Shivangi Sinha
Love may come naturally and flourish on its own, but it also demands effort, patience, and mutual understanding. Netflix’s ‘Love Never Lies: South Africa’ brings this idea to the forefront, encouraging couples to confront and navigate the deeper issues within their relationships. In its first season, Siyabonga “Siya” Nene and Refilwe Pretty joined the show to put their bond to the test and evaluate whether they had the foundation needed to sustain their partnership. Their journey was marked by highs and lows, but what stood out was their willingness to fully engage with the process and give their all to the experiment.
Siya and Pretty Had a Lot of Unresolved Grievances With Each Other
Siyabonga “Siya” Nene and Refilwe Pretty first crossed paths at work, but their connection didn’t immediately spark romantic feelings. They built a friendship first, as Siya was in a relationship at the time. Additionally, he was involved in an ongoing fling, though he initially only told Pretty about his primary partner. The full story came to light when his affair was exposed. After breaking off his long-term relationship, Siya briefly stayed with the other woman before he and Pretty officially started dating. The latter admitted that Siya wasn’t her usual physical type, but his personality and charm eventually won her over.
In the first lie detector round, it was revealed that Siya had an underlying insecurity that Pretty might one day leave him for another man. Pretty acknowledged that this might stem from her own behavior, admitting that she often set firm boundaries with things she didn’t like, which may have made her come across as less affectionate. The next question raised concerns about Pretty’s continued connection with her ex. She clarified that she only met up with her former partner when necessary, primarily to pick up personal belongings. Pretty explained that this arrangement persisted because Siya had kept in touch with his exes, and at times, lied about it.
There were many issues between Siya and Pretty, which only became more apparent when they were separated. During the experiment, when Siya was partnered with Mallay, he confided in her that he felt he could relax around her. Their connection deepened, and they even shared a kiss. When Pretty saw the footage, she was devastated. She had joined the experiment to observe how Siya would behave in her absence, but seeing his interaction with Mallay deeply hurt and angered her. On her side, when Pretty was partnered with Shaun, she made bold moves that Siya interpreted as acts of retaliation, believing she was intentionally trying to provoke him out of spite.
Siya and Pretty Seem to Still be in Touch With One Another
The ongoing tension and back-and-forth between Siya and Pretty stemmed from a deep-rooted mistrust. The unresolved problems of feeling dismissed and not valued created significant barriers between them. Each of them believed they were justified in their own stance, making it difficult to break free from those ingrained feelings. Despite their long history together and efforts to work through their issues, it is clear that maintaining stability and happiness would require considerable effort from both parties. Although Siya and Pretty have not publicly addressed their relationship challenges, they remain connected on social media. It’s reassuring to know that they continue to maintain cordial relations and mutual respect for one another.
Siya and Pretty are Very Committed to Their Respective Careers
Refilwe Pretty works as a waitress, but her true passion lies in singing. She has been actively building her public profile by sharing small clips of her singing talent on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Through these outlets, she has been organically growing her audience, showcasing her talent, and connecting with fans. In addition to her musical pursuits, Pretty has been curating content around lifestyle, beauty, and fashion, giving her followers a well-rounded glimpse into her life. With her determination and vision, Pretty is setting herself up for a bright future.
Siya Nene is a skilled chef who has spent years refining his craft. He works at Hoff’s Place in Vanderbijlpark, South Africa, where he showcases his talent for creating a diverse range of dishes. Whether preparing traditional South African meals or exploring international flavors, Siya is passionate about delivering unique dining experiences. Though a private person, his dedication to his work and constant pursuit of culinary excellence reflect his commitment to his craft. His time at Hoff’s Place allows him to grow professionally while staying grounded in his love for food.
Read More: Nikiwe and Naledi: Is the Love Never Lies SA Couple Still Together?
