MBOMBELA – We spoke to Genevieve Stander about her past and her journey on the show.
1. Tell us a bit more about your history with the Lowveld.
“I was born in KwaZulu-Natal and was raised in the Lowveld from the age of five. In my primary years I travelled with a school bus from Uitkyk farm and went to school at Nelspruit Primary. In high school I went to Hoërskool Nelspruit and was in hostel. I was head cheerleader and in the yearly revue from 1997 to 2000.
After school I completed my hairdressing training and obtained my trade test certificate. I was a hair salon owner in Nelspruit in 2005 and an academy principal in 2008. In 2017 I merged my business into a training company offering a variety of courses. I am now director and chief operations officer of the company.
I recently completed my Occupational Directed Education and Training Practitioner National Certificate and am currently studying HR.
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In my free time I like to spend time with friends and family in the Kruger National Park, Sabie, Graskop and Kaapsehoop. I am currently located in Mbombela with my two beautiful children who keep me busy. Thankfully I have my support system here – I could not make it without them.
2. How long were you married for?
“My ex-husband and I dated for a year, were engaged for a year and then got married. Things didn’t go well after my daughter was born and we drifted apart. He then had an affair with one of my friends and we got divorced. He now lives in Eastern Cape.
“Then one year after my divorce I was in a relationship with someone I thought was my soul mate. I was ready to marry him, but then he cheated on me as well.”
3. How did you get involved with the Single Wives reality series?
“One night I saw the advertisement on Mnet and decided to enter! The biggest attraction for me to apply for Single Wives SA was the coaching aspect of the show.
“Finding love will be a bonus, but I need the healing process first. Being from Mbombela, there are not many opportunities for me to find love as it is such a small city where everyone knows everyone. I needed to take six weeks to concentrate on me. In my busy life there is not much time for dating.”
4. The first screening aired on September 3. Did you watch it and how did you feel seeing yourself on TV?
“It was amazing watching the first airing of the show. It brought back so many memories of everything I experienced and achieved!”
5. What have you learnt so far from the series?
“I have learnt that each one of the single wives has a unique story to tell and journey to follow. The incredible advice from the coaches will attract so many viewers in similar situations.
6. What has been a challenge while filming the series?
“The challenge was being away from my kids for so long, but I knew they were in good hands with my mother. I was flexible with my work and continued working on my laptop after shooting and on occasional off days, so it was quite tough.”
7. Tell us a bit more about your hobbies?
“I enjoy playing guitar and making music. My brother occasionally brings his bongo drums to join me. We have karaoke night on Friday nights where the kids and adults join the fun.”
8. Since you are looking for love – can you tell us a bit more about what you want in a man?
“Honesty, loyalty and chemistry.”
Single Wives SA airs on M-Net channel 101 every Thursday at 19:00. Additional airings are on Saturdays at 09:00 and Sundays at 16:00. If you missed the first episode you can watch it now on Catch Up.
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