Johannesburg – The Big Brother Mzansi Season 5 finale is set to air this Sunday, 23 March, where one of the five remaining housemates will walk away with a grand prize of R2 million. This season, dubbed "Umlilo," began on 21 January 2025, with 20 contestants initially vying for the coveted prize.
The finalists still in the running are Akhonamathemba "Sweet Guluva" Mbele (23), Uyanda Hlangabezo (24), Nsuku Mabunda (29), Fortunate "Nate" Setwaba (26), and Karabo "Jojo" Sejojo (22).
Among the finalists, Sweet Guluva has emerged as a clear fan favourite, garnering significant support from prominent figures. Ukhozi FM legend Dudu "Lady D" Khoza, DJ Zinhle, and former Ukhozi FM presenter Ngizwe Mchunu have all publicly backed him. His name has dominated social media, with legions of fans urging the public to vote for him.
However, this surge in popularity has also ignited controversy, with some media personalities and content creators expressing concerns that the overwhelming enthusiasm of Sweet Guluva's supporters could ultimately harm his chances of winning.
DJ Zinhle jokingly addressed the constant vote requests from her supporters, known as her "besties." In a video, she laughed off the remarks, saying, "You guys! Every video, every comment, you guys are just like, Sweet Guluva, Sweet Guluva. Vote for Sweet Guluva."
Somizi Mhlongo, however, did not take the constant requests as lightly. The media personality and businessman voiced his frustration on social media, stating, "Sweet Guluva's people, some of us don't watch Big Brother. We don't watch it, but we know Sweet Guluva because you are annoying us with your comments."
He continued, "You are ruining his or her chances because you are annoying us. Honestly, you are annoying us. You're messing up this Sweet Guluva's chances. We cannot deal with being forced to vote for this Sweet Guluva of yours. He'll end up not winning because of you. We are up to our necks; we are good. We don't watch Big Brother, so stop it, in my comments, at least."
Content creator Matthew Lani also weighed in on TikTok, saying, "There you go, I voted for your Sweet Guluva. I don’t even know what I’m voting for because I don’t have DStv. Can Sunday come already so this person can get his R2 million and finish it? We’ll probably see him in I Blew It next."
Actress Kwanele Mthethwa echoed the sentiment, expressing her annoyance at the constant requests in the comment sections of her posts. "Who is Sweet Guluva, and why do I have to vote for him?" she asked frustratedly. "Please leave me alone; I'll vote for him. I'll vote for him because I'm being forced."
While Sweet Guluva's supporters have remained steadfast in their efforts to ensure he takes home the R2 million prize, the other 19 contestants who entered the Big Brother house in January have since been evicted. These include Abongile 'Abobo' Salli, Ashley Ogle; Bokang 'Beekay' Chepetsa; Bongiwe 'Bonni Bee' Booi; Abongile 'Ezra' Mhambi; Nokulunga 'Gugu' Ndabezitha, Florence 'Kay B' Mphirime, Luzuko Mashalaba, Amanda 'Mandy Hagan' Makhathini; Mathapelo 'Mata' Mashila; Mmelesi 'Melino' Mothei; Siphesihle 'Mshini' Lekwadu; Muziomhle 'Muzi The Mbuzi' Mdluli; Philile Nzama; Hassaan 'Savage' Rigney; Sphamandla 'Sipha Lee' Mthembu; Siphesihle Mabaso; Siyabonga 'Swiss' Mlangeni and Tyrone Willard.
The season was not without its controversies. Shortly after the show began, Kay B was disqualified following a claim made by fellow housemate Beekay. According to a statement from the show, Beekay alleged he was "physically violated" by Kay B. In a separate incident, Ashley Ogle was reprimanded for making insensitive comments towards Kay B, who is a rape survivor, after she shared her experiences with other housemates.
As the finale draws near, the central question remains: Will Sweet Guluva's overwhelming support ultimately secure him victory, or will the backlash from those annoyed by his fans hinder his chances? The answer will be revealed this Sunday.
The live finale will air on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) from 18:00 on Sunday.
