SNAPS | Meet the ‘Big Brother Mzansi: Umlilo’ contestants

13 January 2025 - 13:50 By TSHISALIVE
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Host Smash Afrika with housemate Sweet Guluva at the launch of 'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5.
Host Smash Afrika with housemate Sweet Guluva at the launch of 'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5.
Image: Supplied

Mzansi finally met the housemates of Big Brother Mzansi season 5 when they were unveiled on the show's debut on Mzansi Magic on Sunday. 

A total of 24 contestants were chosen and are set to have fans glued to their screens as they compete to win the grand prize. 

Get to know a bit about the housemates below:

Abobo

Abongile Salli is a 30-year-old teacher, actor and football enthusiast from Khayelitsha, Cape Town.

“I firmly believe if you truly desire something, you can ultimately achieve it.”

'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Abongile 'Abobo' Salli.
'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Abongile 'Abobo' Salli.
Image: Supplied.

Mandy Hagan

Amanda Makhathini is a 25-year-old "supermum" who loves dancing and singing.

“I need to grow and prove I’m capable of achieving anything I put my mind to."

'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Amanda 'Mandy' Makhathini.
'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Amanda 'Mandy' Makhathini.
Image: Supplied

Ezra

Abongile Mhambi is a 27-year-old farmer and gym enthusiast from Butterworth, East London.

“Knowing a little about many things can always help.”

'Big Brother' season 5 contestant Abongile 'Ezra' Mhambi.
'Big Brother' season 5 contestant Abongile 'Ezra' Mhambi.
Image: Supplied

Sweet Guluva

Akhonamathemba Mbele is a 23-year-old student, aspiring actor, model, artist, football player and barber from Cape Town.

I am a bubbly human and very open-minded. I am a person of value and respect."

'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Akhonamathemba 'Sweet Guluva ' Mbele.
'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Akhonamathemba 'Sweet Guluva ' Mbele.
Image: Supplied

Ash-ley Ogle

Ash-ley Ogle is a 26-year-old from Durban.

“The sky is too close to earth to be my limit. However, humility will always seize the day.”

'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Ash-ley Ogle.
'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Ash-ley Ogle.
Image: Supplied

Beekay

Bokang Chephetsais is a 23-year-old cable official from Qwaqwa with a passion for marketing, fashion, events management and problem-solving.

“I believe life is about creating unforgettable memories. I thrive in competitive environments and love pushing my limits, whether it's conquering a mountain or mastering a new role.”

'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Bokang 'Beekay' Chephetsais.
'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Bokang 'Beekay' Chephetsais.
Image: Supplied

Bonni Bee 

Bongiwe Booi is a 27-year-old verbal expressionist from Johannesburg.

“Depending on the situation I’m an introvert, but by nature I’m an extrovert.”

'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Bongiwe 'Bonni Bee' Booi.
'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Bongiwe 'Bonni Bee' Booi.
Image: Supplied

Kay B

Florence "Kay B" Mphirime is a 22-year-old who is a final-year education student from Bloemfontein and a CEO of a training academy for aspiring models and actors.

“I am a model coach and a freelance professional model.”

'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Florence 'Kay B' Mphirime.
'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Florence 'Kay B' Mphirime.
Image: Supplied

Nate

Fortunate "Nate" Setwaba is a 25-year-old medical orthotist by profession, makeup artist, entrepreneur and digital content creator from Johannesburg. 

“I consider myself very funny. I like dark humour and practically bathe in it.”

'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Fortunate 'Nate' Setwaba.
'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Fortunate 'Nate' Setwaba.
Image: Supplied

Savage  

Hassaan "Savage" Rigney, 29, from Johannesburg is an international fitness director on a cruise ship and one of the top 5 fitness directors across 200 cruise ships worldwide.

“Anything is possible when you humble yourself, have a strong mindset, stay positive and include fun in everything you do.”

'Big Brother Mzansi' contestant Hassaan 'Savage' Rigney.
'Big Brother Mzansi' contestant Hassaan 'Savage' Rigney.
Image: Supplied

Jojo 

Karabo "Jojo" Sejojo is a 22-year-old haling from Bloemfontein who loves reading, editing videos and trading.

“Jojo is a pastor’s kid so being around different personalities is no challenge.”

