Motswana joins The Real Housewives of Johannesburg on DStv
Spira Tlhankane | Friday November 29, 2019 09:59
The Real Housewives of Johannesburg Season 2 chronicles the lives of seven enviably wealthy Jozi women as they negotiate life as family women, businesswomen and friends.
In a one-on-one interview with Arts & Culture this week, Merriweather said she was head-hunted by the producer of the show.
“I was at the restaurant with my husband and the producer came to me and said I have such an amazing character.
He asked me to go and audition and here I am,” she said. The 40 year-old said she hopes the rest of the world would like her. Merriweather also said she never thought she would be part of this reality show.
“I have such a strong and dominant character and when I walk into a room, it could be anywhere around the world and within minutes I had made friends. Because of that character trait that’s how I managed to get in and I am grateful for it,” she said.
She said people think that reality shows are scripted therefore she is going to show the world who she is and what she does. Looking back to how she was brought up, Merriweather was quick to reveal that she was adopted when she was seven years old by the Merriweather couple. She said she has siblings who were also adopted.
“ I was brought up in this multicultural, diverse, beautiful family unit and it allowed me to prosper. I have lived in England and South Africa, and it has shaped the character that I am currently,” she said.
Merriweather also said as an easy-going well-travelled, well expressed person, she regards herself as a global nomad. “ I am from everywhere but nowhere. I believe in living life to the fullest and you can do that from across the world,” she said.
She said she does project management for international companies and chooses the ones that she is interested in. “I have been in jewellery design and I was one of the first Batswana jewellery designers in the country. I then went into PR, marketing and advertising. Because knowledge is power, the more knowledgeable and more education you have for me the better you become,” she said.
Merriweather added that the fact that she comes from art and design world, she is very supportive to young black entrepreneurs and designers more especially women.
“I would like to give any young designer that opportunity,” she revealed. She also highlighted that her family doesn’t have any problem with her being on the show because they are all independent.
“They believe in doing what makes us happy and they will support you. People should understand that you are your own individual person and don’t be worried about what other people say about you. Just be the best of what you can do,” she emphasised.
Merriweather advised people who want to follow the same footsteps to never be complacent and always strive for greatness.