challenges of connection, Luvalo’s new work explores the intensity of romantic relationships and the human struggle to balance desire with reason. 

Across both novels, his storytelling reflects a commitment to honesty and emotional depth, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives and the choices they make.