Johannesburg, 12 January - The heat is on! Big Brother Mzansi season 5’s two-hour premiere is set to shine the light on Mzansi’s new faces. Don’t miss a second of the action! Tune in to Big Brother Mzansi season 5, this Sunday at 6pm on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) and Mzansi Wethu (DStv Channel 163), and thereafter get to know the new housemates better by staying glued to channel 198 for 24/7 drama. The fire has started... and it’s only going to get hotter. Who will ultimately win the coveted title? And the R2 million grand prize?

The Big Brother Mzansi launch night will feature red-hot performances by Amapiano sensation Zee Nxumalo of Thula Mabota fame and hitmaker Pabi Cooper.

Mzansi, are you feeling the heat? This season, Umlilo is real - get ready for the drama, the chaos, and the moments that will have you glued to your screen.

Meet your housemates:

1. Abobo (Abongile Salli) – (30) Educator, actor and football enthusiast from Khayelitsha, Cape Town. “I firmly believe that if you truly desire something, you can ultimately achieve it.”
2. Mandy Hagan (Amanda Makhathini) – (25) A Jo’burg supermum who loves dancing, singing and all things beauty. “I need to grow and prove that I’m capable of achieving anything I put my mind to. 
3. Ezra (Abongile Mhambi) – (27) A farmer and gym enthusiast from Butterworth, East London who is always proactive. He loves sports, animals, hunting, cooking, and baking. “Knowing a little about many things can always help.”
4. Sweet Guluva (Akhonamathemba Mbele) – (23) A student, upcoming actor, model, artist, football player, and barber from Cape Town. “I am a bubbly human and very open-minded. I am a person of value and respect.”
5. Ash-ley Ogle (Ash-ley Ogle) – (26) A lover of Christ filled with enthusiasm and a passion for fashion, from Durban. “The sky is too close to earth to be my limit. However, humility will always seize the day.”
6. Beekay (Bokang Chephetsa) – (23) A cable official from Qwaqwa with a passion for marketing, fashion, events management, and problem-solving. “I believe life is about creating unforgettable memories! I thrive in competitive environments and love pushing my limits, whether it's conquering a mountain or mastering a new role.”
7. Bonni Bee (Bongiwe Booi) – (27) A verbal expressionist from Johannesburg who loves cooking and is a people’s person.  “Depending on the situation I’m an introvert but by nature I’m an extrovert.”
8. Kay B (Florence Mphirime) – (22) A final year education student from Bloemfontein and CEO of a training academy for aspiring models and actors who loves cooking and going out. “I am a model coach and a freelance professional model.”
9. Nate (Fortunate Setwaba) – (25) A medical orthotist by profession, Queer black woman, makeup artist, entrepreneur and a digital content creator. She is essentially a baddie with brains from Johannesburg. “I consider myself very funny, I like dark humour and practically bathe in it.”
10. Savage (Hassaan Rigney) – (29) International fitness director on a cruise ship and currently one of the best top 5 fitness directors across 200 cruise ships worldwide, from Johannesburg. “Anything is possible when you humble yourself, have a strong mindset, stay positive, and include fun in everything you do.”
11. Jojo (Karabo Sejojo) – (22) A fun, dramatic, moody, and energetic woman from Bloemfontein who loves reading, editing videos, and trading. “JoJo is a Pastor’s kid, so being around different personalities is no challenge.”
12. Luzuko (Luzuko Mashalaba)– (26) A Johannesburg-based avid sports enthusiast, reader of literature who loves debating and watching movies and series. “I like encountering and engaging with people because I believe there’s a lot we can learn from each other rather than being isolated.” 
13. Mata (Mathapelo Mashila) – (27) popularly known as Rainbow, she is an artist from Vaal who enjoys brainteasers and sporty activities. “Mata is fearless, strong-willed, adventurous, caring, smart and a fun young woman.”
14. Melino (Mmelesi Mothei) – (33) Super extroverted guy from Soweto who loves hiking, discovering new music, and travelling.  “Very adventurous, very passionate I’m shy at times. I’m [an] oxymoron at times. I like being extra.”
15. Gugu (Nokulunga Ndabezitha) – (34) From Johannesburg, loves creating looks for funeral homes (corpses), writing stories, being a corporate pitbull, and restaurant hopping. “I believe that the Big Brother universe is the only platform that can let me be me. I would like to show the world more about Gugu.”
16. Philile (Philile Nzama) – (31) A Zulu maiden from Durban, who has an identical twin sister. She loves reading, participating in sports, and partying. “My bright and beautiful smile can light up any room and one could say it's my signature.”
17. Muzi-TheMbuzi (Muziomhle Mdluli) – (29) A bright and fun personality from Johannesburg who loves photography. “I’m a young talented individual who wants to see himself do well in life.” 
18. Nsuku (Nsuku Mabunda) – (29) From Johannesburg, is currently pursuing a second advanced diploma with a background in modelling and acting, also loves hanging out with friends. “My love for the truth drives me to speak honestly, even when it may be uncomfortable for others.” 
19. Sipha Lee (Sphamandla Mthembu) – (29) Fun and charming, a die-hard Man United fan and grassroots football coach from Johannesburg. “I love learning new things, be it a language or a culture. Oh yes, and I have a great sense of humour, haha.”
20. Mshini (Siphesihle Lekwadu) – (23) Tutor by profession. The “go-to ball of energy” who loves football and the spotlight, from Johannesburg. “I bring my A game to everything I do and thrive on trying new and turning ordinary into extraordinary.”
21. Siphesihle (Siphesihle Mabaso) – (28) A financial advisor from Secunda who enjoys modelling, singing and DJing. She is a go-getter with a silver tongue and truly embraces the phrase “Don’t limit yourself”.
22. Swiss (Siyabonga Mlangeni) – (28) Current cyber security student from Pietermaritzburg who loves coaching primary school basketball, camping, and being an MC. “I know I’m very capable of entertaining and bringing excitement to people, I know I’m destined for more than my current life right now.”
23. Tyrone (Tyrone Willard) – (26) A charismatic and vibrant multilingual sensation from Johannesburg who loves going to art galleries and museums and sleeping some days. “With pride and confidence, I carry myself with an irresistible charm, making everyone feel welcome and included.”
24. Uyanda (Uyanda Hlangabezo) – (23) A pedagogical practitioner from Gqeberha who loves going out. “I am a man with a positive aura, I’m fun, entertaining, and honest. I believe I have all that it takes to win the show.” 

Big Brother Mzansi season 5 is broadcast live 24/7 on DStv channel 198, which you can stream here. Sunday eviction shows are at 18:00 on Mzansi Magic. To join the conversation on social media platforms, use the hashtag #BBMzansi and connect with us on Facebook, X,  Instagram and TikTok!

Big Brother Mzansi season 5 is proudly sponsored by headline partner LottoStar and tactical partner Robertsons Spices.