By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Picture: Instagram.
TV veteran and OG cast member Mpumi Mophatlane, better known as Mrs Mops, surprised everyone by announcing she would be stepping away from the Mommy Club and taking on the friend of the show instead.
We caught up with her to discuss her decision, her journey on the show, and what’s next for the multi-talented entrepreneur and mother.
When asked why she decided to take on a reduced role this season, Mrs Mops explained that her focus has shifted towards her growing business and family.
“I chose to take on a friend role this season because I wanted to shift my focus towards my business,” she shared.
“Being part of a reality show is incredibly time-consuming, and in this new chapter of my life, my priority is growing Nala Reign, my family, and continuing to build my brand as a boss babe.”
However, she was quick to reassure fans that this isn’t a permanent goodbye. “The Mommy Club will always be home for me, and you can definitely expect me back!”
While the glitz and glamour of reality TV can be thrilling, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. For Mrs Mops, the hardest part wasn’t the filming itself but rather watching herself in vulnerable moments.
“The most challenging part wasn’t the filming itself, but rather watching myself in vulnerable moments,” she revealed. “Sometimes things happen during filming that get contained within the show, but once the audience sees it, it can take on a life of its own. If those moments don’t portray you in the best light, it can be tough to handle. But it’s all part of the journey.”
When asked to describe her time on The Mommy Club in one word, Mrs Mops didn’t hesitate: “Life-changing.”
“The show has taught me so much, shaped me in ways I never expected, and introduced me to people and experiences that have truly impacted my life,” she reflected.
As she steps back from the show, Mrs Mops is channelling her energy into her business, Nala Reign, and her family. While she’ll still make appearances as a “friend” this season.
The Mommy Club franchise includes three cities: the flagship show, based in Johannesburg, which is currently in its third season, The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice, set in Durban’s Indian community, and The Mommy Club: Van die Hoofstad, which follows five women from a Tswana’s Afrikaans community and is currently streaming on Showmax every Friday.