Married at First Sight Mzansi Season 3: Expert Thabang Mashigo on and What to Expect

Mzansi Magic has officially announced the return of Married at First Sight Mzansi for a highly anticipated third season.

Since its debut, the reality series has become one of South Africa’s most talked-about television shows, dominating social media conversations and regularly trending on X during its first two seasons.

The local adaptation of the global Married at First Sight format follows singles who agree to marry complete strangers selected for them by a panel of relationship experts. The couples meet for the first time at the altar before embarking on a journey to discover whether love can grow after saying “I do”.

Season 3 premieres exclusively on Mzansi Magic on Sunday, 5 July, with a special 90-minute launch episode at 17:30. Thereafter, new episodes will air every Sunday at 18:00.

Returning experts Thabang Mashigo, Pastor Xolani Hiltana, Dr Mpume Zenda and marriage and family counsellor Bakhe Dlamini will once again guide hopeful singles through the matchmaking process.

Ahead of the new season, Inbound SA spoke to relationship expert Thabang Mashigo about finding love, common relationship mistakes and what viewers can expect this season.

Q&A with Thabang Mashigo

What made you return as an expert?

“I believe in love and in matchmaking as a viable way of finding it. Real connections are rare, but they do exist. This platform gives us an opportunity to test that belief. When I was invited back, my focus was simply to serve in the best way possible.”

How do you respond to viewers who disagree with your matches?

“Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and those opinions deserve respect. However, the matchmaking process is informed by professional expertise, clinical assessment and psychological insight.

“That said, nothing supersedes the state of the human heart. While science can guide us, there are aspects of human connection that remain beyond prediction.”

What makes a strong match on Married at First Sight?

“‘Sight’ is not only about what you see but also what you are willing to discover in another person. A strong match begins with willingness, the willingness to learn, compromise and unlearn behaviours that may stand in the way of love.

“More importantly, it’s about choosing consistency over chemistry, reliability over romance and someone who continually shows up for you rather than simply providing fleeting sparks.”

What are the biggest factors considered when pairing couples?

“We carefully distinguish between romantic needs and perceived wants. Many people desire an attractive partner, but qualities such as kindness, emotional support and consistency are often far more important in building a successful marriage.

“We also place significant emphasis on understanding applicants’ motivations. Why have they applied? Why do they want to get married? Their intentions play a critical role in the matching process.”

Were there any surprising matches this season?

“Absolutely. It’s always inspiring to see couples face challenges and still choose one another. This season delivered a few surprises, even for us.”

What are the most common mistakes people make when searching for love?

“Dependency and the need for external validation are among the biggest challenges. Many people seek relationships to fill emotional voids, combat loneliness or validate their self-worth.

“Healthy relationships are usually built between individuals who already have a relatively stable sense of self.

“Another common mistake is becoming attached to who someone might become rather than accepting who they are today. This often leads to disappointment and attempts to change a partner.

“People also tend to overlook red flags. Attraction can cloud judgement, causing signs of dishonesty, disrespect, emotional unavailability, controlling behaviour or incompatibility to be ignored in the early stages of a relationship.”

What do viewers often misunderstand about the matchmaking process?

“One of the biggest misconceptions is that matches are made solely based on obvious traits or for entertainment value.

“In reality, the process is far more extensive than what viewers see on screen. We consider personality profiles, relationship histories, communication styles, life goals and psychological factors.

“Many people assume experts can predict which couples will succeed. The truth is that compatibility does not automatically guarantee attraction, commitment or emotional maturity. The heart remains unpredictable.

“Relationship psychologists often distinguish between compatibility and relationship skills. Two people may be highly compatible on paper, but if one partner is emotionally unavailable, unwilling to compromise or unprepared for marriage, the relationship can still fail.”

What qualities stood out among this season’s brides and grooms?

“Many participants were confronted with the impact of their own past experiences. Others felt entitled to love, respect and appreciation without recognising the need to earn those things within a relationship.

“We also saw traditional ideas around masculinity and femininity being challenged. The season raises important questions about what marriage looks like in modern South Africa. Married at First Sight offers an honest reflection of those realities.”

Why should viewers tune in?

“People should watch because what they will see is authentic vulnerability. The contestants who resonate most with audiences are often not the most dramatic, but those who demonstrate genuine self-reflection, accountability and personal growth.

“Being matched with a compatible partner is only the beginning. Long-term success depends on emotional intelligence, self-awareness, timing and the ability to build trust once the match has been made.

“Married at First Sight Mzansi offers valuable lessons about relationships and human connection. Stay tuned, it’s going to be an unforgettable ride.”

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