Letoya Makhene’s most candid interview yet: love and lessons from 'The Makhenes'
Actress and musician Letoya Makhene discusses her journey through love, motherhood and the challenges of living in the public eye in her new reality show, 'The Makhenes'.
Image: Supplied/Mzansi Magic
For years, singer and actress Letoya Makhene has lived much of her life in the public eye.
From her acting career to her music and personal life, the star has often found herself at the centre of online controversial conversations, sometimes for her work and other times for the headlines surrounding her relationships and family life.
Through “The Makhenes” on Mzansi Magic, viewers are getting a more personal look into one of South Africa’s most recognisable families.
The reality show, which premiered in April, follows the Makhene family across several generations while unpacking themes of love, healing, conflict and personal growth.
Since its debut, the show has sparked conversation online for its raw and emotional moments, including her relationships, reflections on motherhood, and navigating public scrutiny.
The actress revealed that the idea for the show was hers.
“It was my idea. I approached producers and shared my concept with them, and they then took it to the channel,” she explained.
For her, the show was not only a professional opportunity but also a chance to reclaim her own narrative after difficult periods in her personal life.
“Beyond it being a good financial opportunity and helping me get back on my feet after the first smear campaign against me shut down my work, it was also a chance to correct the narrative and allow people to decide for themselves, through my story, whether they want to love or hate me.”
Lebo Keswa and Letoya Makhene in happier times.
Image: Instagram
The smear campaign she speaks of stems from her public fallout with ex-wife Lebo Keswa. The couple married on December 22, 2020, in a lavish wedding, but called it quits after Keswa, through a statement, revealed that their “marriage had ended in a toxic relationship”.
Having been in the entertainment industry from a young age, the former “Generations” actress admitted that years in the spotlight have changed her perspective on people and life.
“I’ve had to grow a thicker skin and accept that not everyone can be trusted,” she said.
“We live in a world that can be cruel, where people will sometimes try to destroy you just to get ahead.”
At the same time, she said the experience has also taught her more about herself, especially the softer parts of her personality.
“I’ve also come to realise that my heart is very soft and filled with a lot of love.”
Makhene also spoke candidly about motherhood, describing herself as a “doting mom”.
“I adore my children and love them deeply,” she shared. “That’s why it hurts so much knowing that some of my choices have affected them negatively.”
On the show, viewers have gotten to see a glimpse of the broken bond she has with her daughter, Nubia Mangezi, who has previously distanced herself from her mother due to her relationship choices.
Makhene added that she continues to work on forgiving herself for past mistakes.
“I’ve had to, and continue to, do the work to forgive myself for where I’ve gone wrong. They are my world.”
Over the years, her love life has frequently made headlines, something she admits has not been easy to navigate while balancing her many roles as an actress, musician, mother and daughter.
“This is a difficult question for me to answer right now,” she admitted when asked how she navigates it all.
“I am most disappointed in myself when it comes to my choices in partners, and I have worked too hard to establish balance.”
She added that she is currently on a journey of self-discovery and hopes to eventually find clarity and balance within herself.
The reality show has also impacted some of her family relationships, particularly with those closest to her.
“My immediate family and I have grown closer. The show has created space for us to have uncomfortable conversations and to decide whether we want to continue loving each other or walk away from one another. Our love has proven to be stronger,” she said.
When reflecting on her younger self, Makhene shared one of her most vulnerable responses yet, saying she wishes she had protected her heart more.
“Do not sacrifice yourself for love. Instead, love yourself and love God. In that, you will find that you are whole,” she concluded.
♦ “The Makhenes” airs on Sundays at 7pm on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161).