Slee Ndlovu explains why she left ‘Real Housewives of Durban’

Reality TV star Slee Ndlovu has opened up about her decision to step away from Real Housewives of Durban (RHOD) ahead of its fifth season.

In a recent interview on The Spotlight podcast, Slee revealed that although she was approached to return, she chose to opt out for personal and professional reasons.

Prioritizing Family Over Fame

One of the biggest reasons behind Slee’s departure was her commitment to her children, particularly her eldest child, who was completing matric.

“My oldest child was doing her matric last year, and we were getting ready for the new year in terms of university. I needed to be present,” she explained.

Filming for RHOD takes place during critical academic periods, and Slee felt she couldn’t afford to be away from her children at such an important time.

Taking a Break to Reassess Her Career

Aside from family commitments, Slee wanted to take a step back to explore new business opportunities and refocus on her career.

“I needed a moment. I needed a break to see what other avenues I can look into,” she said.

She acknowledged that while reality TV provides great exposure for personal branding and business, it also requires a lot of time and energy—something she felt was pulling her away from her primary career as an interior designer.

“As much as reality TV is a great platform for a brand and business, I felt that my company was neglected,” she admitted.

Business Struggles During Filming

As an interior designer, Slee found that her business suffered because she was unavailable to take on clients during filming.

“Since we started shooting, I never had a client because that’s when people want to revamp their homes. If you are not available, you can’t make an income,” she said.

She emphasized that stepping away from RHOD was a necessary financial decision to ensure her company remained stable and continued to thrive.

“Most importantly, it was mainly for my child,” she added, reinforcing that family came first in her decision-making process.

Dealing with Controversy on the Show

During her time on RHOD, Slee was often the subject of gossip and jokes, particularly about her ancestral practices and finances.

In previous seasons, some cast members made light of her spirituality, with some insinuating it was linked to witchcraft.

Ahead of the RHOD season 4 reunion, Slee spoke out about her frustration with these accusations.

“My biggest thing for the reunion is the witchcraft accusations,” she stated.

She expressed her disappointment in how some of her castmates misrepresented her spiritual beliefs.

“I need the people who accused me to tell me what they mean because I am confused and offended,” she said.

What’s Next for Slee Ndlovu?

While she may not be returning for season 5 of RHOD, Slee is not disappearing from the public eye.

By stepping away from reality TV, she is focusing on her business, family, and personal growth.

Although she has not ruled out a future return, for now, she is taking the time to prioritize her children and career—proving that sometimes, stepping back from the spotlight is the best move forward.