10 sensational local reality shows on DStv

As South Africans we think we’ve seen everything. But we’re seated and waiting this November for new series and seasons of the spiciest reality series on DStv. Meet the preachers with 22 kids (each) in Umndeni Nala Season 15 and Being a Xaba Season 1. See how complicated inheritance can get in the new Nam Ngikhona, or become an insider with friends living life on the edges of society in series like Short and Sweet Season 3, Queens of the Night Season 2, and The Way Ngingakhona. 

The truth is about to get stranger, sexier and far more shocking than a soapie. Let’s talk about it!

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November’s 10 spiciest reality shows

1. Umndeni Nala

Polygamy reality series Umndeni takes us inside the life of King Dr HQ SoMnala (Inkandla-born Hamilton Qhoshangokwakhe Nala), the First Citizen of the World of Plenty and the Progenator of the Plentian Nation. Aside from his ministry, King Dr HQ SoMnala runs a school, owns a radio station and a funeral parlour, and operates both a logistics company, and a security company. And at home, he needs to make time for nine wives and 22 children. 

Stream Umndeni Nala Season 15 from Saturday, 1 November at 8PM on Moja Love Channel 157. Also available on DStv Stream.

2. Being a Xaba

Welcome inside the lives of a KZN family trying to find common ground. 61-year-old bishop Vusi Jabulani “VJ” Xaba is a little more challenged than most dads, with 22 (and counting) children to keep track of, and a new 28-year-old wife, who’s younger than some of those kids. After a flotilla of stepmothers coming in and out, VJ has work to do to examine his past behaviour and earn forgiveness so he can unite his children as a family.

Stream Being a Xaba Season 1 from Sunday, 23 November at 7PM on Mzansi Magic Channel 161.

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3. Nam Ngikhona

Kamo Bombe hosts this reality series, which looks at the emotional chaos that can come with claiming your share of a loved one’s estate. The real drama begins – and the truth about some family members comes out – once the will is read. Secrets surface, tensions rise, and families go to war. It’s not just about the money, it’s about legacy, betrayal, and healing, as Kamo steps in to help settle disputes before they destroy families.

Stream Nam Ngikhona Season 1 from Sunday, 16 November at 8PM on Mzansi Magic Channel 161.

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4. Short and Sweet

Six South African little people show us the daily realities of living in a world where nearly everything is the wrong size. We meet a couple of new friends this season: Tebogo Shayi and Dimakatso Mathekga. Tebogo recently lost his job as a data capturer, and needs a new job so that he can continue lobola payments. And proud mom of two Dimakatso is fighting to keep her cool in a “toxic” relationship with the father of her children.

Stream Short and Sweet Season 3 from Thursday, 6 November at 8PM on Mzansi Magic Channel 161.

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5. Abandoned

Phumeza Shoba brings compassion to an emotionally explosive issue as she and the Abandoned team work to reunite people with the mothers and fathers who went missing. After private investigators, law enforcement authorities, and government departments including Home Affairs and Social Services, help to trace the missing parents, Phumeza reaches out for their side of the story. The goal is to give both parties a chance to meet, share stories, heal pain, and consider whether they should reunite.

Stream Abandoned Season 4 from Wednesday, 5 November at 8PM on Mzansi Magic Channel 161.

 

6. Buyela Ekhaya 

Yizo Yizo star Innocent Masuku (who played drug addict Bobo and lost a promising career to addiction himself) explores second chances as he hits the streets to meet people who’re living unhoused. As they share their stories, they’ll reveal why they believe that they can never return home – whether from shame, or because of conflict, abuse or fear. We’ll also hear their family’s side of the story as the Buyela Ekhaya team searches for common ground and compassion.

Stream Buyela Ekhaya Season 1 from Saturday, 22 November at 9PM on Moja 9.9 Channel 158. Also available on DStv Stream.  

7. Queens of the Night

Spicy reality series Queens of the Night caught flack in Season 1 for “glamourising” sex work. But Sethu Queen Ye Country, Nthabiseng Xaba, Princess Makinana, and Indigo Twins Tsebo and Tsebang are here to share the truth about South Africa’s adult entertainment industry as they see it. They’ll put a human face on sex work as they share how the business of pleasure means having to make difficult personal choices, and navigate damaged relationships with family, friends and lovers.

Stream Queens of the Night Season 2 from Saturday, 8 November at 9:30PM on Moja 9.9 Channel 158.

8. The Way Ngingakhona

This reality series takes us inside South Africa’s LGBTQIA+ community, and the OG crew is back in the house as we catch up with Inno, Elle, Thami, MJ, and Tholang. MJ shares his side of the custody battle, Tholang catches us up on how hormones are changing her life, and Inno shares the spiritual battles linked to his identity in his final season of stirring the pot (this time for real). And we’ll meet a new cast member.

Stream The Way Ngingakhona Season 5 from Saturday, 22 November at 8:30PM on Moja 9.9 Channel 158. Also available on DStv Stream. 

9. Uyajola 9.9

“Cheaters, run! The king of chaos is back. If you’re hiding something, start praying.” JubJub and the fearless Uyajola 9.9 camera crew are back to spring their trap on lying lovers. This season nowhere is safe, so whether you’re at a posh restaurant, at your job, in a taxi, or in your lover’s arms, be ready to spin your story. We’ll also uncover the clues making people suspect that they’re not the only dish on the menu.

Stream Uyajola 9.9 Season 12 from Sunday, 2 November at 9PM on Moja 9.9 Channel 158. 

 

10. X-Repo

Does someone have your stuff and they won’t give it back? You don’t need a lawyer. Whether it’s a family member who’s “just using” your car, an ex who won’t move out, a friend who “forgot” that they’re storing your fridge, or a business that took your cash and did a dash, host Xolani Maphanga are here to name, shame, and reclaim! PS: Xolani and the X-Repo team have been nominated for National Film & TV Awards on 22 November.

Stream X-Repo Season 16 from Sunday, 2 November at 8:30PM on Moja 9.9 Channel 158.