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- The new season of Big Brother Mzansi premiered Sunday on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161).
- The 18 housemates range between 21 and 31 – from a sangoma to an adult content creator.
- A 24-hour Big Brother Mzansi channel is running on DStv 198.
- Get to know the 18 housemates here.
After a seven-year absence, 18 housemates out of 9 000 people who entered for the revived reality show walked into the camera-house in Johannesburg on Sunday night during a premiere for the 5th season of Big Brother Mzansi.
The 18 housemates range between 21 and 31 and will compete to be the last one standing over 71 days when the winner is announced on Sunday, 3 April at 18:00.
The two-hour premiere episode on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) will run daily and weekly highlight shows, with a 24-hour Big Brother Mzansi channel running on MultiChoice's DStv channel 198, will feature performances by Kamo MPhela, Chicco, Mello and Sleezy in front of a limited socially-distanced live audience.
"Congratulations to the new housemates on an experience like no other, and one that will undoubtedly change many of their lives," said says Shirley Adonisi, M-Net director of local entertainment channels.
"We're excited to have the show back on air as it's something viewers have been anticipating, and we have no doubt that they will not be disappointed."
The new set of 18 housemates who entered Big Brother Mzansi on Sunday night are:
Adindu Asuzu aka Zino
21, Johannesburg
A self-confessed mommy's boy, this season's youngest housemate describes himself as both bubbly and mellow. He reckons he won't start drama – but will be the one to end it.
Gershwin Brandon Mthombeni aka Gash1
28, Pretoria
Having overcome a troubled past, Gershwin is a deep thinker with varied interests and talents. He's deeply spiritual and enjoys giving people advice and motivation.
Gugu Refiloe Bonga aka Terry
26, Johannesburg
Honest almost to her own detriment, the adult content creator says she has a very big personality and stands for acceptance and non-judgment. She doesn’t like fake people and considers herself to be very open.
Keamogetswe Motlhale aka QV
23, Mahikeng
The easy-going Keamogetswe is a sharp-shooter and straight-talker; she has no interest in keeping her annoyance to herself when someone gets on her wrong side. She describes herself as a tomboy.
Libo Njomba aka Libo
32, Johannesburg
Born in Uitenhage, Libo is an avid lover of life who enjoys the outdoors. He says people are his weakness, and as a result, he tends to befriend "strange characters" – but also considers himself a loner.
Luthando Mthembu aka B.U
31, Johannesburg
The aspiring musician says one of the highlights of his life was quitting his high-flying corporate job to follow his artistic dreams. A vegan, he is focused on centering himself.
Michelle Dimpho Mvundla aka Mphowabadimo
27, Daveyton
The sangoma describes herself as outgoing and kind but says she has "zero tolerance for nonsense". A doting mom, she is a nurturer who loves cheering people up when they're not feeling their best.
Mvelo Ntuli aka Mvelo
28, Johannesburg
Describing himself as loud and lovable, Mvelo is a lover of people who is passionate about education. Bubbly and candid, he hides a more complex side behind his infectious humour.
Naledi Mogadime aka Nale
24, Pretoria
The model is a self-described "fine gyal, not a sad gyal" and is as much a firecracker as she is calm and zen. Her strength is being able to understand and analyse people. Naledi says she might not be everyone's cup of tea in the beginning.
Norman Nhlapo aka Norman
24, Johannesburg
The daycare worker has an adaptable personality and is a sporty person. He says his life has been a "bundle of blessings" despite a tough upbringing. He runs a non-profit organisation and daycare with his mother.
Rethabile Potsane aka Dinkybliss
29, Johannesburg
Fashion-loving and bubbly, Rethabile describes herself as "loud and proud" and says she can transform people's moods and lift spirits when she is around. More of a boys' girl than a girls' girl, she enjoys socialising.
Thando Mati aka Acacia
30, Soweto
Family orientated, Thando describes herself as a free spirit and a risk-taker. She's a foodie who loves community and togetherness. She considers herself relatable and is as comfortable ekasi as she is in upmarket suburbs.
Thato Mokoena aka Thato
28, Vaal
Not one to limit herself, Thato is an accountant and TikToker who describes herself as a "world within worlds". Bubbly and energetic, she's bluntly honest and is comfortable with her transparent nature.
Themba Karabo Mabaso aka Themba
30, Johannesburg
The heavily inked tattoo artist describes himself as "simple", "basic", and "normal" and says despite his attention-grabbing looks, he doesn't actively seek the spotlight.
Thobeka Mtshali aka Venus
25, Richards Bay
In her own words, when it comes to her, "you just never know what you're gonna get". She embodies creativity: she writes music, makes beats and plays the piano. She considers herself to be a layered person.
Tulani Madala aka Tulz
28, Johannesburg
A velvet-voiced straight-shooter, Tulani has a softness beneath his tough exterior. He says he's single because he was badly behaved in the heyday of his radio DJ career.
Ukho Samela aka Sis Tamara
25, Johannesburg
The multifaceted and bubbly Ukho goes by the pronouns he/him/she/her/they/them. Known as Sis Tamara, they describe themselves as "a gender non-conforming experience". They are passionate about trans and queer representation.
Yolanda Glover aka Yoli
30, Durban
Yolanda is outgoing and effervescent and describes herself as "Berocca without the medicine". She loves being around people and says they are drawn to her infectious energy. She can sometimes be too honest, and upfront and says she's an open book.
