Splitsville for The Bachelorette SA's Qiniso Van Damme and Gareth Ehret who announce 2023 breakup after taking time 'to heal and grow'.

by Thinus Ferreira

It's three for three and splitsville after three years for The Bachelorette SA's Qiniso Van Damme and Gareth "Gaz" Ehret who have broken off their romantic relationship.

The breakup of Qiniso Van Damme and Gareth Ehret follows the breakup of Lee Thompson and Gina Myers after the end of the first season of The Bachelor SA on M-Net, and after the breakup of Marc Buckner and Marisia van Wyk after the conclusion of the second season of The Bachelor SA.

March Buckner is currently in a relationship with the Namibian model Jo-Marie Harteveld.

Qiniso Van Damme on Tuesday revealed that she and Ehret had already broken up months ago sometime last year and over the last few months had time to "heal and grow".

In a social media post she announced that "Our love was real and special and will always remain so. We have chosen to share this love with each other as friends."

"I'm glad to have had the last few months to heal and grow. I am sorry to those who hear church bells, to those who believed with their hearts that this was on life. We both hoped so too."

She writes "I am beyond honoured and privileged to have had South Africa share in our love and cheer us on. They thought that millions cared enough to invest in and tuned in every Thursday on M-Net channel 101 still overwhelms me with gratitude."

140 suits, 10 kg of rose petals, 800 hours of footage and 296 roses - here are some of the startling numbers inside the production of The Bachelorette SA on M-Net.

by Thinus Ferreira

It's almost as much bubbly as Bonang pours when she and friends go on a jet-set holiday: 42 bottles of sparkling wine were used during the course of filming of The Bachelorette SA on M-Net (DStv 101), with crates of candles, flower arrangements, men's suits and kilometres of fairy lights that were hung.

The Bachelorette South Africa with Quiniso Van Damme, produced by Rapid Blue, is currently broadcast on M-Net on Thursdays at  19:30.

While Sixteen Candles is the title of the 1984 romantic movie, The Bachelorette SA lit 265 candles during the production and opened 42 bottles of sparkling wine, and used a whopping 296 roses.

An eye-popping 42 flower arrangements adorn the show across the various episodes while a full 10 kg of rose petals were lavishly strewn.

The lighting team on the show unrolled and draped over 3.6 km of fairy lights while the wardrobe from the eligible bachelors would put shame to Tori Spelling's infamous revolving hanger closet: 140 suits were bought in, fitted, pressed and worn during the course of the season.

Spare a thought for the editors who have to decide what goes in and what is left on the cutting-room floor in post-production: More than 800 hours of footage were filmed for The Bachelorette SA.

And here's another astounding number as South African and African TV productions from MultiChoice and M-Net ranging from Survivor SA and Big Brother Naija to Love Island SA and Op My Eish! have become "production bubble" shows during Covid-19: A whopping 13 824 hours were spent in quarantine during the making of The Bachelorette SA.

Here are some images from behind-the-scenes during the making of Rapid Blue's The Bachelorette SA:

The Bachelorette South Africa is broadcast on M-Net (DStv 101) on Thursdays at 19:30

LottoStar dumps M-Net’s controversial Love Island SA as its main sponsor.

 

by Thinus Ferreira

LottoStar has abruptly dumped M-Net's controversial Love Island South Africa as its main sponsor with the gambling outfit that wants to get away as fast as possible from the brand and reputation damage it has suffered due to its proximity to the badly-produced ITV Studios format reality series.

In a statement on Tuesday afternoon, the LottoStar director Tasoulla Hadjigeorgiou says that "LottoStar has taken the decision to respectfully withdraw its sponsorship of Love Island SA. We wish the show and its contestants every success".

LottoStar is also the sponsor of The Bachelorette South Africa, also produced by the same production company Rapid Blue and also broadcast on M-Net (DStv 101).

 A LottoStar spokesperson didn't want to elaborate and say why it has abruptly cancelled its sponsorship, or when it first became aware of the firestorm that had engulfed Love Island SA.

Love Island SA that is in full crisis mode following widespread criticism, is losing the show's main sponsor after Sunday night's disastrous and jarring premiere on M-Net (DStv 101) of the South Africa adaptation of the buzzy ITV Studios format that was a technical TV flop.

Very serious questions were raised over the lack of diverse casting in the show, while DStv subscribers and TV critics also called out the poor Love Island SA production values – ranging from sound and editing to the music, the voice-over narration, cinematography as well as the uninspiring bungalow vineyard-set dormitory that the show calls a villa.

MultiChoice and M-Net didn't respond to specific questions posed about the show's production on Monday but issued a terse statement saying on Monday evening saying that “We pride ourselves in reflecting diversity and inclusion for all our shows, including Love Island".

On Tuesday M-Net didn't immediately respond to a media enquiry about LottoStar axing its sponsorship but comment will be added here if received.

MultiChoice and M-Net haven't made the much-derided debut episode of Love Island SA available on its DStv Catch Up service but added Monday night’s second episode – also containing mistakes – on Tuesday morning.

By Tuesday afternoon episode 2 of Love Island SA was also abruptly removed without explanation from DStv Catch Up after it was added on Tuesday morning.

MultiChoice was asked about the episode's removal - likely to do with the fact that it contains LottoStar banners and advertising - and for comment on the ongoing mistakes and technical issues that were present in Monday night's episode as well, and why these occured. Comment will be added here if received.

Meanwhile, international reports about Love Island SA ranging from the BBC to CNN and in multiple foreign newspapers on Monday continue to inflict damage on the entirety of South Africa's struggling film and TV industry.

While ongoing questions are swirling about the show's look and its low production values South African TV producers have been calling Love Island SA "a dumpster fire".

Producers say that the show's bad quality is damaging the reputation of the country's whole TV industry and that while they're still battling the impact of Covid-19, that Love Island SA is inflicting collective damage on the industry and that Rapid Blue needs to do better since it's hurting the country's international credibility to make international series.

ALSO READ: TV REVIEW. M-Net’s botched and poorly produced Love Island South Africa is unacceptably bad.

ALSO READ: MultiChoice hides M-Net and Rapid Blue execs from media after trainwreck Love Island SA debut, opts for attempt at damage control instead of being honest with DStv subscribers and TV industry over jarring mistakes.

ALSO READ: M-Net and Rapid Blue execs don't want to talk to the media about its Love Island SA fiasco but posts a social media card saying: 'We're working tirelessly to fix things'.

ALSO READ: Meet the 10 Islanders of Love Island SA on M-Net: A Hooters girl called Summer, a bodybuilder, personal trainers and a woman who says 'I'm tired of these rats and I wants a real man!'.

ALSO READ: IN IMAGES. 17 photos of the Love Island South Africa interior reveal a pretty-in-pink villa, infinity pool with a vineyard view, a bar, a gym, girls' dressing room, bedrooms, kitchen and fire pit.

ALSO READ: INTERVIEW. Love Island South Africa host Leandie du Randt: 'I'm excited to see if people find real love on this show - these days it's not bizarre really to discover that you meet the love of your life in a situation like this'.

ALSO READ: MultiChoice launches new Early Access functionality for DStv Premium subscribers who will now be able to watch episodes of M-Net's Love Island SA an hour earlier on DStv Catch Up before its linear broadcast. 

Meet the next 4 men introduced in The Bachelorette SA on M-Net bringing the total to 19 guys vying for the attention of Qiniso Van Damme.

by Thinus Ferreira

During the second episode of the first season of The Bachelorette SA on Thursday night on M-Net, the identities of a further 4 men vying for the affection of Qiniso Van Damme were revealed, bringing the total to 19 men.

M-Net (DStv 101) released the identities of the first 5 men last month, with another 10 men who got introduced during The Bachelorette SA's debut episode. Now another 4 were added to the mix.

The localised version of the reality love format of Warner Bros. International Television Production (WBITVP) is produced by Rapid Blue.

The next 4 men who were introduced in Thursday night's episode and who climbed out of a white Hummer limo are:

Cameron Scott (25), Johannesburg

Height: 1.83m

Cameron is described as "a multi-disciplinary filmmaker - primarily an actor with experience in producing, writing and directing".

He runs a production company with his friend and business partner Kagiso Rabada. Later this year they will debut their first story called Beast and launch a podcast platform called Zapcast. 

Cameron describes himself as "a modern man who immediately sucks you in with his cheeky charm and imagination". He says he's a straight shooter who knows exactly what he wants and won't allow anything to stop him.

Cameron is described as "open and communicative" as well as "low-maintenance, talkative and a real guy".

Craig Khumalo (31), Johannesburg

Height: 1.68m

Craig was born in Addington hospital in Durban where he completed his primary school years and then moved to Newcastle where he finished his matric.

His family roots come from KwaHlabisa in Northern KwaZulu-Natal. He graduated from GIBS in Social Entrepreneurship in 2020. The objective is about helping learners with learning disabilities reach optimal development.

 
Craig studied Child and Youth Development at the Durban University of Technology and enjoys swimming, gardening, taking walks and playing basketball, as well as doing things that impact the youth positively through skills development.

Craig owns a social enterprise called Sizo Social Solutions which focuses on empowering young people through hands-on education. he says that he "hates people who disrespect elders most and hypocrites with no backbone".

Gareth Ehret (27), Stellenbosch

Height: 1.88m

Gareth says that he "thrives on adventure and loves making fun out of life".

He says that he has "quiet confidence as well as a wonderful sensitive side" and is "determined, ambitious and enjoys the beauty of a healthy lifestyle".

Gareth works in digital marketing whilst also coaching people on how to live responsibly with body and mind and he believes a good balance in life is crucial.
 
After graduating from the University of Cape Town (UCT) and Stellenbosch University, he spent a few years abroad. Now, after his travels he is content with pursuing a life back home, no longer seeking a solo adventure but now seeking a partner to journey through life with.

Gareth says that he is "sexy, confident and very competitive and considers his sense of humour unusual".

He has a strong creative streak and loves writing and is open to the process and excited to see where this journey leads.

Gregory Barkhuizen (28), Houtbay, Cape Town

Height: 1.81m

Greg was born and lived in Johannesburg for most of his primary school years. 

After that, his family moved to Port Elizabeth for a few years and then Cape Town which has been his home for the past 7 years.

He is a barman, part-time hardcore guitarist, freelance scuba diver and also enjoys old school motorbikes. He describes himself as "a gentle soul but is still figuring out where he will be in the next few years".

He aspires to be a self-sustained individual and says that he has "never been in love, except for a teen romance in high school". He says that "up until recently, he has been selfishly focusing on himself and now he is ready to look for love".

ALSO READ: Meet the first 5 men who are taking part in the first season of The Bachelorette SA on M-Net.

ALSO READ: Meet the next 10 men who are taking part in the first season of The Bachelorette SA on M-Net with Qiniso Van Damme.

ALSO READ: From a mysterious 'Prince Harry' to 'the most awkward kiss': Here are 9 big reveals from the first episode of M-Net’s The Bachelorette SA.

ALSO READ: INTERVIEW. Qiniso van Damme of The Bachelorette SA starts her love journey: 'I hope brown girls see another brown girl who is bubbly and loud and has a right to have her love story be seen as something important'. 

From a mysterious 'Prince Harry' to 'the most awkward kiss': Here are 9 big reveals from the first episode of M-Net’s The Bachelorette SA.

by Thinus Ferreira

Who is Qiniso’s so-called “Prince Harry”? Who is the most awkward kiss she’s had in maybe forever? Is a girlfriend or sister or mom showing up to help her as a “mysterious lady”? Are more men waiting to climb out of a long limo?

The first episode of The Bachelorette SA with Qiniso Van Damme on M-Net (DStv 101) was packed with some scintillating twists and surprises. Here are 9 of them:

1. More men?

Let's start at the end of the episode. The tease of episode 2 shows that everyone went back outside after Qiniso met and mingled a bit with the group of men, only to be surprised by a long, white limo making a noise.

The episode strongly suggests that the bunch of XY chromosomes that Qiniso met in episode 1 are not all there will be and that several more men will be jumping out in episode 2 to meet her. But one of the guys said "it's a lady". 

