BIG BROTHER MZANSI SETS 2025 ON “FIRE” AS SEASON 5 LAUNCHES

by Dzudzie Faith Netshisaulu

Big brother South Africa fans from all walks of life are set to usher the new year on a fiery note as they welcome a new crop of housemates in the oh so popular reality show.

The premier of season 5 of the much-loved show, themed “Umlilo”, is set for Sunday the 12^th of January 2025, and as with the new year and new season, the show also welcomes a new host in Africa Mdutyulwa, also known as Smash Afrika. Smash Afrika replaces Lawrance Maleka, who hosted the last two seasons. Umlilo translates to turning on the heat.

All this was revealed at a media launch hosted by Multichoice on Thursday at Multichoice City in Randburg. While the excitement from guests which included media, influencers and season 4 housemates filled the brightly coloured room dressed in bright orange and red colours, that symbolise fire, social media energy in response to the news, equally matched Multichoice City. Social media sites like X welcomed the news of the brand new season, with the timeline beaming with great anticipation.

DJ Mishack ‘Mich’ Mazibuko and Yolanda Monyai at the Big Brother Mzansi Launch in Johannesburg; **Photo by Dzudzie Faith Netshisaulu**

Former Big Brother Mzansi housemates who graced the occasion are Yolanda Monyai, Tshepo ‘Makhekhe’ Tau, Zintle ‘Zee’ Mofokeng, Sinaye Kotobe and Mishack ‘Mich’ Mazibuko as the DJ. Mcjunior Zondi, 25, from Durban, won last year’s edition, walking away with R2 million in prize money.

Journalist and blogger Nhlanhla Sechele with Big Brother Mzansi host Smash Afrika at the launch of season 5; **Photo by Dzudzie Faith Netshisaulu**

Known for its unending plot twists, Big Brother Mzansi has stolen hearts of many reality tv show lovers both locally and across the African continent. Friday night games, Saturday house parties and of course the charm from housemates has kept many a viewer glued to their tv screens.

The theme, which is line with what people should expect, was curated with the audience in mind, said the producers of the show, looking at, amongst others, cultures and languages.

While they played their cards close to their chests, the show’s producers gave some insight on how the selection process for the new housemates went- young, hot, smart and can bring Umlilo.

Housemates will fight for survival, avoiding being voted off the house for full three months, with the hopes of walking away with the cool R2 million prize money.