South Africans first met Annie Mthembu as one of the stars of the reality series The Real Housewives of Durban (RHOD). Away from the cameras, the mother of two has been quietly rebuilding her life — running her businesses, raising her children, and focusing on her mental health following a life-changing separation.
In a candid conversation with TRUELOVE, Annie revealed why she decided to step back from the media spotlight to prioritize herself.
“The reason I chose silence for this period of time, I didn’t engage in any media really or do too much, is because I just needed to understand where I was first. Plan my life, understand what my next steps are and then also heal. I really needed to double down on my mental health and my mental fitness, especially being a mom,” she said.
It has been three years since Annie and her ex-husband, Kgolo Mthembu, went their separate ways. She explained that while there wasn’t a single breaking point, it was the repeated build-up of difficult moments that eventually made her choose separation for the sake of her peace and her children’s well-being.
“When you find yourself in a very toxic environment, one of the first things we try to do is hope for change. But if it continues for too long, you realize you have to deal with the actual issue. You have to do something about it,” Annie noted.
Her biggest concern was the impact the situation at home could have on her children.
“When I realized that my kids would eventually be affected by what was happening in my home, I had to say to myself, ‘I have to put them first, I have to protect them, I have to make a plan to ensure they grow up in the right environment,’” she added.
For Annie, the journey has been about choosing healing, growth, and mental strength — not only for herself but also for the future of her children.
