Letters, a first kiss and a wild card that changes everything – again – in Op My Eish!
Episode four of Op My Eish! delivered a dramatic mix of romance, surprises and difficult goodbyes as Ruan’s journey to love took a new turn. Between mysterious letters, growing connections and the season’s first kiss, one lady ultimately had to pack her bags – just as a brand-new wild card made her entrance.
The episode began with Ruan and JP reflecting on the two ladies who had already been sent home, before JP announced that the day’s challenge would be a touch rugby match. The winning team would earn a safari game drive with Ruan. Just before the activity began, JP handed Ruan yet another anonymous letter – a clue that would play a major role later on.
Ruan coached one team while JP served as both the other team’s coach and the referee, something Ruan jokingly questioned: “It’s a win-lose. You can’t play against the ref when he’s also coaching the other team.” Maritha, Minette, Hermi, Caitlin and Cindy-Lee were on JP’s team, while Bejanke, Jenine, Chantal, Chantelle and Charlene were on Ruan’s team.
JP’s team ultimately won, but Caitlin was unable to attend the safari game drive and asked Charlene to go in her place.
On the safari drive, the ladies quickly tried to choose their seats strategically, but Ruan first asked Charlene to spend some one-on-one time with him. Their conversation was deep, and it was clear that a genuine bond had formed between them. Ruan also made time for Minette and later for Hermi. He and Hermi spoke candidly about how important their children are to them – especially when it comes to relationships.
Amid the serious conversations, there were lighter moments when Cindy-Lee, Minette and Charlene started a playful buck-dropping spitting contest, with Maritha as the referee.
At the end of the safari drive, Ruan chose Cindy-Lee to join him for dinner in the bushveld. Ruan explained:
“Cindy and I understand each other in a different way. She’s just someone you automatically feel comfortable with.”
The evening ended with a major milestone when Cindy received the first kiss of the season – a moment that showed just how much chemistry there is between the two.
The following day brought a group date. Chantal, Chantelle, Jenine, Bejanke and Caitlin joined Ruan for an e-bike adventure. Jenine was the first to get alone time, and the conversation turned emotional as she opened up about parenting challenges and how she’s raising her children on her own.
After that, Ruan asked Caitlin for some alone time and wanted to know if she truly still wanted to be part of this adventure. She admitted she needed more time to be sure of her feelings, while Ruan’s final one-on-one conversation with Chantal brought the letter mystery to an end.
Chantal confessed that she was the one who had been writing to him and handed over two more letters. But before Ruan could read them, he made the difficult decision to send her home. Because he had already formed stronger connections with some of the other ladies, he felt it wouldn’t be fair to keep her away from her young son any longer.
For Chantal, the Op My Eish! journey was emotional but deeply educational.
“It took me out of my comfort zone and made me think about who I am and what I’m really looking for,” she said.
Although it was painful to say goodbye, she had made peace with the fact that things do not always go according to plan:
“I had to accept that things don’t always work out the way I had hoped, but I know that Jesus has something else planned for my life.”
She also felt that she had grown through the experience:
“I learned more about myself and about what my own value is, and how to handle my emotions.”
Although her journey was shorter than she had hoped, Chantal said she still believes in love:
“My love for my little boy has shown me what love truly is – unconditional.”
She added that she is currently focusing on her child and their future, trusting that the right person will come along at the right time.
While the ladies were away, JP announced yet another surprise: a new wild card, Saartjie Erlank from Pretoria, made her entrance.
“For me, the most important quality in a life partner is Christianity. The little things in life mean a lot to me,” she said.
When Ruan and the other ladies returned and met Saartjie, everyone was concerned about where Chantal was – and Ruan had to break the news of her departure. But with Saartjie now in the picture, it was clear that the group dynamic was about to change dramatically once again.
Op My Eish! airs on Thursdays at 20:00 exclusively on kykNET (DStv Channel 144), and will also be available on DStv Stream and Catch Up.
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