Meet the women competing for Ruan’s heart in Op my eish!
The new season of Op my eish! brings not only fresh romance and unexpected moments but also introduces a dynamic group of women who each bring their own unique stories and personalities to their quest for love.
From adventurers and entrepreneurs to professional women with big dreams – each of the 16 contestants has a reason why she believes she could be Ruan’s perfect match.
Meet the top 16:
Jenine Combrinck (32), Sales Account Manager, Cape Town
Why did you sign up?
Ruan made me laugh in his video, and there was something about him that stood out to me, so I decided I wanted to take a chance to get to know him better.
What are you looking for in a man?
A Christian and someone who is goal-driven and excited to take on adventures together. Someone I can pack the car with and just leave spontaneously, and someone who will accept my children as his own.
Caitlin McLaren (30), Tourism, Pretoria
Why did you sign up?
I have been single for four years and decided to try something new.
What are you looking for in a man?
I’m looking for a man with a loyal heart, a sharp mind and a warm sense of humour – someone tall, kind and sincere with whom I can build something real.
Bejanke Nel (32), Entrepreneur, Nelspruit
Why did you sign up?
There was something about Ruan that attracted me to him as a person, and then I decided to take a chance on love. If you don’t take a chance, you’ll never know.
What are you looking for in a man?
I’m looking for an honest and reliable man with solid Christian values. Someone who can have fun, laugh and cry with me through good and bad times. Someone who takes good care of himself, shows respect and will accept my whole package for who we are.
Carmen Hamman (37), Entrepreneur, Pretoria
Why did you sign up?
I enjoy adventure and wanted to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. On top of that, Ruan is my type, and I found him very attractive.
What are you looking for in a man?
Confidence, success, stability and security – with a dash of fun, because life shouldn’t be taken too seriously.
Sonja Mostert (37), Home Care Advisor, Klerksdorp
Why did you sign up?
I signed up in search of true love, ready to genuinely meet someone and to restore my ability to trust after disappointment and hurt.
What are you looking for in a man?
What I look for in a man is respect, reliability and stability. Not only strong on the outside, but soft enough to show love.
Lorraine Minnie (39), Office Manager, Hartbeespoort Dam
Why did you sign up?
You take a chance on love. It’s a fun adventure, and at the same time there is the possibility of love.
What are you looking for in a man?
Someone who brings goodness into my life. Someone who can turn tears into smiles, and tension into adventures.
Charlene Wolmarans (41), Actress and Agency Owner, Cape Town
Why did you sign up?
I signed up for Ruan because I saw qualities in him that I like, and I believe we can complement each other. Under normal circumstances I wouldn’t approach a man myself, but Op my eish! gave me the opportunity to place myself in a position where someone of my choice can pursue me. I feel my life is full, and I have already achieved quite a lot with Jesus – built much, experienced much and lived out some dreams, as well as travelled alone extensively. It would be wonderful to share all of that with someone special. I believe in true love. I just haven’t found my true love yet. I also love a good challenge and feel one should regularly challenge oneself. Extraordinary experiences are surely the best way to step out of your comfort zone and grow, to become the best version of yourself.
What are you looking for in a man?
For years, I had a long list of what I look for in a man, but recently I realised I just want someone who is weaker where I am strong and strong where I am weaker. That way we can complement each other and bring out the best in one another but also need one another. I believe the man is the head of the household and should lead and that I should respect him. I don’t want to play the man’s role. I like a man who allows me to be the woman: feminine, myself, full of love, soft, someone laughing and spontaneous, openly testifying, speaking and living for Jesus. I also appreciate someone who enjoys sport and exercising, because I enjoy it a lot myself, and it’s something we can do together. I also love a man who can make me laugh and is very loving towards me.
Chantelle Wilson (35), Guesthouse Manager, Pretoria
Why did you sign up?
I signed up because I’m searching for true love – I would love to have a husband and one day a child.
What are you looking for in a man?
I’m looking for a respectful man with confidence and strong values, someone who can take the lead and carry responsibility.
Christine van Wyk (28), Graphic Designer and Social Media Manager, Pretoria
Why did you sign up?
I originally signed up as a dare and then decided, let’s see what happens.
What are you looking for in a man?
