Big Brother Mzansi is here. Mzansi Magic launched the reality show on 23 January 2022, attracting the attention of show lovers who have been long waiting for its return. The Season 3 housemates have been announced, and there are some interesting facts about their lives.
Despite being out of shape, Kamo Mphela opened the show with an electric performance. Fans fell in love with her outfit and hairstyle. ‘The biggest show must have Kamo Mphela as an opening act. We tick that,’ one Tweep commented as the amapiano star was performing on stage.
Ukhotembalethu Samela known as Sis Tamara waBantwana
Age: 25
Star: Leo
Occupation: Freelance Actor
Qualifications: Degree in Psychology and Degree in Film and Television majoring in Directing
City: Hails from Eastern Cape, Ntabethemba, Midford
He earned her nickname Sis Tamala due to his personality and bubbly character. Sis Tamara holds a Degree in Psychology and is currently in his final year studying for a Degree in Film and Television, majoring in Directing. Inspired by the media personality Somizi, Ukhotombaletu has the will to prosper and takes courage to see his goals fulfilled despite the toxic environment he lives in. He owns a cleaning business to supplement and sustain his flashy lifestyle. He reveals that if he wins the R 2 million Big Brother Mzansi Season 3 grand prize money, he will first take his grandmother to the beach in Durban.
Thato
Age: 28
Star: Gemini
Place of birth: Vaal
Occupation: Content Creator, Actor, Accountant
Thato is a 28-year content creator who hails from the Vaal. During her live introduction as Big Brother Mzansi Season 3-second contestant, she quickly became a diva. She trended on social media as the fan-favourite tipped to win the BBMzansi grand prize money. Thato holds a Degree in Accounting and keeps it a secret trapped in her academics, and she looks to change her profession to focus on content creation and film writing.
“One thing you will never find out about me is that I am an Accountant; I hope I never studied the Degree. I wouldn’t say I like it. I want to focus on being an actor and content creator,” she said.
A music lover who fancies Sho Madjozi, Dj Mphorisa and Kabza De Small, Thato is inspired by Trevor Noah, a South African who makes it overseas. Being a natural dancer, Thato looks forward to Saturday Night parties during her Big Brother Mzansi house stay.
Rethabile Motsami (Dinky Bliss)
Real Name: Rethabile Motsami
Nick Name(s): Dinky Bliss / Dinkynator
Age: 29 years
Star: Capricorn
Born: Durban
Current City: Johannesburg
Occupation: Retailer
Rethabile joins Big Brother Mzansi Season 3 with high hopes of creating a profile for her brand. She is a businesswoman interested in Retail and holds a Degree in Business Management. The bubbly plus size participant revealed that she inherited her nickname from her friend during primary school and has no intention to let it go. Blankly promising fireworks and outstanding performance in the Big Brother Mzansi house, Dinky reveals her Bossy character of making people do things for her. Rethabile describes herself as “loud and proud” and is confident that she can transform people’s moods and lift spirits when in her space.
She takes inspiration from television presenter and businesswoman Anele Mdoda whom she describes as a whole package with beauty and brains.
Luthando Mthembu
Age: 31 years
Current City: Durban
Nick Name: Ludo Bu
Star: Gemini
Occupation: Driver, Actor
Luthando Mthembu was born and raised in Durban from the Zulu ethnicity group and is a vegan. Through his five-year journey on a vegan diet, Luthando had up and downs and looked to turn a few Big Brother Mzansi constants into the green diet. Ever smiling and well-built Zulu man, Luthando poses as a ladies’ man and fan favourite. Joining Big Brother Mzansi season 3, BU has his eyes set on the ultimate prize.
Acacia Thando Madi
Real Name: Acacia Thando Madi
Date of Birth: 7 December 1991
Age: 30 years
Place of birth: Pimville, Soweto
Nickname: Foodie
Star: Sagittarian
Acacia Thando Madi joins the Big Brother Mzansi competition with a winning mentality, ready to shoot her shot; she hopes the stage will give her a platform to venture into modelling and acting.
“I hope my participation will open doors for me in the modelling and filming industry; I am not here to fill the numbers; my goal is set and ready to be fulfilled.”
Acacia is inspired by Canadian poet, illustrator, photographer, and Rupi Kaur. The bubbly contestant wants to meet Biggie and is grateful for the opportunity to be in the house.
Mvelo Ntuli
Age: 28 years
Place of Origin: Pietermaritzburg
Star: Aquarius
Nickname: Umvemve
Mvelo Ntuli holds an Honors Degree in Marketing and experience in media and music marketing. A vibrant daredevil who is eager to try new things is inspired by the Ranaka family, who he believes represent the reality side of celebrities. He is a Big Nuz and Babes Wodumo fan who relates to most of their songs and believes in their real personalities. Mvelo revealed that he has Indian genes from her paternal grandmother, born in an Indian family.
Yolanda
Real Name: Yolanda
Age: 30 Years old
Nickname: Yoli
Place of Birth: Durban, KwaZulu Natal
Star: Gemini
Yolanda has a multi-faceted personality, an accurate representation of a Gemini; she is a qualified performing arts school teacher who teaches from Grade R – 10.
She auditioned for Big Brother Mzansi to represent the plus-size community.
“I want more representation of the curvier body, and this is Africa. We have all different types of bodies, and we are tired of seeing one narrative.”
Gashwan Brandon Mthombeni
Real Name: Gashwan Brandon Mthombeni
Nickname: Gash1
Place of origin: Soshanguve
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Education: Degree in Mechanical Engineering
Having declared himself as the next Big Brother Mzansi Season 3 winner, Gashwan Mthombeni joined the reality competition with a winning mentality. He is a serial entrepreneur with an established clothing line called Femi Demin Company with branches in the UK. Gashwan aspires to use his engineering know-how to manufacture a local Go Kart version and to attract investors through BBMzansi participation.
Themba
Star: Virgo
Occupation: Tattoo Artist, Musician
Themba joins the BB Mzansi reality competition to boost his music career and tattoo business. The heavily tattooed participant revealed that he is a Tattoo Artist who owns Rough Ink Tattoos. He is passionate about soulful African Music, and his career takes Sjava and Emtee.
Mphowabadimo
Real Name: Mphowabadimo
Nick Name: Mpho
Age: 27 years
Star: Leo
Occupation: Certified African Doctor, Sangoma
Place of Origin: Daveyton East Rand
The Bubbly and ever-smiling Mphowabadimo describes herself as powerful, protective and loving. An outgoing personality who is a Certified African Doctor and Sangoma is ready to take Big Brother Mzansi by storm. She expects to get exposure from competing in the BBMzansi competition.
Name: Libo
City: Johannesburg
Occupation: Sales Executive
Age: 32
Star Sign: Gemini
Libo is a sales executive at a car dealership in Johannesburg. He hopes BB Mzansi will enable him to kickstart his career in the entertainment industry as he has always wanted to be a media personality. Television actor Maps Maponyane inspires him, and he wishes to achieve the success he has enjoyed over the years.
Vusi Nova’s music also impacts the 32-year-old. The national anthem of South Africa moves him as he loves his country. He wants to see places around the country.
Name: QV
Age: 23
Occupation: Unemployed
Star: Capricon
City: Mafeking
QV says she is lively but stubborn. She is proud to come from North West province. She stays with her mother and helps her with the house chores. He likes parting, checking out new restaurants, swimming and meditating.
She wants to sign deals with large and small companies, leveraging her fame from Big Brother Mzansi Season 3.
American film mogul Tyler Perry inspires the 23-year-old because of his achievements despite all the odds against it. She says she is not rude but gives back the energy she receives from other people. Three songs that could define her are Jabulani, Phumakim by Cassper Nyovest, and John Wick by Da Mhtuda.
Real Name: Thobeka Venus
Nickname: Thobie
Occupation: Barista
Star Sign: Gemini
City: Richard’s Bay
Age: 25
Venus says she became a portable Barista during the lockdown to make some income. She is also an aspiring musician. The 25-year-old is studying towards and Public Relations Degree. She likes to explore history, conspiracies and documentaries.
The barista hopes to boost her music career from contesting on BB Mzansi. South African DJ Sun-El Musician influences her. She is inspired by how he carries himself and runs his music business. She hopes to launch her record label and make bits like Sun-El Musician.
Real Name: Thulani Madhana
Nickname: Tulz
Occupation: Voice Over Artist; Actor
Age: 28
City: East London
Star: Taurus
Inspiration: Fat Joe
Tulz’s other nickname is Stallie from the name Medalion Stallion. Thulani is stubborn and loving. He doesn’t follow horoscopes, but he believes the star Taurus speaks to his personality.
He makes money from being a voice-over artist and appearing on Television advertisements. The actor wants to use fame for marketing his recently opened business, Talent Factory. He wants to venture into podcasting and hopes to get his first eyes and ears from his fans on Big Brother Mzansi Season 3. The voice-over artist hopes to g home with the R2 million prize money. Tulz is inspired by Fat Joe and MacG from Podcast and Chill. The bald contestant likes Sister Betina and Juice Back by Nasty C about music.
Real name: Adindu Asuzu
Nickname: Zino
Age: 21
City: Johannesburg
Occupation: Student
Adindu Asuzu’s nickname Zino comes from Adzino Gonzalez Perez. Zino is studying digital marketing. He hopes to boost his confidence by being a contestant on the show. Michael Jackson inspires Asuzu. The 21-year-old vibes to Composure by South African rapper AKA. The digital marketing student says he is compassionate.
Real name: Naledi
Age: 24
Nickname: Fine Gyal or Nale
Star: Aquarius
Inspiration: Megan Thee Stallion
Fine Gyal is always bright and claims to have a big heart. She loves listening to music, taking a hike and paint. She wants to walk out of the Big Brother house a millionaire. Megan Thee Stallion and Michelle Obama inspire Nale.
The music that he jams too is Adiwele by Young Stunna.
Real name: Norman Mpumelelo
Nickname: Normie
Age: 24
He says he will be manipulating and reading the room at Season 3. He enjoys being with his friends and the people he loves when he is not working. Norman hopes to use his fame to draw attention to issues faced by the middle class to the poverty line. The 24-year-old is committed to helping his community once he is done with Big Brother Mzansi. Robert Kiyosaki inspires him.
One of the three songs that he resonates with are Sister Betina, and he says he is a good cook.
Real Name: Gugu Refiloe Bonga
Nickname: Terry
Age: 26
City: Diepkloof
Occupation: Content Creator
Inspiration: Bonang Matheba
She got Terry’s name from High School as many of her assignments were about Terry Richardson, the photographer. She is a make-up artist and a content creator. Presenter Bonang Matheba inspired her for her success in showbiz. She intends to grab opportunities afforded by the show and monetise them for her benefit.
Three songs best describe Terry, Through the wire by Kanye West, Adiwele by Young Stunna and Optimistic. Gugu loves food a lot, and she says she looks crazy when she eats.