'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Karabo 'Jojo' Sejojo.
'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Karabo 'Jojo' Sejojo.
Image: Supplied

Luzuko 

Luzuko Mashalaba is a 26-year-old Johannesburg-based sports enthusiast and avid reader of literature who loves debating and watching movies and series.

“I like encountering and engaging with people because I believe there’s a lot we can learn from each other rather than being isolated.” 

'Big brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Luzuko Mashalaba.
'Big brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Luzuko Mashalaba.
Image: Supplied

Mata  

Mathapelo Mashila, who is popularly known as "Rainbow" and "Mata", is a 27-year-old artist from Vaal.

“Mata is fearless, strong-willed, adventurous, caring, smart and a fun young woman.”

'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Mathapelo 'Mata' Mashila.
'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Mathapelo 'Mata' Mashila.
Image: Supplied

Melino 

Mmelesi "Melino" Mothei, 33, is from Soweto. 

“Very adventurous, very passionate, I’m shy at times. I’m [an] oxymoron at times. I like being extra.”

'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Mmelesi 'Melino' Mothei .
'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Mmelesi 'Melino' Mothei .
Image: Supplied

Gugu  

Nokulunga Ndabezitha, also known as "Gugu" is a 34-year-old from Johannesburg who loves creating looks for funeral homes (corpses), writing stories, being a corporate pit bull, and restaurant hopping.

“I believe the Big Brother universe is the only platform that can let me be me. I would like to show the world more about Gugu.”

'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Nokulunga 'Gugu' Ndabezitha.
'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Nokulunga 'Gugu' Ndabezitha.
Image: Supplied

Philile  

Philile Nzama is 31-year-old from Durban who has an identical twin sister.

“My bright and beautiful smile can light up any room and one could say it's my signature.”

'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Philile Nzama.
'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Philile Nzama.
Image: Supplied

Muzi

Muziomhle "Muzi" Mdluli is 29 years of age and loves photography.

“I’m a young talented individual who wants to see himself do well in life.”  

Muziomhle "Muzi" Mdluli.
Muziomhle "Muzi" Mdluli.
Image: Supplied

Nsuku 

Nsuku Mabunda is a 29-year-old from Johannesburg who is pursuing a second advanced diploma with a background in modelling and acting.

“My love for the truth drives me to speak honestly, even when it may be uncomfortable for others.” 

'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Nsuku Mabunda.
'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Nsuku Mabunda.
Image: Supplied

Sipha Lee 

Sphamandla "Sipha Lee" Mthembu is a 29-year-old football coach from Johannesburg.

“I love learning new things, be it a language or a culture. I have a great sense of humour."

Big Brother Mzansi season 5 contestant Sphamandla "Sipha Lee" Mthembu.
Big Brother Mzansi season 5 contestant Sphamandla "Sipha Lee" Mthembu.
Image: Supplied

Mshini

Siphesihle Lekwadu, also known as "Mshini", is a 23-year-old tutor by profession from Johannesburg.

“I bring my A-game to everything I do and thrive on trying new things and turning ordinary into extraordinary.”

'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Siphesihle Lekwadu.
'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Siphesihle Lekwadu.
Image: Supplied

Siphesihle

Siphesihle Mabaso is a 28-year-old financial advisor from Secunda.

“Don’t limit yourself”.

'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Siphesihle Mabaso.
'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Siphesihle Mabaso.
Image: Supplied

Swiss  

Swiss, real name Siyabonga Mlangeni, is a 28-year-old cybersecurity student from Pietermaritzburg.

“I know I’m very capable of entertaining and bringing excitement to people. I know I’m destined for more than my life right now.”

'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Siyabonga Mlangeni.
'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Siyabonga Mlangeni.
Image: Supplied

Tyrone 

Tyrone Willard is a 26-year-old from Johannesburg.

“With pride and confidence, I carry myself with an irresistible charm, making everyone feel welcome and included.”

'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Tyrone Willard.
'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Tyrone Willard.
Image: Supplied

Uyanda 

Uyanda Hlangabezo, 23, is a pedagogical practitioner from Gqeberha.

“I am a man with a positive aura. I’m fun, entertaining and honest. I believe I have all it takes to win the show.” 

'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Uyanda Hlangabezo.
'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 contestant Uyanda Hlangabezo.
Image: Supplied

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