Someone asks if there are more men arriving. So, are there more men waiting for Qiniso and perhaps one of her girlfriends to help her suss out the lively livestock? 

2. Rose ceremony

The episode briefly included some upcoming shots of the first rose ceremony. 

If you freeze-frame, and count, it looks as if there are actually 18 men standing in three rows, waiting and hoping to receive a rose from Qiniso, so it's clear that possible a few more men might just join the party.

3. On the banks of the Vaal River

The men who got introduced to Qiniso on Thursday night still arrived by limo – or on a bicycle – but not in a city and instead at a swanky building on the banks of the Vaal River. Is this someone's house or a resort? 

It's here where the men greeted Qiniso Van Damme and where everyone will be staying for this season, at least initially. Since we see her at a place with waves and the sea – other than Cape Town – it’s also a given that she will be going to other places during the course of the season.

4. Not Build-a-Bear

"This is not Build-A-Bear. This is The Bachelorette SA," quipped Qiniso in Thursday's premiere episode. "And I'm trying to find my endgame." She later said she's looking for a man who can make her laugh and someone who she can trust.

5. Most awkward kiss

Qiniso says that one of the men kissed her – we don't know exactly who yet – and that it is "the most awkward kiss that I've had on this journey. And in life in general." Which dude is the bad kisser?

6. Prince Harry

One of the guys says "Prince Harry is going to sweep in". It clearly demonstates that the men have sized each other up and that they consider one of them to be the "prince" who's got Qiniso's eye. But which one of them is "Prince Harry"?

7. Covid-19's impact

"The global pandemic has affected everyone. TV shows are certainly no exception," said The Bachelorette SA host Jason Greer on Thursday night, without mentioning the actual word "Covid".

"In order for us to realise this season, the cast and crew had to quarantine themselves away from the world. A special Bachelorette bubble was created in which everyone was kept safe from infection." The show’s end credits also list a designated Covid officer.

8. Lessons learnt

"It's difficult because you're competing with people and it's hard to be vulnerable. But I'm confident that I'm ready to let go and let this journey happen," Qiniso explained when Jason Greer asked her what she learnt from her reason on The Bachelor SA.

9. Knysna luxury

The end credits flash the name of the Pezula Resort & Spa. 

That's located on South Africa's legendary Garden Route, so we now know that at some point during the season Qiniso and a man or men will be heading to this lush paradise resort of indigenous forests, mountains, lakes and pristine beaches.

ALSO READ: I've seen the first episode and here are 5 spoiler-free reasons why you definitely want to watch the start of The Bachelorette SA on M-Net tonight.

ALSO READ: INTERVIEW. Qiniso van Damme of The Bachelorette SA starts her love journey: 'I hope brown girls see another brown girl who is bubbly and loud and has a right to have her love story be seen as something important'.

ALSO READ: Meet the next 10 men who are taking part in the first season of The Bachelorette SA on M-Net with Qiniso Van Damme.

INTERVIEW. Qiniso van Damme of The Bachelorette SA starts her love journey: 'I hope brown girls see another brown girl who is bubbly and loud and has a right to have her love story be seen as something important'.

by Thinus Ferreira

As Qiniso Van Damme starts her love journey as South Africa's first bachelorette in The Bachelorette SA on M-Net (DStv 101), she says that she hopes that especially "brown girls out there" will see someone like them on television whose journey seeking love, is deemed important.

After her experience during the second season of The Bachelor SA as one of the women, Qiniso is no longer one of those waiting to be given a rose but handing out the roses, and she says she will be honest and open with empathy for the men vying for her hand. She hopes that they will be too.

As you start this journey, what are you most afraid of?

Qiniso Van Damme: I'm definitely afraid of rejection. I'm afraid, also, of putting myself out there and not finding someone - even on a show like this where M-Net has gone to extreme lengths to try and make sure that I find a person.

Why did you agree to become the bachelorette and want to do this?

Well, I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Even though I'm obviously afraid of rejection, it's important that we as women put ourselves out there. We can't wait for men to come find us. This is the stone ages.

We need to put ourselves out there and go and get what we want and that's what I'm going to do and did with The Bachelor SA as well. I'm doing the best to go out there and to try and find the best person out there that I want.

