The popular saying goes: “behind every successful man is a supportive woman”. Some of the most well-known male figures in society are not married to women who are in the limelight or in the same industries.It is these woman who provide the support and anchor their husbands in the highest moments of their career when they enjoy success in what they do.

But it is also these woman who take the blows with them and stand by them when their worlds come crumbling and the media that once hailed them as heroes turn their back on them. This three-part series gets to know the women behind three prominent men in three industries in South Africa: entertainment, politics and sports. Part 1 is the story of Mpho Tshabalala (Kwaito star, Mandoza’s wife).