Former Real Housewives of Durban star Slee Ndlovu is trading red carpets for real life as she opens up about her decision to step away from reality TV. While the series may have brought her fame, Slee says it came at too high a cost—both personally and professionally. Now based in Johannesburg, she’s prioritising her children, her business, and a new chapter filled with love and purpose.
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“It just didn’t make financial sense”
Slee, who joined RHODurban in season three, revealed that despite being invited back for the new season, she chose to walk away. Her reason? The show simply wasn’t worth the sacrifice.
Speaking to The Spotlight with Mbuyi Vilakazi, she explained, “My eldest child was in matric last year and we were preparing for university. I needed to be present. And we shoot around a very critical time. I couldn’t be away from my kids.”
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Filming also took a toll on her interior design business, which relies on availability during peak renovation periods. “Since I started shooting, I haven’t had any clients,” she said. “If you’re not available, you can’t really make any income.”
Slee added that while the show did offer exposure, the financial reality behind the glamour was stark. “We all join the platform knowing it’s for exposure, but in terms of the paycheque, it didn’t make financial sense based on what we spend. The money I earned was just petrol money.”
From Durban to Jozi: a new beginning
Despite the emotional highs and lows of the show, Slee says she’s grateful for the lessons. “Now that I’m outside looking in, I understand how the show works. I reacted to things I didn’t need to, but I’ve gained wisdom from the experience.”
Since leaving RHOD, she’s made a bold move to Johannesburg, which she now considers her second home. The decision was partly driven by her daughter’s university plans—but Slee also had dreams of her own to chase.
She’s landed a role in an upcoming telenovela, secured a presenting job on a new reality show, and is diving head-first into the world of acting. “I’m really enjoying it. It’s one of the reasons why I moved to Johannesburg,” she shared.
Love, second chances, and living with intention
Amid her career revival, Slee has also found love again—and she’s not keeping it a secret. “He came into my life at a point when I had given up on love,” she said, beaming. “He’s so amazing… very intentional, and he loves me so loudly.”
Now, with her children thriving, her creative pursuits in full swing, and a supportive partner by her side, Slee says she’s finally in a space where life feels aligned. Johannesburg, it seems, is more than just a change of scenery—it’s her new beginning.
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Featured Image: Instagram | @slee_thebosslady
