Publications
Tears, emotions and vulnerability.
This is what viewers are going to witness as they get deeper insight into Evodia “Madam” Mogase and her daughter Mercy on their new 13-part reality show Madam and Mercy.
Madam became a viewers’ favourite when she starred in The Real Housewives of Johannesburg season 1, with her popular catchphrase: “What a joke my darling!”
However, this time around the show is not only about flicking pricey wigs, going on vacations, and shopping for top designer labels, opulent homes and gorgeous fast cars.
“Viewers are going to see another side of me that they have never seen before. I am letting my people into my own space, from my humble beginnings to where I am today. You are going to see me at my lowest,” the bubbly Madam told City Press this week.
She says viewers are going see the tight mother-daughter bond she has with her two daughters, Mercy and Princess.
“My fans are going to see the respect and love I have for my family and the people I work with.”
Madam, who grew up in a middle class family in Diepkloof, Soweto, was raised by her factory worker mother, Louisa, and salesman father, Reuben.
She says they were inspired by the Kardashians to have their own reality show.
“It has always been my dream to have my own show, even before I was cast in The Real Housewives of Johannesburg. On this show, Mercy and I are very hands-on as executive producers. I am glad that finally we are telling our story.”
Madam believes her story is going to inspire young people to never give up on their dreams.
Although she is a successful businesswoman, she doesn’t have a fancy job.
The former teacher works in a male-dominated industry as a vegetation expert.
When she’s not wearing a wig and make-up, Madam is wearing overalls and gumboots, working hard to clear vegetation from power lines.
“Before I became a successful businesswoman, I tried every business, from selling clothes to owning a catering company. Because of perseverance and determination, I never gave up on chasing my dreams.”
Her life has not been rosy. In 2009 she filed for divorce as her late husband was cheating.
“To women, don’t give up on your dreams. If you failed in life, whether in business or in marriage, never blame yourself.
You are not a failure. Pick yourself up, go back to the drawing board and start all over again. I hope my story will be a beacon of hope to others.”
Madam also set the record straight on why she refused to be cast in the second season of The Real Housewives of Johannesburg.
She was accused of being a diva who demanded to be paid a lot of money. She, however, denied the accusations.
“It was about being treated fairly as a cast member. People must learn to acknowledge other people when they are doing good.”
She was adamant that, with the current approach and terms, she would not return to the show.
“The producers should have the decency to sit down with me and come up with a better offer.”
Mercy, who is known as her mother’s sidekick, says people are going to see her real personality.
“Previously, the Real Housewives narrated a different side of me, but this time around people are going to see the challenges I go through as a young entrepreneur.
“We also get to speak about issues we are going through daily as women. Viewers are going to realise that, in fact, we went through all these journeys while we were shooting,” Mercy says.
Madam and Mercy aired last night on 1Magic (DStv channel 103) at 8.30pm and will air on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) on Wednesday at 8pm
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