What are you most excited about?

I'm very excited to share my love journey with South Africa. I'm looking forward to meeting some incredible men who just capture my heart and show me that there's still hope for girls like to find someone incredible.

You've said and alluded to that you're done "dumbing down" your emotions or "dimming down" who you are for the sake of others. What do you mean by that?

So everybody knows that I am a very bubbly person and I go for what I want and I don't apologise for my laughter or the bubbles that are just inherent in my personality. 

I got to a point in my life where I found myself just choosing to silence that shine and dimming down my glow in order to make my partners feel comfortable. In The Bachelor SA house I gained the perspective of just not having to compromise, not having to minimise myself in order to make somebody else feel better. 

I'm want to meet my equal and someone who appreciates me for what I am and who I am rather than who and what they want me to be.

From having been one of the women in the second season of The Bachelor SA you know the anxiety and bravado and keeping-up-appearances and the pretence of some of the women, and I don't think the group of men will be different in their behaviour. 

Knowing how people behave on that side where they put up the "Instagram best" side, how do you think you will figure out who's there for you and who they really are?

I'd just like to ask them all to be authentic and to be themselves.

If, in my intuition, I can feel that they're not being themselves, then I'm going to have to let them go. In starting this journey I'mpausing my life for the second time to try and find love and I have no time for chancers.

I'm putting myself out there and I'm coming from the perspective that I trust all of the men I'm going to meet until they prove otherwise. I'm going into this with the feeling that they're going to meet me where I'm at, they're here for the honest reason that I'm here for. If someone is inauthentic, that is his fish to fry.

I think it's really just so terrible when someone makes you fall in love with a version of themselves that's "created" rather than who they really are. 

I want to choose someone on this journey who I know both their flaws and their perfections and where I can make my own decision as to if I want to accept those flaws, or not. But hiding that kind of stuff is not fair. 

Also in myself, I will come forth with honesty. I want the men to also know that they have power, and they can choose whether or not they want to be with me and whether they want to accept my flaws just as much as the things that are beautiful about me.

What did your family members say when you told them that you might be the bachelorette in The Bachelorette SA, and when you decided to do it?

The only one who was really surprised was my mom because she had no idea what The Bachelorette is.

I was worried about my sister, Phumzile Van Damme in terms of the fact that she works in a very serious job that basically decided policy and decides how the country might be, and now here is her sister starring in a reality television show. I didn't want that to negatively impact her in any way. 

But my sister just said, "you know what, go for it, go for it, go for it. You have your own life and do what you've got to do to live that life to the best that you can".

You've been and are a model and you have been in the public eye and also from The Bachelor SA you would have experienced the fame factor and how to handle fame. 

Now with you in The Bachelorette SA the fame will be even more focused around you specifically. What do you think you've learnt in terms of managing being a public person and being famous and how do you think it might be different this time?

I've been really lucky with my sister being a spokesperson for the Democratic Alliance (DA) political party and just taking her advice on what to do with trolls, what to do about people who are racist or problematic. 

Her approach and advice just really guided me in my own career. Now with this, I know that she's going to support me and just show me how to dim down the "haters". I understand that it's unconventional. 

Also, because the public is involved in my love journey, they are going to have some things to say but at the end of the day it's not about them as much as it is my journey and about reigniting everybody's journey with love - for instance, those who have given up on love.

I hope this gives them hope. I hope that those who have decided that South African men don't have potential anymore and who have given up rediscover that South African men are beautiful. I hope that brown girls out there see another brown girl who is bubbly and loud and see that she has a right to love too and a right to have her love story be seen as something important.

So, at the end of the day, I feel that the positives so greatly outweigh the negative. The Bachelorette SA is about love and at the end of the day, I'm the one who's going to be settling down with someone or not. 

What did you learn from your time in the house that you think will give you insight into the process? Knowing how the women behaved, what will you specifically look at and try and observe about the men? 

With Marc it also happened that the women told him that he's not aware of what's happening when he isn't around. What will you try and see or puzzle out when you are around them that they might not realise?

I think men generally don't know what I'm observing when I'm trying to date them.

