Meet Pheladi Madungandaba: the new mom juggling kids and cameras on ‘The Mommy Club’
“The Mommy Club” newcomer Pheladi Madungandaba is thrilled for viewers to see her navigate the challenges of parenthood on season three of the hit local reality show.
The 31-year-old mother of two is one of the new additions to the latest offering of the Showmax series, which will premiere on February 15.
She will be joined by three other new faces: Kabelo “Mrs J” Jantjies, Noksie Khumalo and Vuyiswa “Vuyi” Nyawuza.
Meanwhile, fan-favourites Mrs Mops (real name Mpumi Mophatlane) and Nozipho Ntshangase will be friends of the show but not main cast members.
“The Mommy Club”, which gives viewers behind-the-scenes access to the lives of glamorous moms who appear to have it all, has earned legions of fans since the first season premiered in 2023.
Season two was also a hit as the show also served its own fair share of drama which kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
In addition, season three comes following the success of “The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice”, which premiered in August. This series centred on nine affluent mothers within Durban’s Indian community.
Madungandaba, who is divorced after getting married at the age of 23, is currently on a co-parenting journey with her ex-husband as they share responsibility for their daughter, 7 and their son, 5.
“I want to use the show to raise awareness about the realities of not being a full-time mom,” she explained.
“During a divorce settlement, it is crucial to take care of the best interests of kids and if it is in the best interest to live with me and for them to live with their dad, then so be it.”
She added: “Mothers like me often feel guilty and they feel like missing out quite a lot, especially with young kids, so I want to be aware that if you are in a situation like mine, you are not a bad mom, you are just doing your best for your kids.”
Meanwhile, Madungandaba said that her children, particularly her son, enjoyed their time in front of the camera.
“They are excited to be on the show, which brought out the best of her family, especially my son.”
“I didn't know he was such a socialite, he is usually more reserved but during his time in front of the camera, he really showed me a different side to him.”
After rejecting the producers’ request previously, she explained that she decided to be part of this season after consulting with her inner circle, which included her therapist.
“It took a while because I rejected the offer to be on the show the first time because I thought that I am such a reserved person and that I had no content to offer but when I got the second phone call, I told my therapist this and she said that if they saw something then there is something there.”
She has not regretted the decision and described her time on “The Mommy Club” as a “humbling experience.”
“My experience on the show was quite humbling and very interesting,” she said.
“All the ladies all come from different backgrounds and just to go back and have a teachable spirit was quite humbling because some of the things we are ridiculed for and when you set yourself apart and you find another mommy coming to you and showing you different ways, how they say things, its like okay, ‘let me handle myself, its not you alone on this earth’ because people live differently.”
“When I got into it and I saw the rest of the cast, they were a group of beautiful ladies from different backgrounds.”
“I didn't anticipate any drama, we were getting along very well and for me, just being with them was great.”
Madungandaba said that there are plenty of twists and turns for viewers to enjoy this season.
“What will be different this season is that there are a whole lot of new faces.”
“There is also no beef that has been carrying on for the previous seasons so there is space for new conflicts,” she joked.
She also believes that it is “The Mommy Club’s” authenticity which sets it apart from other reality show offerings.
“I think that the show has been a hit because it shows how women juggle motherhood.”
For businesswomen to housewives, Madungandaba added that all kinds of mothers are represented.
“Parenting is something that people will always relate to because there is a part where it's so real compared to the other shows.”
Meet the other new “The Mommy Club” cast members:
Kabelo “Mrs J” Jantjies
Mrs J, a sangoma and a church owner, is a charismatic 37-year-old wife and mother of three.
"I’ve been following ‘The Mommy Club’ from the very beginning and I absolutely love the concept.”
“It beautifully showcases mothers with their children and their day-to-day lives," she added.
Noksie Khumalo
This 35-year-old wife and mother of one is also a successful realtor, who co-runs a thriving property business with her Scottish husband.
"I’m a new mom, so my perspective might be a bit different from the other ladies,” she explained.
“I bring fresh energy and a youthful vibe, combined with a luxury mindset and an unbreakable spirit. I’m living proof that you can have it all - just watch me."
Vuyiswa “Vuyi” Nyawuza
This 40-year-old resilient mother of four’s focus is on healing and raising her children after the death of the father of her kids.
As an entrepreneur in the hair industry, she is ready to share her personal journey and to offer support to other women in similar circumstances.
“I’ve experienced a lot of pain in my life and I believe that in order to heal, I need to be open about it,” she said.