I’m looking for someone who is genuinely themselves, honest and a good friend – someone who can laugh and cry with me, who will stand by me through everything and support me.
Cindy-Lee Burrell (35), Entrepreneur, Kempton Park
Why did you sign up?
When I saw who the new bachelor was, I decided to find out who Ruan is. What I saw of Ruan made me decide to sign up to see if there is potential for possible love going forward with him, because his personality is very similar to mine. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?
What are you looking for in a man?
It’s easy to find a man, but it’s not easy to find someone with whom you can build a relationship with full trust, loyalty, respect and communication. I’m looking for someone who can offer that, and I can do the same in return. I’m looking for someone who can offer me kindness, empathy and emotional support. Other important qualities are honesty, patience and a willingness to compromise to tackle life’s challenges together.
Melissa Jonker (30), Social Media Content Creator, Johannesburg
Why did you sign up?
I wanted to take a shot at finding love.
What are you looking for in a man?
A man who loves God, a man who dreams big and is a good leader.
Minette Prinsloo (33), Entrepreneur, Limpopo
Why did you sign up?
My life is already fulfilled in many aspects, and I’ve been ready for a “forever relationship” for a long time. I strive every day to be the best woman I can be. I’m really looking forward to sharing a meaningful life with my husband! All my close people are also praying with me for a match. Genuine love is always worth it – and nothing ventured, nothing gained. From what I could see, Ruan is someone very special. His life journey and who he has become, as well as his personality (and of course his very handsome looks), make me want to further explore a potential relationship with him.
What are you looking for in a man?
A man who has an active relationship with the Lord. He must be the head of the household and be able to lead his family. I want to be able to submit to him in my feminine role with respect and trust, eyes closed. A man with integrity, humility and a heart for people. My husband must be able to dream and build with me. My match must also have emotional intelligence and capacity. He must be spontaneous, adventurous and humorous, full of love and joy. Naturally, we must be each other’s biggest supporters and best friends.
Hermi Dempsey (41), Nail Salon Owner, Pretoria
Why did you sign up?
Several people close to me encouraged me to sign up. There are so many people in my life who pray for a true love story for me. To take a chance on love, one must be brave – this was my big step.
What are you looking for in a man?
I find strong character traits in a man very attractive. Someone who lives close to God will reflect that beautifully. Someone who will love me fully for who I am and with whom my heart can feel safe. A relationship that feels like home, where there is lots of love, respect and peace.
Ziska Pretorius (28), Nurse, North West
Why did you sign up?
Ruan’s video for Op my eish! really attracted me. I immediately thought: This is a man I’d like to get to know. He’s funny, active and of course attractive! Love in the traditional way hasn’t found me yet. No harm in trying alternative methods.
What are you looking for in a man?
Honesty, integrity, loyalty and a good sense of humour.
Maritha Albertyn (27), Dietitian, Johannesburg
Why did you sign up?
I decided to take a chance on love, even though it was a big step to put myself out there, especially on a TV programme. Ruan looked to me like someone full of life and fun, with a strong and masculine presence, and I wanted to see if we could possibly build a connection. Love is a risk, and I’m not afraid to take it.
What are you looking for in a man?
Important qualities in a man for me are to truly love the Lord, to keep his word, be humble, have ambition, and accept me just as I am. I’m looking for someone who wants to enjoy life with me and who gives me butterflies every time I see him.
Chantal Viljoen (26), Teacher, Western Cape
Why did you sign up?
I decided to sign up because I believe true love begins where values meet – in faith, respect and sincerity. I see many of my own values in Ruan: his perseverance, humility and love for God and for people. I believe the Lord brings people across each other’s paths with a purpose, and I trust His timing.
What are you looking for in a man?
I’m looking for a man with a sincere heart – someone who puts God first, lives out respect and gentleness, and will lead me and my child with love and stability. A man who wants to build something truly meaningful, honest and blessed with me.
With this diverse group of women, the fourth season of Op My Eish! promises to be full of emotion, adventure and unexpected twists. Viewers can look forward to genuine encounters, sparks flying early on, and a season where every episode delivers excitement.
Op My Eish! premieres on 15 January 2026 at 20:00 exclusively on kykNET (DStv channel 144). The series will also be available on DStv Stream and Catch Up.
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