Hello everyone and welcome once again to Claude's Corner on iRealHousewives. I’m Jean-Claude and today I have a special treat for you guys - Today I have 1Magic’s very own Real Housewives of Johannesburg star Lerika Kleinhans here with us to catch up and get some old fashion housewives gossip!
Hello Lerika, Welcome how are you?
Lerika Kleinhans: Hello there i am really blessed.
For those who don’t know much about you, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
LK: I am a passionate, strong-willed entrepreneur -- business is my focus. I am primarily a property developer, but I also have interests in beauty, fashion and the travel industry. In the middle of all the madness, I balance being a full time mom of two. Business and family are all I live for. I am not big in the social scene, so that can make me seem a bit boring, but I'd rather be boring than broke. I focus on what I want and I work hard to get it.
If you’ve had a tagline for season 1 what would it be?
LK: "I may act like a queen, but I work and think like a boss."
You were introduced as a friend of Naledi -- how long have you’ve known her?
LK: I have known Naledi for quite sometime. We are quite different but she's someone I can be myself around. I don't easily open up people, so when I find someone I can trust I hold on to them like gold.
Did you know any of the other girls before filming?
LK: No, I didn't know any of the ladies.
Do you think the rest of Africa will expand the franchise and go to Botswana or go up north?
LK: I certainly hope so. Africa is a growing continent filled with strong, beautiful, amazing women. I want to see women shine -- they must bring it on!
From the whole franchise, domestic and international, who are you most like?
LK: Erika Jayne!!! How fabulous is that woman? I see myself in her personality-wise. She’s so driven and strong. She's the most fabulous human-being I have ever seen!
Twitter was set a blaze about your mouth doing the most on your confessionals, I know you’re from the Cape, but explain it to us?
LK: Lol this is so funny to me. I never knew I was this dramatic. It's so funny to watch. But I think it's also a cultural thing. Where I'm from it's normal to speak with my entire face and body lol. When I'm passionate about a topic it shows on my entire face. Nothing wrong with that, I'd say. I'm glad I'm different :)
Photo Credit: 1MagicTV
What is your background?
LK: I was born in Mitchell's Plain, Cape Town. I am from a Cape Coloured background. I come from very humble beginnings, and I know what it's like to work very hard to improve your life and not be a victim of your circumstances.
How long did it take filming the show and were you nervous to put yourself out there?
LK: I was so nervous. I could have never dreamed I would be on TV. It was never the plan for me. I just wanted to own businesses and make money. I still get nervous and shy -- I'm so shy! What am I actually doing on TV? ! I'm still in shock…
I know you know Lady Naz (Naz Delport) who was originally casted the 1st time around for RHOJ. Are you surprised it finally came to fruition after the constant issues on getting it to see the light of day?
LK: Well, I was there when she got casted, and I've always been a big supporter of this show and the mastermind behind it. This show has a producer who never gave up on the dream. She is amazing and hardworking (Sonia Mbele). So I always knew that eventually it would be the biggest success on South African TV. And here it is :)
Photo Credit: 1MagicTV
If you had to chose to be a cast member on Divas of Jozi or RHOJ? Which one would you choose?
LK: I would choose RHOJ - there is no comparison. We have the best producers and cast.
Will there be a reunion and if so what would you be wearing?
LK: Yes. I will be wearing a custom made designer dress. Something over the top! Fabulous! And definitely not a wig. I've seen wigs fly at these reunions...
Did you expect the show to be doing this good?
LK: Yes and Yes! I believe in this project so much. I am so grateful that people are appreciating a good show. The hard work has paid off.
What do you think is the biggest misconception people get from you?
LK: I think for me, what you see is what you get. But people may think I'm up tight, when I'm actually the most chilled person you will ever meet. I believe humility is Godly. I treat everyone the same and I'm cool with everyone. For now…
Have any of the relationships changed since filming wrapped?
LK: No, I think there will always be drama on and off camera. There were a lot of insults that were thrown in confessionals, so there is drama around that. But who cares? That's the nature of the show.
Photo Credit: Instagram
Would you consider joining for season two?
LK: Yes. I never knew an opportunity like this would grow me so much and be so educational. This process has inspired me to do more and become more. Because now millions are watching, I want to inspire people to rise above their circumstances and to win in life.
Are you currently working on any other projects?
LK: Yes, but not in television. I'm currently developing a hotel and some other great business ventures but wait for season 2! It's going to be bigger and better!
Anything you’d like to add to this interview?
LK: Watch this space. The ladies of RHOJ are about to take our country to new heights. I'm just grateful to be part of the journey.
The Real Housewives of Johannesburg airs Friday nights at 19:00 on 1Magic DStv Channel 103
Follow Lerika Kleinhans on social media via Twitter and Instagram!
Follow Jean Claude on social media via Twitter and Instagram!
Photo Credit: Instagram
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