SHE thought long and hard about appearing on the show because it would mean being away from her children for hours on end. But ultimately her kids are the very reason she decided to go for it.
Being on The Real Housewives of Gqeberha (RHOGQ) gave Ashleigh Mather a chance to shine a light on raising children with autism and to talk about her experiences and challenges.
But filming the show was a challenge in itself, she tells YOU. “Things were a little chaotic and routines went out the window. Obviously, the kids would get upset on certain days.
“But [now that filming is over] it’s nice to just get back to my normal routines and enjoy my free time with them again.”
Ashleigh appears on the show with a pack of formidable women. There’s Buli G Ngomane, her bestie and a former Idols SA contestant, events planner Norma Nicol, salon owner Unathi Faku and construction boss Liz Prins.
What sets the 32-year-old apart from her castmates is that she’s a stay-at-home mom and devotes her time to eight-yearold Aryan William and four-year-old Phoenix Charles-Duncan.
“I had a lot of mom guilt because I’d have to wake up super early or come back home late while the show was being filmed,” she says. “I’d never left my kids before. It was hard because kids with autism thrive off routine and theirs was thrown off a lot. I felt bad.”
Ashleigh also had quite a tough time on the show. She was introduced as a bubbly, free-spirited young mom, but it wasn’t long before the claws came out. In the first few episodes her castmates criticised her for being too carefree, drinking like a fish and being childish.
This story is from the 23 March 2023 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 23 March 2023 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE MICHAEL'S ANGELS
The king of pop's kids are a close-knit trio who guard their privacy fiercely
BARBIES ON THE GO!
Sending their dolls 'travelling' around the country started as way to escape everyday life during the pandemic and four years later they're still going strong
THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
These musician decided to pack up their lives and trek across the country - with three kids in tow!
TALES FROM THE DIRECTOR'S CHAIR
After 40 years in Tinseltown, filmmaker Ed Zwick is spilling the beans about the stars with the biggest egos in his tell-all memoir - and he doesn't regret a thing
India's national election
SOUTH Africa isn't the only country holding an election this year - America and India, among others, are also heading to the polls. Most countries hold elections every five years, and it typically takes place one day before the votes are counted.
IS YOUR BRA HARMING YOUR HEALTH?
Wearing the wrong bra size can cause more than discomfort - a poor fit can lead to bigger problems
MY STORY IS ONE OF HOPE
She was born with a rare condition that affects her muscles but it hasn't stopped Kerry from getting a degree or writing a book
DEATH FROM ABOVE
Drones, like the one used to kill seven aid workers in Gaza, are becoming common in battlefields
FINALLY I'M FREE
IT STARTED innocently enough, with a Bible study group, scripture readings and prayers in the suburbs of Centu rion.
CONJOINED IN HOLY MATRIMONY
Abby and Brittany have again sparked public interest after Abby's 2021 wedding recently made headlines