Big Brother Mzansi Seeks New Star After Sweet Guluva's Reign
Big Brother Mzansi has launched its sixth season, opening entries for contestants hoping to become the next reality TV sensation after Sweet Guluva, whose real name is Akhonamathemba Mbele, won the previous season in 2025. The show is known for its intense competitions and often controversial storylines.
Record-Breaking Voting Numbers in Season Five
The fifth season of Big Brother Mzansi achieved unprecedented success, particularly in terms of audience engagement and voting numbers. The final week of season four saw approximately 293 million votes cast, marking a staggering 330% increase compared to the previous season's finale vote count.
"The success of Big Brother Mzansi Season 5 is a testament to the power of reality TV in Mzansi," said Shirley Adonisi, Director of Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net. "More than just entertainment, the show ignites national conversations around identity, relationships, and social dynamics, while celebrating the vibrancy and diversity of Mzansi youth."
Adonisi also highlighted the show's role in fostering self-expression, discovery, and the emergence of new talent.
The Prize and Past Winners
Sweet Guluva, the reigning champion, walked away with a grand prize of R2 million. Past winners, including Mjuneiro (Inkabi yase Atlanta McJunior) from season four and Dimpho Mvundla (Mpho Wa Badimo) from season three, also received the same R2 million cash prize. The channel has yet to confirm the prize money for season six.
Controversies and Disqualifications
Big Brother Mzansi has faced its share of controversies. In 2024, Eulanda ‘Yolanda’ Monyai was removed from the show after making comments related to sexual violence towards fellow housemate, Sabelo “Papa Ghost” Ncube. The channel swiftly acted in response to the threats.
"We do not condone any acts that threaten the safety of the housemates on the show and we take gender-based violence seriously," read the statement from MultiChoice confirming Yolanda's exit.
This decision followed a similar incident in the same season, where Lindokuhle ‘Bravo B’ Nsele was also disqualified after plotting with Tshepo ‘Makhekhe’ Tau to take advantage of inebriated female contestants, specifically Zinhle Mofokeng (Zee) and Liyema Phantsi (Liema). These controversies led to viewer demands for action and potential reports to the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA).
