Op My Eish!: Two farewells, a first kiss and feelings growing stronger

Episode ten of Op My Eish! kicked off with a lot of excitement as Minette returned from her overnight date. The other ladies were eager to hear everything. She filled them in on the special moments they had shared, but before the day could properly get underway, Ruan realised he had to make two difficult decisions.

As the ladies were getting ready for the day, Ruan called Hermi aside and told her that he would be sending her home. Shortly afterwards, he asked Jenine for a private conversation and also informed her that she would have to leave. Knowing that two farewells would immediately change the group dynamic, Ruan later broke the news to the remaining four ladies before they headed off to the next activity. Saartjie was still away for work.

The day’s challenge was a playful version of 30 Seconds, with all the questions centred around Ruan. If a lady answered correctly, she could move one step forward. A wrong answer meant taking a step back. Each participant had just 30 seconds to progress as far as possible, and although everyone gave it their best, none of the women managed to reach the finish line.

After that, it was Ruan’s turn to answer questions about the ladies. Each woman had 30 seconds to put him on the spot, but he only reached the finish line with Charlene. The activity wrapped up on a light note with drinks and laughter.

Later, Ruan decided to finally spend one-on-one time with Bejanke – their first proper solo date beyond quick chats during group activities.

“I must say, Bejanke has been very calm up to now, and she hasn’t really had a chance yet. She hasn’t put any pressure on me, and I’ve really been looking forward to spending time with her. I knew she would be here for a while, so now it’s time for us to sit down and connect,” he said.

Their date at the boma was romantic and intimate, with a small fire, snacks and a sunset creating the perfect atmosphere. The conversation quickly took a more serious turn as Ruan openly expressed his admiration.

“You’re the perfect person who could fit into my life. You have a level of maturity where you know what you want, but you also know what you won’t allow. I’m glad you stayed patient.”

The two also spoke about Bejanke’s children, and she made it clear that she and her kids come as a package. Ruan reassured her that he understood, as he is also a father.

Bejanke later said:

“I like looking into his eyes. He makes me smile, and he makes me feel happy. It was lovely just to have a glass of wine with him and simply chat.”

The evening ended on a very romantic note when Bejanke received her first kiss. After the date, Ruan admitted:

“Bejanke has thrown a spanner in the works. I realised I’ve landed in serious trouble in terms of… there are strong feelings.”

The next day, Saartjie returned, and the ladies quickly brought her up to speed. JP then arrived to announce the next activity: Twister.

Ruan played with each lady, and whoever lost had to down a drink. The game was lively and full of laughter, and afterwards the group jumped into the pool together to relax and enjoy the moment.

Then Ruan asked Saartjie on a solo date, where they had a conversation that would stand out as one of the most meaningful moments of her journey. They spoke about family time, possible uncertainties, their age difference and the qualities Ruan looks for in a life partner.

Afterwards, Saartjie said:

“This was a very successful and deep date for me. I could fall in love with Ruan. It will take me some time, and, as I’ve said before, it takes me a while to open up, but he is a gentleman, and I can see how he would carry his wife on his hands.”

Hermi and Jenine reflect on their journeys

For Hermi, the farewell was unexpected but not devastating.

“Some things hit you unexpectedly and leave you silent for a moment but not broken.”

With time and perspective, she believes everything unfolded exactly as it was meant to.

“In reality, I would never stand second or third in line for a man. I believe God has planned a beautiful path for each of us and would never take from me to give to someone else. I am, and will always be, divinely guided and protected.”

According to her, the outcome wasn’t influenced by any unspoken tensions.

“Sometimes the person is simply not your match, and that is perfectly okay.” Still, she describes her time on the show as valuable. “I’m a real people-person, and the friendships I made, will be cherished forever.” She adds that it took courage to open her heart to love and that she is proud of herself for taking the chance.

Jenine’s experience was different. She admits she felt relieved when her journey came to an end because it had become difficult being away from her children for so long.

She feels there was not enough time to build a real connection with Ruan but remembers him as supportive and kind. Looking back now, she wishes she had been more comfortable in front of the cameras and more fully herself.

“Everyone was genuinely amazing. The things we did were incredible. These are memories I will always cherish,” she said.

The experience also helped her realise how important it is to take time for herself. She said the show even brought her closer to her Afrikaans roots.

“Now we listen to Afrikaans music at home, and my daughter is starting to speak the language more too. Afrikaans people are lovely people!”

As for love, she says she is currently focused on her work and her daughters: “God’s timing, not mine.”

With two farewells, a romantic turning point for Bejanke and a deepening connection forming between Ruan and Saartjie, episode ten showed the end of this journey is still completely unpredictable – and that every moment now carries greater weight.

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.

Connect with kykNET on social media:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram