Ihhashi Elimhlophe and family on how they maintained relevance in the industry

While reality TV shows often display a life of façade, the Ngcobo family have been intentional in showing authenticity on social media and through their show Ofuze on Mzansi Magic. 

Ihhashi Elimhlophe, real name Bheki Ngcobo, has shown his roots through his music and said he was grateful his family had an opportunity to tell their story. 

“It will always be diluted if someone is telling your story and they will say it however they want to tell it, but when you are telling your own story I think that's the only time it can be real, it can be authentic and people can understand us for who we really are,” he told TshisaLIVE.

While Ihhashi's wife Linah had a hard time acquainting herself with the cameras, she said she was happy to show her family to the world.

“Being proud of who we are and our culture, we have taught young children to be proud of who they are. I can proudly say we started it as the Ngcobo siblings and now you find young Sotho girls who introduce themselves by their clan names and it's beautiful to watch. So I pray it will continue from generation to generation,” she said. 

Ntombee Mzolo (née Ngcobo) held an emotional tombstone unveiling for her daughter Linile, who died in a car crash at at the age of three, and son Dumanis, who died as a newborn in 2015 after being diagnosed with a rare heart condition called hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

Mzolo said she wanted to show celebrities also face life's challenges. 

“If you want to share your story, it's important for you to be honest. There's someone that looks up to you, someone that's going through the same thing you are going through, she said.

“For me, it was important to go bare and allow people to see who I am. Us being in a public space doesn't mean we are immune to things other people go through daily. So I am about me trying to inspire with my journey.

“It's OK to be different. People have always loved us for who we are, we never try to fit in and I think that's one of the reasons why we've stayed in the entertainment industry for 25 years.”

Vusiwe said while some viewers expected to witness drama on their show, they remained authentic.

“It was interesting for us, especially because it was the first time, and for us, the most important thing was to be ourselves. Some people were going around saying there is no drama and that's just the people we are. When we have conflict we resolve it instantaneously.”

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