‘South Africa Is Not That Bad’: Mel Viljoen Makes Dramatic U-Turn After US Detention Ordeal
Reality TV personality Mel Viljoen has made a surprising U-turn on her views about South Africa after returning home from a controversial stint in the United States that ended in detention by immigration authorities.
The former Real Housewives star and her husband, Peet Viljoen, were arrested in March on alleged shoplifting charges before later being detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
While Mel chose to leave the US voluntarily, Peet remains in the country awaiting an appearance before an immigration judge.
Since returning to South Africa, Mel has resumed her luxurious lifestyle, sharing glimpses of five-star bush getaways, fine dining experiences and champagne-filled celebrations on social media.
‘I’m Happy To Be Home’
Speaking on Jacaranda FM with broadcaster Martin Bester, Mel admitted she is relieved to be back in South Africa after what she described as a traumatic experience in an ICE detention facility.
“It is the most horrific abuse of human rights I have ever seen in my life,” she said, claiming she and her husband were unfairly detained.
The couple previously sparked outrage with controversial videos that criticised South Africa and included comments many viewed as racist. However, Mel now says their perspective has changed dramatically.
“If it was personal or came across harsh, I’m truly sorry. I’m embarrassed that it had to reach this point,” she said.
“Our personal experience was with a very limited group of people; it’s not everybody. If we generalised and made everyone think it is all of you, then I am sorry.”
‘South Africa Is Really Not That Bad’
Reflecting on her return home, Mel said she has gained a new appreciation for South Africa.
“South Africa is really not that bad,” she said.
“It’s stupid to say, but we have Woolworths, they have Whole Foods, it’s not the same. Our food is healthier. We are doing a lot of things right.”
She added: “People think America is the land of the free, it’s not. South Africa is.”
‘Give Us A Second Chance’
Mel also appealed to South Africans to forgive both her and Peet for past controversies.
“I’m begging and pleading with South Africans to give us a second chance and to judge us softly,” she said.
“We are honest and hardworking people. Don’t judge Peet too harshly; his perspective has changed. Let’s forgive each other as we would hope would be done to us.”
‘We Did Not Flee The Country’
In a separate interview on Goeiemôre Good Morning, Mel rejected claims that the couple fled South Africa.
“We didn’t flee the country. We immigrated to America to expand our business. America was great,” she said.
She also alleged that their celebrity status played a role in how they were treated by authorities, including their widely publicised arrest and subsequent detention.
The couple’s dramatic reversal of opinion has sparked debate online, with some South Africans welcoming Mel’s apology while others remain sceptical of her change of heart.
