BBMzansi: Housemates, house rules, voting, prize money

Big Brother Mzansi (BBMzansi) is officially back with season 3 and, already, the mansion is riddled with polarising personalities, new house rules and, as always, Biggie’s challenging mind tricks.

BBMzansi season 3: What’s the latest?

The second day at the mansion was a mixture of emotions for the housemates. After a morning of reacquaintance between strangers who, by the end of Day 1, had yet to formerly introduce themselves, things got very ‘real’, in a sobby way.

Venus would have certainly won over a fanbase from her origin story. Not only was she adversely affected by COVID-19, but her online relationship with a man older than her ended in a ‘knock-up’.

Eish Venus💔💔💔💔💔💔

Losing a parent is so painful, I am literally in tears😭😭😭😭 cause I can relate to her pain.#BBMzansi pic.twitter.com/3GSODoWhef

— Alu Ssesanga 🇿🇦⭕🖤💙 (@Aluh88) January 24, 2022

Challenges are expected to pick up steam after the ‘khumbaya’ and, very soon, we will have breaking news and updates on the latest developments ahead of the first elimination week.

BBMzansi season 3: Here are the housemates

Day 1 kicked off on Sunday with a spectacle, marking the epic return of the 24-hour reality TV show. Kamo Mphela shot up the trends list with her intense performance, while the host, actor Lawrence Maleka saw an increase in his female audience.

Perhaps, the most anticipated moment of the reality show came when the contestants were finally unmasked. Here are the housemates competing for the millions up for grabs on BBMzansi season 3:

Adindu Asuzu aka Zino (21), Johannesburg  

A self-confessed mommy’s boy, this season’s youngest housemate describes himself as both bubbly and mellow. He reckons he won’t start drama – but will be the one to end it. He says his Nigerian side won’t let people take advantage of him. 

Gashwan Brandon Mthombeni aka Gash1 (28), Pretoria   

Having overcome a troubled past, Gash1 is a deep thinker with varied interests and talents. He’s deeply spiritual and enjoys giving people advice and motivation. 

Gugu Refiloe Bonga aka Terry (26), Johannesburg

Honest almost to her own detriment, the adult content creator says she has a very big personality and stands for acceptance and non-judgment. She doesn’t like fake people and considers herself to be very open. 

Keamogetswe Motlhale aka QV (23), Mahikeng

The easy-going QV is a sharp-shooter and straight talker; she has no interest in keeping her annoyance to herself when someone gets on her wrong side. She describes herself as a tomboy. 

Libo Njomba aka Libo (32), Johannesburg 

Born in Uitenhage, Libo is an avid lover of life who enjoys the outdoors. He says people are his weakness, and – as a result – he tends to befriend “strange characters” – but also considers himself a loner. 

Luthando Mthembu aka B.U (31), Johannesburg

The aspiring musician says one of the highlights of his life was quitting his high-flying corporate job to follow his artistic dreams. A vegan, he is focused on centering himself. 

Michelle Dimpho Mvundla aka Mphowabadimo (27), Daveyton 

The sangoma describes herself as outgoing and kind, but says she has “zero tolerance for nonsense”. A doting mom, she is a nurturer who loves cheering people up when they’re not feeling their best. 

Mvelo Ntuli aka Mvelo (28), Johannesburg 

Describing himself as loud and lovable, Mvelo is a lover of people who is passionate about education. Bubbly and candid, he hides a more complex side behind his infectious humour.

Naledi Mogadime aka Nale (24), Pretoria

A self-described “fine gyal, not a sad gyal”, the model is as much a firecracker as she is calm and zen. Her strength is being able to understand and analyse people. Naledi says she might not be everyone’s cup of tea in the beginning.

Norman Nhlapo aka Norman (24), Johannesburg 

The daycare worker has an adaptable personality and is a sporty person. Despite a tough upbringing, he says his life has been a “bundle of blessings”. He runs a non-profit organisation and daycare with his mother. 

Rethabile Potsane aka Dinkybliss (29), Johannesburg

Fashion-loving and bubbly, Rethabile describes herself as “loud and proud” and says she can transform people’s moods and lift spirits when she is around. More of a boys’ girl than a girls’ girl, she enjoys socialising. 

Thando Mcopela aka Acacia  (30), Soweto 

Family orientated, Thando describes herself as a free spirit and a risk taker. She’s a foodie who loves community and togetherness. She considers herself relatable and is as comfortable ekasi as she is in upmarket suburbs. 

Thato Mokoena aka Thato (28), Vaal

Not one to limit herself, Thato is an accountant and TikToker who describes herself as a “world within worlds”. Bubbly and energetic, she’s bluntly honest and is comfortable with her transparent nature. 

Themba Karabo Mabaso aka Themba (30), Johannesburg 

The heavily inked tattoo artist describes himself as “simple”, “basic” and “normal”, and says despite his attention-grabbing looks, he doesn’t actively seek the spotlight. 

Thobeka Mtshali aka Venus (25), Richards Bay  

In her own words, when it comes to her “you just never know what you’re gonna get”. She embodies creativity: she writes music, makes beats and plays the piano. She considers herself to be a layered person.  

Tulani Madala aka Tulz (28), Johannesburg 

A velvet voiced straight-shooter, Tulani has a softness beneath his tough exterior. He says he’s single because he was badly behaved in the heyday of his radio DJ career. 

Ukho Samela aka Sis Tamara (25), Johannesburg 

The multifaceted and bubbly Ukho goes by the pronouns he/ him/ she/ her/ they/ them. Known as Sis Tamara, they describe themselves as “a gender non-conforming experience”. They are passionate about trans and queer representation. 

Yolanda Glover aka Yoli (30), Durban

Outgoing and effervescent, Yolanda describes herself as “Berocca without the medicine”. She loves being around people and says they are drawn to her infectious energy. She can sometimes be too honest and upfront and says she’s an open book. 

How does the voting work?

The first day at the mansion may have been a slow start for the 18 contestants but, the game is well underway. Each week, housemates will undergo rigorous, psyche-challenging games and tasks.

The winner of all these tasks/games will be crowned ‘head of the house’ and in addition to perks that come with the victory, they will be immune to elimination.

The remaining contestants will then have to play a wicked psychological game of ‘crabs in a barrel’. For those nominated for eviction, a chance still exists to stay in the house for another week.

This is where fans come in. Over the week, a contestants’ interactions in the mansion sways favour either in their way, or against them.

Usually, vibrant personalities with a toxic mixture of empathy and connivery fair much better with the fans and while popularity does not guarantee a ticket to the finals, it sure does come in handy when housemates plot a coupe.

Voting mechanisms are not yet available. We will update this article with the necessary voting options when they become available.

BBMzansi season 3 prize money: Here’s how much is up for grabs

The next few months will challenge the 18 housemates in psychology, mental resilience and their emotional IQ. In the end, however, it will be worth it for the last-surviving housemate who, among newfound fame, will walk away with R2 million.