Reality TV stars Happy Simelane and Melany ‘Mel’ Viljoen may face each other in court soon after Simelane claimed that Viljoen defamed her. The Mommy Club star is seeking a whopping R1 million.
Also see: Mel Viljoen opens up about her appeal for donations towards Peet Viljoen’s legal fees
The Citizen reports that a formal letter of demand, dated 14 July 2026, accused the former The Real Housewives of Pretoria star of an “unlawful and malicious campaign” against Simelane through various social media posts and public commentary. The letter instructs Viljoen to remove the alleged defamatory content, issue a public apology and retraction, stop making statements about Simelane, and provide a written undertaking never to publish similar statements again.
Failing to meet these demands would result in Viljoen forking out R1 million and facing an interdict.
How did Mel Viljoen allegedly defame Happy Simelane?
According to Sunday World, Simelane accused Viljoen of claiming that she had scammed women through the controversial business Longrich, linking her to the ownership of QZ Asset Management, and suggesting she had ties to convicted fraudster and murderer Thabo Bester.
Simelane denied the allegations against her.
Also see: Mel Viljoen clears social media accounts as questions swirl around new nail venture
Regarding Bester, the above-mentioned publication reports that Simelane’s legal team argues that Viljoen allegedly circulated content suggesting that Simelane knowingly associated with Bester despite being aware of his true identity, an impression they say is misleading.
The letter further states that Simelane only became aware of Bester’s real identity at a later stage and later addressed the issue publicly, including through her participation in the Netflix documentary, Beauty and the Bester, on the case.
Also see: ‘The Mommy Club’s Happy Simelane: ‘I’m committed to doing better’
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