My Marriage Lasted 6 Weeks

TSHEPO MABE, 28, opens up about why she signed up for short-lived wedded bliss on DStv’s Married at First Sight SA.

- Sisonke Labase

The second season of Married at First Sight (MAFS) South Africa begins this October. The local version of the international hit TV show, broadcast for the first time earlier this year on DStv channel 131. The series is about six people who agree to marry a complete stranger. After a set period, each couple can decide whether they want to stay together or separate. Tshepo Mabe was one of the first participants and she tells us how the show changed her life.

“My take on love is that you’re likely to find it when you least expect to. When it comes, go with the flow. I know that this is easier said than done because we often get excited when we find love and overthink how it should be,and that can easily mess up a relationship. I met my first love while I was at varsity, but for a long time, it was unreciprocated and he turned out to be my first heartbreak. The day I called it quits, I promised myself I will not be foolish to stay in a one-sided relationship ever again.

I decided to enter Married at First Sight with an open mind and heart. I wanted to give the sincerity, honesty and commitment demanded of a long-term relationship a go. I’m the type of person who gets into a relationship for the long haul because I love stability. But sadly, breakups are inevitable when two people are not on the same wavelength.

You don’t prepare for a breakup when entering into a new relationship, otherwise that would be insincere. That is why getting on the series was exciting for me. I felt positive about what could happen. I also felt a lot of responsibility because you’re marrying a complete stranger and you have to get to know each other and work hard to make the union work.