Sweet Guluva
By Lerato Mpembe
Sweet Guluva, whose real name is Akhonamathemba Mbele, has been crowned the winner of “Big Brother Mzansi” season 5. The 23-year-old walked away with the coveted title and the R2 million grand prize after captivating audiences with his charisma, charm, and resilience. From the moment he stepped into the house, Sweet Guluva won over legions of fans with his unique blend of creativity and determination, outshining his fellow housemates in a season marked by fierce competition and unforgettable moments.
Sweet Guluva’s Road to Victory
Sweet Guluva, a Cape Town native, entered the “Big Brother Mzansi” house with a vibrant personality and a clear goal: to leave his mark. Born Akhonamathemba Mbele, this multi-talented 23-year-old is a student, aspiring actor, model, artist, football player, and barber. His diverse background and infectious energy set him apart from day one, making him a standout contender in a house full of strong personalities.
From the outset, Sweet Guluva showcased his competitive spirit by clinching the first Head of House (HOH) title of the season, a historic win that signalled his potential to dominate. “I wanted to show everyone that I’m here to play and win,” he said in an interview after his HOH victory, as reported by TimesLIVE. This early triumph laid the foundation for his journey, earning him respect among housemates and admiration from viewers.
Throughout the 10-week season, Sweet Guluva’s charisma shone brightly. He navigated the house’s complex alliances and rivalries with a blend of charm and strategic thinking. His creativity came to the fore in various tasks, where he often thought outside the box to secure victories. According to IOL, he accumulated the most monetary prizes from winning challenges, a testament to his consistent performance.
One of his standout moments was his triple win of the “King of Umlilo” title, a prestigious challenge that tested endurance and ingenuity. “Sweet Guluva brought fire to every task,” said host Smash Afrika during the finale, as quoted by News24. This resilience, coupled with his ability to stay authentic, kept him in the game even when tensions ran high.
His close bond with housemate Ashley Ogle also captured viewers’ hearts. The pair’s friendship blossomed into one of the season’s most endearing storylines. Even after Ashley’s eviction in week 7, Sweet Guluva remained loyal, often dedicating his wins to her. “She’s my rock in this house,” he said tearfully after her departure, a moment that resonated with fans and boosted his popularity.
Despite being a target for eviction multiple times, Sweet Guluva’s determination never wavered. His ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain a positive attitude earned him the nickname “The Comeback King” among fans on social media. By the time the finale arrived on 23 March 2025, his legion of supporters had grown, and their votes secured his place as the ultimate winner.
The Top Four: A Fierce Battle for the Crown
While Sweet Guluva’s victory was celebrated, the road to the top was far from easy. The other top four housemates—Jojo, Nate, Nsuku, and Uyanda—each brought their own strengths and strategies, making season 5 a heated contest from start to finish.
Jojo: The Underdog Mastermind
Jojo, whose real name is Karabo Sejojo, emerged as the season’s unexpected powerhouse. Labelled the underdog, she shocked everyone with her strategic gameplay, controlling the house like a chess master. “No one saw her coming,” said fellow housemate Nsuku in a post-eviction interview with The Citizen. Jojo’s ability to stay out of the spotlight while pulling strings behind the scenes kept her safe through multiple eviction rounds.
Her sharp mind and subtle influence made her a fan favourite, with viewers praising her for proving doubters wrong. “Jojo played the smartest game,” tweeted @BBMzansiFan23 during the finale. Her journey to the top five was a testament to her cunning and patience, qualities that nearly clinched her the crown.
Nate: The Silent Instigator
Nate, or Fortunate Setwaba, was the season’s quiet storm. She played her game silently but effectively, stirring the pot from behind the scenes. “Nate knew how to place people where she wanted them,” Sweet Guluva remarked in a confessional, as aired on DStv Channel 198. Her calculated moves often went unnoticed until it was too late, earning her a reputation as a master manipulator.
Some housemates caught on to her tactics early, but others were blindsided by her subtle power plays. Her ability to stay under the radar while influencing key decisions landed her in the top five, a position she held with pride until the final vote.
Nsuku: The Unbreakable Force
Nsuku Mabunda entered the house through a unique twist—she was chosen by her fellow housemates as a latecomer in week 2. Far from being hindered by this, she quickly established herself as a confident and outspoken contender. “I’m here to show I belong,” she declared upon arrival, a statement reported by SowetanLIVE.
Her resilience and boldness made her an unbreakable force. Nsuku never shied away from confrontation, often standing her ground in heated debates. Her authenticity won her a loyal following, with fans dubbing her “The Queen of Confidence” on social media. Her journey to the finale was marked by unwavering strength, making her a worthy rival.
Uyanda: The Relentless Fighter
Uyanda Hlangabezo was the fighter of the group, relentless in his pursuit of the crown. From the beginning, he showed determination and courage, battling through challenges and evictions with sheer willpower. “I’m not here to lose,” he said during a diary room session, a clip that went viral among Big Brother Mzansi fans.
Uyanda’s passion was undeniable, and his desire to win shone through in every task. Though he faced multiple nominations, his grit kept him in the game, earning him a spot in the top five. “Uyanda fought like a warrior,” said Smash Afrika, summing up his tenacious spirit.