Honestly, for me the thing that I'm taking away from my experience in the mansion is empathy and a compassion for those guys. Marc and Lee were not in a mansion at any point before they became The Bachelors. 

They didn't know what it felt to have a date or not have a date, to be chosen for an experience or not chosen, that all of these people are on you constantly, all the time, who you don't know. It's just a lot. 

I want to enter this journey with compassion and let these guys know that I know what they're going through, I know what they are sacrificing to be on this journey with me, and I respect that and that I'm grateful for that.

I will definitely be open with all of these men because whoever is here for the right or wrong reasons, that is their own thing to bear. That will be their own problem. I just need to be there - honest and open.

The Bachelorette SA is on M-Net (DStv 101) on Thursdays at 19:30, starting on 11 February 2021.

Meet the first 5 men who are taking part in the first season of The Bachelorette SA on M-Net.

by Thinus Ferreira

On Thursday M-Net (DStv 101) revealed the first 5 contestants in the group of men taking part in the first season of The Bachelorette South Africa that will start on Thursday 11 February at 19:30.

With the localised version of the format of Warner Bros. International Television Production (WBITVP) produced by Rapid Blue, and with Qiniso Van Damme as the bachelorette looking for love, M-Net hopes to replicate the success of the first two seasons of The Bachelor SA.

Ten Naidu (36), Durban

Height: 1,86m

He spent 9 years travelling to 90 countries to teach, pray and find love! He wants to share the world and visit his 100th country with that special someone. Ten left SA in his early teens and has returned to find love where he grew up.

His philosophy is to embrace every experience and enjoy every moment. Ten is open, true and witty. He had a brief relationship with someone that reminds him of Qiniso and feels perhaps it foreshadowed this opportunity. He considers Qiniso more worldly than most ladies he has met and secretly hopes she makes for a great salsa partner.

Ten is a qualified I.T. Trainer and School Teacher specialising in English, Information Technology, Math and recently began modelling overseas. He is in touch with his emotions and has a charming confidence that is fun to witness.

Ruan Meyer (26), Bloemfontein

Height: 1,80m

The Bloemfontein native relocated to Pretoria four years ago to study Architecture at TUT Pretoria. This move broke up his relationship of three years with his high school sweetheart. He comes from a big family after his parents divorced and one remarried.

Ruan runs his own fledgeling construction company while furthering his studies. He admits to having used his likeness to Game of Thrones John Snow, to win over the ladies, but he doesn't like it when the conversation does not move past his likeness.

He has a strong Afrikaans accent and comes across as a small-town boy making it in a big city.  He has travelled parts of Europe and says he would take Qiniso to Italy on a romantic date. Still working towards his Architectural qualification.

Kganya Rapoo (23), Johannesburg

Height: 1,79m

Kganya can be described as a lovable geek with a smile that lights up a room, true to his name. A trainee chartered (not boring) accountant who is also a lecturer and a master’s student, his maturity will make you forget his young age.

He is an extrovert who enjoys going out and having a good time. He has plenty of energy, loves PDA and considers himself to be very sentimental. He is a peacemaker, a sounding board, energetic and lively!

Bradley Newton (29), Johannesburg

Height: 1,78m

Bradley works in the banking and insurance industry. A trained athlete and avid hip-hop dancer, this is a man with a life plan. He considers himself to be mature and a tad calculated.  His answers are textbook but that is him - well planned and direct.

For Bradley, everything needs to be executed with perfection. Because he is a sportsman and allrounder he has high awareness and confidence. He has a portable studio where he does Hip Hop recording past time. He travels the world and enjoys exclusive clubs and parties.

He loves hip hop and has a recording studio.

Dylan Heneck (28), Cape Town

Height: 1,87m

Dylan lives in a converted BnB with eight of his friends. He completed a  BusSci degree, however ended up in the music industry. He is a chameleon, as he has many sides to him, but is generally laid back.  He loves the spotlight and is a bit of a troublemaker. Dylan spends winters overseas and is a digital nomad!

He has had many grand gestures in love, but never found the one. He has been through a lot of introspection as he has been a solo flyer for a long time. Women want commitment which he runs from! "Commitment is not my strong suit!"

