The wait is over! The highly anticipated Season 3 of reality show Big Brother Mzansi started airing on Sunday, 23 January on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) at 18:00. During the live show, host Lawrence Maleka introduced the 18 Housemates to the country and each other.
The Housemates moved into the same mansion for 70 days. They’re under constant surveillance to see who will capture viewers’ attention and win R2 million. Each week, they’ll take part in games, wild parties and challenges where the winner is crowned Head of House, and they receive immunity from elimination. The remaining Housemates nominate each other for possible eviction. Ultimately, viewers vote for their favourite Housemate to stay and the Housemate with the least votes is sent home during the Sunday live shows. At the end of the competition, the last standing Housemate walks away with the cash prize.
When and where to watch
- Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) airs the daily shows on Tuesdays to Fridays at 22:00,
- Highlights on Saturdays at 21:30
- Shower Hour on Tuesdays to Fridays at 10:30
- Saturday Night Parties at 21:00
- Live eviction shows on Sundays at 18:00.
- Meanwhile, the action continues non-stop on the 24-hour channel Big Brother Mzansi Pop-up Channel (DStv Channel 198).
Watch Big Brother Mzansi now Watch Mzansi Magic now Watch the Big Brother Mzansi Pop Up Channel now
Big Brother Mzansi pop-up channel (DStv Channel 198) is available on all DStv Premium, Compact Plus, Compact packages.
There are twists, fun games and unforeseen turns. Get to know the 18 Housemates below. And don’t lie, you’re already playing matchmaker and hoping for that Biggie Romance!
Watch Big Brother Mzansi Season 3, Sundays on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) at 18:00 and daily on Big Brother Mzansi pop-up channel (DStv Channel 198)
Meet the Housemates!
Adindu Asuzu aka Zino (21), Johannesburg
Zino is a digital marketing student. He’s also a self-proclaimed mommy’s boy. He enjoys dancing to Michael Jackson’s tunes. As the youngest Housemate, Zino hopes that his time in the BBM mansion will bring him out of his shell.
Gashwan Brandon Mthombeni aka Gash1 (28), Pretoria
Gash1 is an entrepreneur, and he runs a clothing business. His ultimate dream is to build a go-kart racing track in his community. When it comes to the competition, he’s planning to get votes by remaining authentic. “I’m going to be myself, and I’m going to try and win the audience over by motivating them to follow their dreams too,” says Gash1.
Gugu Refiloe Bonga aka Terry (26), Johannesburg
Terry is an adult content creator and a production make-up artist. She’s confident in her own skin. Don’t let her smile and endearing voice trick you into thinking that she’s a pushover, though. “I wear my heart on my sleeve – expect good vibes and a good time. But I’m not the type to let anyone disrespect me,” explains Terry.
Keamogetswe Motlhale aka QV (23), Mahikeng
QV is a no-nonsense sharpshooter. She recently started a lifestyle and fashion YouTube channel. She’s an outdoorsy person and enjoys taking part in marathons.
Biggie update: QV opted to leave the Big Brother House on Wednesday, 26 January for personal reasons.
Libo Njomba (32), Johannesburg
If hiking, taking long walks on the beach and running in the mountains is on the menu, then sign Libo up. The adventurer and personal trainer is a bit of a loner and, at times, a goofball.
Luthando Mthembu aka B.U (31), Johannesburg
B.U quit his corporate job as a research analyst to chase a music career. “I’m just trying to be myself and be on camera while I’m being myself,” says B.U. He is also a vegan and he entered BBM after his friend suggested it.
Michelle Dimpho Mvundla aka Mphowabadimo (27), Daveyton
Mphowabadimo is a traditional healer, and she says that she has “zero tolerance for nonsense”. She’s also a nurturer, YouTuber and depending on her environment, she can be introverted. “I know that life will never be the same after BBM,” adds Mphowabadimo.
Mvelo Ntuli (28), Johannesburg
Outside of the BBM mansion, Mvelo is a marketing graduate. He is funny and he strives to be real and relatable. Mvelo reveals that he is a crier – so be prepared for those waterworks.
Naledi Mogadime aka Nale (24), Pretoria
Nale is a cool, calm, and collected model. She doesn’t take herself too seriously and within the first moments of arriving in the BBM mansion, Nale changed into her orange swimsuit and headed to the hottub to relax.
Norman Nhlapo (24), Johannesburg
It didn’t take long for Norman to worm his way into viewers’ hearts. The day-care worker is charming, talkative and he also runs a non-profit organisation with his mother. With the fame he amasses at the BBM mansion, he intends to give back to his community.
Rethabile Potsane aka Dinkybliss (29), Johannesburg
The self-confessed “mover and shaker, vibe creator terminator and master of destruction” has a passion for fashion and she owns a clothing store. Dinkybliss is a big dreamer, and she aspires to be a TV host in Amsterdam.
Thando Mcopela aka Acacia (30), Soweto
Acacia is a foodie and a model. She’s the type to hang out with her friends at a music festival on a Saturday and spend her Sunday watching TV with her family. “I love TV, and I’m sad I’ll miss Showmax’s The Wife while I’m in the BBM mansion,” says Acacia. She is also a risk taker and a good listener.
Thato Mokoena (28), Vaal
The bubbly accountant is also a content producer, actress and the life of the party. A fun fact about Thato? She created the It Ain’t Me TikTok dance challenge that went viral in 2021.
Themba Mabaso (30), Johannesburg
With facial tattoos and eccentric style, Themba is hard to miss. The aspiring musician is laidback and describes himself as a simple, shy and chilled guy despite his attention-grabbing appearance.
Thobeka Mtshali aka Venus (25), Richards Bay
The aspiring musician goes by her stage name Venus. She is also a bartender and all-round creative. Venus writes music, poetry and plays the piano. She reveals that she hardly makes her bed in the morning, adding, “I’ll do it once a month.” Uh-oh, that might not fly with the other Housemates.
Tulani Madala aka Tulz (28), Johannesburg
Tulz is a radio DJ, actor and voice-over artist. When he isn’t out partying or cooking a wholesome meal for his family, Tulz runs a non-profit organisation. He prides himself in his ability to capture a crowd’s attention with his velvet voice.
Ukho Samela aka Sis Tamara (25), Johannesburg
The vibrant Sis Tamara didn’t come to play, they came to slay. Dressed in a green gown, with a cape and heels to match, Sis Tamara was the first Housemate to step into the mansion. The Film and Television student identifies as a “gender nonconforming experience”, and they go by the pronouns he/him, she/her and they/them.
Yolanda Glover aka Yoli (30), Durban
Yoli compares her personality to an effervescent tablet, which is sparkly and bubbly. “I’m like Berocca without the medicine,” she adds with a giggle. The psychology student and Performing Arts teacher shines in big crowds, which makes her a good fit for BBM.
Watch Big Brother Mzansi Season 3, every Sunday on Mzansi Magic (161) at 18:00 and on Catch Up, and daily on Big Brother Mzansi pop-up channel (DStv Channel 198).
Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) and the Big Brother Mzansi pop-up channel (DStv Channel 198) are available exclusively on the DStv Premium, Compact Plus, and Compact packages. To upgrade your existing package, click here. Or if you'd like to Get DStv, find a service that suits your needs here.