A Season of Fire: What Made “Umlilo” Unforgettable
Season 5, aptly themed “Umlilo” (fire), delivered on its promise of heat and excitement. The season kicked off on 19 January 2025, with 23 housemates entering the revamped house in Johannesburg. Over 10 weeks, viewers were treated to a rollercoaster of drama, strategic gameplay, and jaw-dropping twists that kept Big Brother Mzansi trending week after week.
One of the season’s defining moments was the triple eviction in week 9, when Abobo, Siphesihle, and Mshini were sent packing in a single night. “It was chaos,” recalled Nate in a post-finale interview with Daily Sun. The unexpected twist shook the house and intensified the race to the finish line.
The tasks and challenges were another highlight, testing the housemates’ physical, mental, and creative limits. From the gruelling “Fire Pit Endurance” challenge to the artistic “Umlilo Masterpiece” task, each competition brought out the best—and sometimes worst—in the contestants. Sweet Guluva’s dominance in these challenges, particularly his three “King of Umlilo” wins, became a talking point across South Africa.
Romantic subplots added extra spice, with Sweet Guluva and Ashley’s bond leading the charge. Other pairings, like Nsuku and Mshini’s brief flirtation, kept viewers guessing. “This season had everything—love, fights, and pure entertainment,” said media analyst Thandi Mokoena, as quoted by EWN.
Controversies That Shook the House
No Big Brother season is complete without controversy, and “Umlilo” was no exception. The biggest scandal came in week 6 when housemate Florence “Kay B” Maphirime was disqualified for allegedly physically violating Beekay. The incident, detailed by TimesLIVE, involved an altercation that breached the show’s strict code of conduct. Producers acted swiftly, removing Kay B and offering support to Beekay and the other housemates.
The fallout was seismic, sparking a national conversation about consent and safety in reality TV. “Big Brother needs to prioritise housemate well-being,” tweeted women’s rights advocate @LindiweZA, a sentiment echoed by thousands. The controversy cast a shadow over the season but also highlighted the show’s commitment to accountability.
Another contentious moment arose when Ashley Ogle and Bongiwe “Bonni B” Booi faced backlash for comments about Kay B’s trauma. Viewers accused them of victim-blaming, leading to calls for their disqualification. “It was insensitive,” said viewer @MzansiWatcher on X. The incident fueled debates about empathy and responsibility, adding depth to the season’s narrative.
Viewer Reactions and Social Media Frenzy
When Sweet Guluva was announced as the winner on 23 March 2025, the response was electric. “Sweet Guluva deserved to win! He was the most genuine housemate,” tweeted @GuluvaFanClub, capturing the mood of his supporters. Celebrities like DJ Zinhle and Cassper Nyovest also chimed in, with Nyovest posting, “Big up to Sweet Guluva—Cape Town’s finest!”
Social media buzzed throughout the season, with hashtags like #BBMzansi, #Umlilo, and #SweetGuluva dominating X trends. According to SowetanLIVE, the finale drew over 2 million viewers, a record for the show, with millions more engaging online. “This was the people’s season,” said Smash Afrika, reflecting on the unprecedented fan turnout.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of Season 5
Big Brother Mzansi season 5 was a massive production, featuring over 50 cameras and a crew of 200, as reported by IOL. Filmed in a custom-built house in Johannesburg, the show ran 24/7, capturing every moment of the housemates’ lives. Sponsors like Pepsi and Betway added to the season’s R10 million budget, ensuring high production values and generous prize money.
The “Umlilo” theme influenced everything from the fiery red decor to the heat-inspired challenges. “We wanted a season that burned bright,” said executive producer Shirley Adonisi in a News24 interview. The result was a visually striking and emotionally charged experience that resonated with audiences.
Sweet Guluva’s Plans and Legacy
In his victory speech, Sweet Guluva thanked his fans and housemates, his voice cracking with emotion. “This win is for everyone who believed in me,” he said, as broadcast on Mzansi Magic. He plans to use the R2 million to further his education and chase his dreams in acting and music. “I want to inspire others to stay true to themselves,” he added.
His win is more than a personal triumph—it’s a celebration of authenticity and resilience. “Sweet Guluva showed us that kindness and strategy can coexist,” said media analyst John Smith in an EWN op-ed. His legacy is already inspiring aspiring housemates for season 6.
The Cultural Impact of Big Brother Mzansi
Since its debut in 2001, Big Brother Mzansi has grown into a South African TV juggernaut. Season 5’s success—boosted by a 30% ratings increase over season 4, per The Citizen—solidifies its status as a cultural touchstone. The show offers a platform for ordinary South Africans to shine, with past winners like Mpho Wabadimo and McJunior launching thriving careers.
Beyond entertainment, it sparks dialogue on social issues. The Kay B incident and its aftermath underscored the show’s role in reflecting societal challenges, while Sweet Guluva’s win highlighted the power of positivity. “Big Brother Mzansi is more than a game—it’s a mirror for our nation,” said Mokoena.
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