Born in the United States of America, living in South Africa since 2006 when he was 14.

ALSO READ: M-Net has commissioned and is in pre-production of The Bachelorette South Africa as a local dating spinoff from The Bachelor SA.

ALSO READ: M-Net announces Qiniso Van Damme as South Africa's first woman to headline The Bachelorette South Africa.

M-Net announces Qiniso Van Damme as South Africa's first woman to headline The Bachelorette South Africa.

by Thinus Ferreira

M-Net (DStv 101) has announced Qiniso Van Damme from the second season of The Bachelor SA as the first woman to headline The Bachelorette South Africa.

Qiniso Van Damme, the first woman to kiss Marc Buckner, is getting s second chance at possibly finding true love as the first South African bachelorette in the first local season of The Bachelorette spinoff produced by Rapid Blue.

"Qiniso has been a fan favourite right from the start and we know for sure that she will ignite all the passion and excitement that The Bachelorette franchise is renowned for worldwide," says Lani Lombard, M-Net's head of publicity.

"Our Queen Qiniso is quirky, sassy, sexy, smart, bold, bubbly, kind, confident, dynamic, in touch with her emotions and true to herself – the type of woman that a diverse range of successful men would find irresistible. And the timing couldn't be better. She has reached a point in her life where she is looking for someone to settle down with."

Qiniso Van Damme says "I’m still single, so clearly I haven’t found that guy".

"I’m really open to meeting all kinds of handsome hunks with beautiful personalities who think I might be their gal. I want someone who isn’t afraid to be themselves, is a citizen of the world, proud to be South African and willing to grow with me."

"If he can make me laugh, he will definitely score some extra points. And being tall would be a bonus. But c’mon guys, surprise me. Don’t be afraid, as long as you’re caring, kind and honest and think we’re a potential match, I want to meet you and get to know you."

Before she entered The Bachelor SA, Qiniso had made a name for herself as a sought-after model who has featured in several big-brand advertising campaigns. 

What many people don’t know about her is that she is also quite the intellectual. She is currently completing her MA in Social Anthropology at the University of Cape Town. 

Having being born to a Belgian father and a South African mother, Qiniso is a globe-trotter who loves new adventures. 

Some other interesting facts about her: She was named one of Cosmopolitan magazine’s Next African Female Leaders; she is fluent in four languages – English, isiZulu, isiSwati and IsiXhosa – has a good grasp of conversational Spanish and she is learning Afrikaans.

Her guilty pleasure is Cinnabon; and the most important thing in her life is her family.

M-Net says that men who might want to enter The Bachelorette SA should go to the M-Net website to complete the short entry form. To be part of the show, you have to be over 21 and a South African citizen, or have permanent residency. Entries will close on 08 August 2020 at 23:59.

M-Net has commissioned and is in pre-production of The Bachelorette South Africa as a local dating spinoff from The Bachelor SA.

by Thinus Ferreira

M-Net (DStv 101) is following up two seasons of The Bachelor South Africa with a first season of The Bachelorette South Africa and is already in pre-production of the local spin-off that will be broadcast in 2021 for DStv subscribers.

M-Net will reveal the bachelorette who will headline The Bachelorette SA during the upcoming week.

The Bachelorette SA is being produced by Rapid Blue, also responsible for The Bachelor SA, according to the show format of Warner Bros. International Television Production (WBITVP).

"Choosing our first bachelorette was a daunting task," says  Lani Lombard, M-Net's head of publicity, in a statement on Sunday evening.

"Even though it’s not a hard-and-fast rule, it is customary for the spin-off programme to pick a lady from previous Bachelor seasons."

"In this regard, we're spoilt for choice. Both seasons featured many stunning ladies who could easily step into this coveted role and we know how fans fervently rooted for their favourites on social media."

"Behind the scenes, we were also contacted by other potential bachelorettes with strong credentials, but who did not appear on the show."

M-Net says that single guys who want to, can enter to be a part of The Bachelorette SA. Entries will open for the show immediately after her name is revealed later this week.

M-Net says Rapid Blue will start filming The Bachelorette SA as soon as possible in 2020, and plans to have it on the broadcast schedule early in 2021.